Once, Twice, Three Times A Cowboy

Can the Dallas Cowboys do what many “experts” say it will be hard thing to do? The Dallas Cowboys in recent memory have had a difficult time beating a team three times in a season. Remember 2007, against the New York Giants.
This year is no different dealing with the Philadelphia Eagles. It may be a hard thing to do, but it is not necessarily impossible. The Cowboys have the talent, and now they have found their heart and desire to go out and win this third game against the Eagles.
In Week 9, the Dallas Cowboys went to Philadelphia and beat a heavy blitzing Eagles defense, 20-16. The winning touchdown by Miles Austin was his only reception in that game. The Cowboys found a way to defeat the blitz in that game.
In the rematch in Week 17, the Eagles came to Cowboys Stadium and the Cowboys shut them out, 24-0. Many people say that the Eagles stopped themselves with some drops by the receivers and Donovan McNabb overthrowing DeSean Jackson who did have the Cowboys secondary beat on the play. But that doesn’t account for their defense not stopping the Cowboys offense.
They did not really show the blitz packages they were known for in this game. The Cowboys saw some in the second half, but nothing that you would expect from an Eagles defense. So, what do the Cowboys expect for the Wild Card game?
I really expect a more aggressive blitzing defense by the Eagles. They will mix it up, but they will want to get Tony Romo rattled and force a lot of mistakes. Their cornerbacks are the better players in the secondary, so I don’t expect them to come on a lot of blitzes that would leave their safeties in coverage. I would expect a lot of linebackers and safeties to be in on the rush.
The Cowboys will need to expect that and be able to provide a good blocking scheme, and maybe expect some passes over the middle to Jason Witten or the running backs in the flats. Kevin Ogletree was effectively used in the flanker screens in the first game. Miles Austin was effectively used in the second game. Will they use someone different for this game? Some quick slants could also be useful.
The Eagles will want to get the ball into their big playmakers hands. To make the big plays they have been trying with the long throws, but if the pressure gets to McNabb before he gets the throw off, that could result in sacks. I would expect them to try and get the ball to more intermediate routes and use yard after catch to produce their big plays.
I don’t really seeing the defense to have to make too many changes. If DeMarcus Ware, Anthony Spencer, Jay Ratliff, and a blitzing linebacker can get to McNabb and contain him and force him to throw the ball before he wants to, that could result in a turnover or incompletion. I am sure the secondary will fired up and ready to take on the Eagles’ receivers. I believe if they weren’t already motivated (which I am sure they are), DeSean Jackson has provided them with some more incentive.
I don’t want to get too much into the spitting incident, but I just want to say that even though you are a big fan of the team you work for, you still have to be objective and professional in dealing with a professional organization, especially to other professional organizations. You over stepped the line of an employee into the realm of the overzealous fan.
I am very anxious for this game, one of my coworkers told me to be patient and that patience is a virtue. I told him, “Screw that, I want it NOW!!” He laughed. This will be a great game, but it will not be an easy fight. I expect a bigger fight this time around.
I don’t have any information if the roof will be open or close, but it is cold up in Dallas, so I expect the roof to be closed for the game on Saturday night.
Go Cowboys!!





Leave a Reply