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Grading the 2009 Dallas Cowboys

 

With their season over, I am doling out grades for the Cowboys’ starters. All in all they got the proverbial monkey off their collective back, and they are primed to go all the way in 2010 culminating in a Super Bowl victory in their home stadium.

 

Tony Romo turned the corner this year and became the leader he needs to be. Set Cowboys’ records for passing attempts, completions, and yards. He also reduced is turnover– A

Marion Barber suffered through a few injuries this season limiting his effectiveness. He did not have the same powerful running style that helped earn him the starting job. – C

Felix Jones showed some flashes of his electrifying abilities running the ball. He made the most of his limited opportunities and expect to see more of him next season. B+

Tashard Choice was not used as much as a lot of fans had hoped for. He provides excellent depth behind Barber and Jones. Hope next season he will get more chances to show his talent. – Incomplete

Roy Williams underwhelmed and under achieved this season almost regressing some. He makes a lot of money but has not produced in 1-½ years as a Dallas Cowboy. He might be the Cowboys #4 or #5 receiver in a lot of fans’ eyes.- D

Miles Austin made a name for himself when given the opportunity to play. He only started 11 regular season games but caught 10+ Touchdowns and amassed over 1,000 yards. He made the Pro Bowl emerging as one of the best Wide receivers in the NFC.- A-

Patrick Crayton lost weight in the offseason and visibly ran faster than in season’s past. He still might have the best hands on the team, and he is a good 3^rd receiver in the passing game..B

Jason Witten had another great season earning another trip to the Pro Bowl but kind of slipped under the radar. He is hands down the best all around tight end in the game. He did not have many touchdowns this year, but he provided Romo with the best type of security blanket a QB can ask for. A-

Martellus Bennett did not have the break out year the coaching staff was expecting him to have. He was almost an after thought in the passing game. He needs to be more consistent catching the ball and running routes but is a very good blocker. C-

John Phillips came out of nowhere as a rookie and 3^rd string tight end. He is similar to  Jason Witten but maybe a couple of notches lower. If Bennett has a break out year next season the Cowboys will have the best TEs in the game. B

Flozell Adams cut down on his penalties this season later on but still makes stupid mistakes and is already 35 years old. It might be time for him to consider retirement as he played rather slower this year. C-

Kyle Kosier played the entire season but was not as effective for some reason. He was the best OL pulling and leading on sweep plays though. He should face some competition from Brewster or another draft pick this year. C+

Andre Gurode had a solid year but is not an ideal signal caller for the offensive line. He had several blown assignments causing Romo to scramble a lot on passing downs. He made the Pro Bowl on reputation alone. C

Leonard Davis also made the Pro Bowl on reputation again too but still had a decent season.  He was dominant in the running game but needs to be more consistent in passing plays. B-

Marc Columbo may have been the best OL this year. He has a nasty streak and is a mauler in the running game. He was injured and missed 5 games. He did not appear ready versus the Vikings and his rustiness showed. B-

Doug Free showed he could play well at the pro level replacing Columbo when he got hurt. It was a pleasant surprise to know the Cowboys have themselves a young OT who can play either tackle position. He might be a starter next year. B+

Defense:

Marcus Spears was strong playing against the run this year. He showed he is a valuable player. It fits Wade Phillips coaching style and hope he returns next year. B-

Igor Olshansky was a great free agent pick up. He played well against the run too opposite Spears. The DE’s in Phillips 3-4 defense are not required to be pass rushers. He will be playing for the Cowboys for a while. B

Jay Ratliff made the Pro Bowl for the 2^nd consecutive year at Nose tackle- a rare feat to accomplish considering he was only a 7^th round draft pick. He is one of the elite defensive tackles in the league especially since he is a bit undersized. A

DeMarcus Ware is simply the best all around defensive player in the NFL. He did not have the stats this year since he was playing with several injuries this season. He is the premier pass rusher but also plays the run and covers running backs and tight ends equally well. A+

Anthony Spencer really emerged playing opposite Ware this year. He came on strong in the middle of the year providing a formidable duo of OLBs. I call him “Ware-Lite” he does everything DeMarcus does but just a little bit less talented and that is saying something. A-

Keith Brooking brought leadership and tackling ability as a free agent pick up. He rallied his teammates and shored up the middle. B+

Bradie James showed he is a good pass rusher and covers TEs and Rbs well in the passing game. B

Mike Jenkins had a coming out party perhaps supplanting Terrence Newman as the team’s best cornerback. He had 5 interceptions and made his first Pro Bowl in his second year. He made great athletic plays breaking up passes and blanketing wide receivers. Has the skills to be a top 5 DB in the years to come. A

Terrence Newman may have lost ½ a step this season but still made his 2^nd consecutive Pro Bowl. He doesn’t have as much pressure on his shoulders with Jenkins emerging as an excellent DB. Newman still plays good run support and should still be a starter next year. B+

Orlando Scandrick had some growing pains during his sophomore season early on but came on strong later on. He has great potential and ability, and I expect him to blossom next season. B

Gerald Sensabaugh was another great pick up by Wade Phillips in the offseason. Sensabaugh proved to be a very good cover safety that the Cowboys have been missing since Darren Woodson roamed the secondary. B+

Ken Hamlin did not make any spectacular plays but called all the adjustments for the secondary. He did not make any glaring mistakes either but needs to play like he did in 2007. Like Roy Williams, Hamlin is making a lot of money but not playing up to his contract. He might have to take a back up role if he wants to be on the team next year. C

 

David Buehler was as good as advertised. He was a potent weapon booming kickoffs into the endzone. Teams will not have 80 yard touchdown drives very often. Hope he becomes a better place kicker next season. B+

Nick Folk was the biggest disappointment this year. He missed 10 field goals after having offseason hip surgery. He missed some rather easily FGs that got him fired. Shaun Suisham fared even poorer. The coaching staff will have to look for another kicker this year or bring Folk back for another chance. D-

 

Wade Phillips/coaching staff did a very good job this season. Jerry Jones retained Wade for a few more years as a show of confidence. Wade has his players on board his train believing in him. In a nutshell, the team is poised and primed for a Super Bowl run next year. With just 1 or 2 good offensive lineman, a safety, and possibly another Wr the Cowboys are on their way to their record 9^th Super Bowl appearance next year.

 

 

2010 Divisional Playoffs :Cowboys vs. Vikings

                        Today I will break down each team’s wide receivers and defensive backs. Both teams have game changers in the passing game with Tony Romo and Brett Favre tossing the pigskin to them. Away we go…

The Minnesota Vikings had one of the most explosive passing attacks this season with Sidney Rice, Bernard Berrian, and Rookie of the Year Percy Harvin as their top 3 wide outs. Brett Favre came out of retirement a second time so he could play catch with this good trio of receivers. Sidney Rice really blossomed this year and made a name for himself. Rookie Percy Harvin did not disappoint this year being able to stretch the field as a wide out. He also provided a good punch on special teams being a dual threat as a punt returner. Rice and Berrian have good size and speed while Harvin is a smaller but faster weapon. Besides these three they do not have much depth at the position. Greg Lewis, Jaymar Johnson, and Darius Reynaud are the 4^th-6^th wide outs on the roster. Not exactly household names.  

The Dallas Cowboys counter with a formidable secondary. Veteran cornerback Terrence Newman and 2^nd year man Mike Jenkins proved to be a very good duo as starters especially from the 5^th game onwards. Nickel corner Orlando Scandrick had some growing pains playing the slot this year, but he recently picked up his play during the Cowboys defensive dominance the past 4 games. All three corners are good tacklers and are also very good playing man-to-man as well as zone coverage. Having DeMarcus Ware, Jay Ratliff, and Anthony Spencer pass rushing opposing QBs so well it helps out the secondary immensely. Free Safety Ken Hamlin is excellent aligning the defense up and making proper adjustments. It will be interesting to see how the Cowboys will match up with the Vikings receivers. My bet is Jenkins will play the bigger Rice and Newman will blanket Berrian. The x- factor will be if Scandrick can continue his solid play against the speedy Harvin. Strong Safety Gerald Sensabaugh has been a huge improvement over former SS Roy Williams. Sensabaugh was signed in the offseason from the Jacksonville Jaguars and has proved himself to be very good in covering wide receivers and tight ends. Alan Ball, the 4^th cornerback has really come on this season too providing excellent depth as a defensive back and special teamer along with Pat Watkins.

The Vikings secondary is a solid group but not a spectacular one. Antoine Winfield is their best cover guy but is not 100% healthy. He will have some difficulty covering. Tyrell Johnson and Madieu Williams are the starting safeties. Karl Paymah and Benny Sapp are young corners who still have a lot of learning to do in the NFL. Cowboys’ wide outs Miles Austin, Roy Williams, Patrick Crayton, Sam Hurd, and Kevin Ogletree should have success against the Vikings secondary. I expect Minnesota to play a cover 2 zone coverage scheme to try and limit the Cowboys’ big plays. Romo will be able to read the coverage fast and get the ball to the open man early and often.

Bottom line is the Cowboys have a slight edge in the secondary and the both wide receivers are just about even. 

Special teams will play a role in this game, but I don’t foresee any big punt or kickoff returns. Cowboys’ kickoff specialist Buehler will boom kickoffs into endzone resulting in touchbacks effectively limiting Harvin’s return ability. The Vikings do have an edge between field goal kickers with Ryan Longwell compared to Shaun Suisham. 

My prediction is the Cowboys will start off strong and build a 14-point lead and Favre’s luck will run out again. Final score will be Cowboys 31 Vikings 17.

 

 

2010 NFL Divisional Playoff: Dallas vs. Minnesota

                          Today I will break down both teams’ offensive lines and running backs vs. defensive front sevens.  As the week progresses I am getting more and more excited about this game and wish I played for the Dallas Cowboys. This game cannot come soon enough.

 

The Vikings offensive line has talent but will be tested against the ferocious Cowboys’ front seven. Running back Adrian Peterson arguably is the best running back in the league. Personally I would choose Tennessee running back Chris Johnson as the best overall. He was just named Offensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press. Peterson has a penchant for fumbling the ball. Being a young player in the league, Peterson still does not protect the ball well enough and fights for every inch he can get- exposing the football for defenders to swat out of his hands. Chester Taylor is a solid if yet unspectacular change of pace back that gives Peterson a breather every now and then. He is a good receiver though.

 

 Vikings’ Rookie right tackle Phil Loadholt and left tackle Bryant Mckinnie will have their hands full with Dallas Cowboys’ OLBs DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer. Both Ware and Spencer have been on a recent tear the past 4 games. Spencer has bloomed this season and hitting his stride at the right time. Earlier in the season he was a little bit late getting to the Quarterback. He has 7 sacks this season playing opposite Ware. Teams often have double and tripled teamed Ware to prevent him from causing havoc in the backfield. Offensive coordinators can no longer double team All- Pro Ware and disregard Spencer. It is a pick your poison situation. Least we cannot forget All Pro defensive nose tackle Jay Ratliff either. Ratliff provides an intense rush up the middle playing the run as well as rushing the QB. Viking’s Center John Sullivan will be in for a long day if he does not get help from his line mates Anthony Herrera or Stephen Hutchinson. The battle in the trenches will be fun to watch.

 

The Cowboys defensive Ends Igor Olshansky and Marcus Spears are stout against the run. Their jobs playing in the 3-4 defensive scheme calls for them to occupy opposing offensive lineman and let the linebackers make plays. What sets these two apart is they play the run very well and get off their blocks and stop the running back. They are not called upon to rush the passer but they do not necessarily have to since Ware and Spencer are so good at it. DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer play the run and cover running backs and tight ends on passing downs too. Inside Linebackers Keith Brooking and Bradie James are very good run stuffers as well. If the Vikings try to run Peterson up the middle he will be met with a formidable defense. I just do not envision Peterson and the Vikings having a good day rushing.

 

Jared Allen is the most fearsome pass rusher for the Vikings. He has been one of the most dominant pass rushers the past several years in the NFL. Defensive tackles Pat and Kevin Williams are considered to be ranked in the top 5 at their positions in the league. Ray Edwards is a young defensive end that is the least known of the 4. Cowboys’ left tackle, Flozell Adams will be matched up against Jared Allen. He is deaf in one of his ears, and the fan noise in the Metrodome could cause Adams to jump offside’s anticipating the snap count. Flozell will be expected to handle Allen one on one for the majority of the game. Kyle Kosier, Andre Gurode, and Leonard Davis will be able to handle Willamses in the middle. Right tackle Marc Colombo returned to the starting line up last week after missing several games with a leg injury. His nastiness was missed a little during his absence. Back up tackle Doug Free performed admirably, stepping up his play and showing he will be a force in the near future on the Cowboys’ offensive line. If Adams struggles with Allen, Free might replace him on the left side, as he is more athletic than Adams.

 

I believe the Vikings’ defensive weakness is their linebacking corps. Their leader, EJ Henderson, was sidelined for the season recently. His replacement is a young guy named Jasper Brinkley. Ben Leber and Chad Greenway are the outside linebackers and are solid but will have trouble covering Cowboys’ tight ends Jason Witten, Marcellus Bennett, and John Phillips. They simply are not swift enough. Conversely, Ware, Spencer, and 3^rd down linebacker Bobby Carpenter can hold their own against Viasnthe Shiancoe. The Cowboys’ 3 headed rushing attack of Felix Jones, Marion Barber, and Tashard Choice can have success against the Vikings’ front seven. They each bring a different running style with Felix being the explosive one; Barber the punisher, and Jones a combination of both.

 

Bottom line is I just don’t think the Vikings defense can stop the Cowboys’ running game and make Tony Romo beat them throwing the ball. The Cowboys are playing so good lately that the Vikings will be overmatched and just out muscled in the trenches.

 

Edge: Cowboys

2010 NFL Divisional Playoff: Dallas vs. Minnesota

The Dallas Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings will be playing this Sunday at the Metrodome in the NFC Divisional Playoff game. The winner has a chance to host the next round- NFC Championship game if Arizona Cardinals find a way to beat the Saints in New Orleans. It’s a match up of epic proportions. This week I will opine about some individual match ups. Both teams have oodles of talent and some of them are ranked in the top 3 of their respective positions. Today I will be covering Tony Romo vs. Brett Favre.

 
 

Tony Romo:

1.     A bit more accurate passer

2.     Big edge in mobility as a scrambler/playmaker

3.     Has eliminated the gunslinger mentality and less prone to fumble the ball or throw interceptions.

4.     Has emerged this season as a more mature player and true leader of the offense.

5.     Is hungry for a Super Bowl Championship, and led Cowboys to winning games in December and January - regular season and playoffs

 

 
 

Brett Favre:

1.     A little bit stronger arm strength even at his age

2.     Has won big playoff games and a Super Bowl

3.     Still has desire to play well and lead his team- one of the all time greats.

4.     Has some inclinations still to force passes into coverage resulting in interceptions.

5.     Does not scramble as well anymore and could be a statue against ferocious pass rushers.

 

 

Edge: Tony Romo

 

2010 NFC Wild Card Playoff Game: Cowboys get 500 pound gorilla off their back; Destroy Eagles 34-14

 

                         The Dallas Cowboys will play the Minnesota Vikings next Sunday afternoon at the Metrodome after throttling the Philadelphia Eagles for the 2^nd straight week. The Cowboys continued their domination of the Eagles for the 3^rd time this season. The first meeting in Philly in November resulted in the Cowboys pulling a mild upset on the road, beating the hated Eagles 20-13. Last week the Cowboys completely destroyed Philadelphia 24-0 in big D. Last night, they manhandled the Eagles again annihilating them by a score of 34-14. A record crowd for an NFL playoff game of over 90,000 fans cheered on their beloved team at Cowboys stadium.

 

It was like déjà vu all over again. The Cowboys controlled the clock by running and throwing the ball. It was a thing of beauty watching the Eagles defense being unable to stop the Cowboys marching up and down the field at will. The Cowboys scored 5 consecutive times in the second quarter 3 touchdowns and 2 field goals. They only stopped themselves especially on their first 2 drives by committing penalties. The Eagles committed their share of penalties too. Both teams combined for 23 penalties for 228 yards- a record for a playoff game.

 

The Eagles sacked Tony Romo once in the Cowboys’ first 2 possessions, but they did not register a sack for the rest of the game with 5:40 minutes left in the first quarter.  The Cowboys sacked McNabb 4 times and hurried him several other times. Spencer and Bradie James each smacked McNabb to the turf once while DeMarcus Ware had 2 sacks and forced a fumble. Bobby Carpenter recovered 2 fumbles and the Cowboys won the turnover battle forcing 4 turnovers while giving it away only 1 time. Mike Jenkins intercepted a McNabb pass but fumbled the ball attempting to lateral to Terence Newman.

 

The Cowboys controlled the clock, possessing the ball for 39 minutes and 34 seconds. Tony Romo finished the day completing 23 of 35 passes for 244 yards, 2 TDs, and no turnovers. Miles Austin had a solid day catching 7 passes for 82 yards and 1 TD. Roy Williams contributed as well snagging 5 passes for 59 yards. Rookie 3^rd string Tight End, John Phillips, caught his first TD of his career. Felix Jones led all RBs carrying the ball 16 times for 148 yards including a huge 73-yard touchdown jaunt. Romo spread the ball around to 8 different players. It was a complete team victory.  The secondary also batted away 9 passes meant for Eagles receivers. Hamlin, Sensabaugh, Newman, and Jenkins all had fantastic games. They blanketed Eagles receivers not allowing any big plays down field. Wade Phillips is going to have a hard time deciding who gets the game balls. I would give everyone a game ball. The offensive line dominated the Eagles defensive line too. They are finally able to pick up the crazy Philly blitzes.

 

The Cowboys finally got the 500-pound gorilla off their backs by winning their first playoff game in 13 years. They are rocking and rolling right now, and they are the most dangerous football team in the playoffs. Watch out Vikings, here we come. Next week’s game against Minnesota is going to be one hell of a matchup. Tony Romo vs. Brett Favre; Miles Austin, Roy Williams, Patrick Crayton, Jason Witten, vs. Vikes secondary; Vikes OL vs. Cowboys front seven, (Ware and Spencer vs. MInny’s tackles). Wow this is going to be an exciting game. Percy Harvin, Sidney Rice, Bernard Berrian, Visanthe Shiancoe vs. Jenkins, Newman, Scandrick, Sensabaugh and Hamlin. Barber, Felix, and Choice vs. Pat and Kevin Williams. Next weekend’s NFC Divisional Playoff game between the Cowboys and Vikings will be one for the ages!

  

Top 10 Movies of 2009

 

           2009 was not a banner year for excellent film making. There weren't any movies that could even match last year's crop of The Wrestler, The Reader, Revolutionary Road, or The Dark Knight. 2009 movies surpassed 2008's movies in one aspect though- the number of 3-D movies. There were several 3-D movies this year, and it will soon be common place especially with the success of James Cameron's revolutionary film Avatar. So far it has made over $1 billion dollars worldwide including $300 million in the U.S. It truly is a movie not to be missed in 3-D. Be prepared to get dizzy wearing those uncomfortable eyeglasses from now on. There are reports that more movies will want to use the new 3D cameras Cameron invented as ticket prices are about $5 more. Any who here is my list of my favorite films of 2009.

10. A Serious Man- the Cohen brothers created another great dramedy this year centering on a Jewish man who suffers through a series of set backs in his life and family set in the 1960's in the Midwest. It was not as good as 2007's No Country for Old Men but is a close second.

9. Drag Me to Hell- I don't really consider myself a fan of horror movies but Sam Raimi's return to his familiar genre hooked me into his style of horror/comedy. There were some scary moments, but Raimi mixed in quirkiness and humor that made this a fun movie to watch. Most of all, it was an original story and not much of a typical hack and slash gory horror movie.

8. The Hurt Locker- I saw this film early in January last year and I am happy that it had a good following. Kathryn Bigelow depicted what I imagine is the closest thing to really being a soldier in Iraq. The characters were well developed and I cared about them. She should win all the directing awards.

7. Inglorious Basterds- this is my 2nd favorite Tarantino film right behind Pulp Fiction. This was a very entertaining movie despite only having Brad Pitt as the only A list actor. Having said that, Tarantino did a marvelous job casting Christoph Waltz as the villain. Truly he had the finest performance in a supporting role I have seen this year. He should win the Oscar for his evil performance.

6. Avatar- just an amazing visual experience. A harbinger of film.

5. District 9- One heck of a semi original sci-fi movie. Had elements of apartheid in South Africa and an unusual anti-hero to root for. Amazing that the film only cost $30 million to make. Special effects were realistic.

4. Where the Wild Things Are- have to confess this movie made me cry. I love Maurice Sendak's book and surprised at how director Spike Jonze was able to make a feature film out of the short children's book. 

3. Up- Disney/Pixar continue to raise the animation/CGI bar. The opening montage was simply beautiful and you instantly care about the senior citizen/ main character. Love how folks at Pixar come up with such imaginative and original stories.

2. Up in the Air- an incredibly timely movie. Did not think George Clooney would be believable as an ordinary man and loner, but he might have given his best performance of his career. 

1. Star Trek- incredible visuals and fantastic reboot of the franchise. I can't wait to boldly go where ever the next movie takes me. Beam me up, Scotty.

A few films that barely missed the cut : the Soloist, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Adventureland, State of Play

Cowboys pluck Philadelphia Eagles 24-0

 

The Dallas Cowboys dominated the Philadelphia Eagles in every aspect of the game this past Sunday. The Eagles like the Cowboys, were playing for the NFC East Division crown. Each team ended the year with identical 11-5 records but the Cowboys beat Philadelphia twice to win the head to head tie breaker.  With the decisive victory, the Cowboys will host the Eagles again on Saturday in one of the Wild Card Playoff games.

 

 The Cowboys came out smoking on their first drive scoring a touchdown anchored by a 32 yard run by Marion Barber.  The offensive line played well allowing Tony Romo to find Jason Witten for the game’s first score. The Eagles could not get anything going on their first drive as Donovan McNabb overthrew Desean Jackson on a go route down the middle of the field. Romo led the team down the field once again on their second possession.  On the Eagles 10 yard line, Romo threw a pass to Patrick Crayton but Asante Samuel tipped the ball and Joselio Hanson caught the ball ending the Cowboy’s drive. Donovan McNabb misfired on a few passes again and the Eagles had to punt the ball back to the Cowboys.

 

Romo led the Cowboys down the field on their 3^rd possession with Miles Austin making a leaping catch beating Asante Samuel to the ball and raced down the sideline for a 40-yard gain. A few plays later Romo found Patrick Crayton in the endzone for his 2^nd touchdown pass of the game.  McNabb connected a couple of times the next drive but fumbled the ball on the Cowboys’ 20-yard line. Still unable to stop the Cowboys offense, the Eagles allowed a field goal by Suisham late in the 1^st half increasing the Dallas’ lead to 17-0.  The Cowboys amassed almost 300 yards in the first half.

 

Both defenses stepped up on each teams first few couple of possessions in the second half. But the Cowboys put the game away on Felix Jones’ 49-yard scamper with 6 minutes left in the 3^rd quarter increasing their lead to 24-0. After that, the Cowboys were able to pin their ears back on defense effectively stymieing McNabb and the Eagles offense the rest of the game. Mike Jenkins and Ken Hamlin each knocked the ball away from Eagles receivers on deep passes. The Eagles looked demoralized much of the 2^nd half knowing it just wasn’t their day today. They had scored a franchise record 429 points over the course of the season, but the Cowboys shut them out- laying a goose egg on them for their 2^nd straight ever shut out game in their history. It was an impressive game and next week looks like it will be a carbon copy game with the Cowboys prevailing in the end.

The Cowboys need to work on committing less penalties though as the were penalized 80 yards. A few penalties came on big plays that negated big plays like a 22-yard screen pass to Felix Jones. That could have led to another touchdown or field goal. Shaun Shuisham really needs to get as many opportunities to kick field goals in practice to build up his confidence. The defense needs to work on crossing routes as the Eagles had a few big plays for over 25 yards to Jackson and Maclin. No doubt Wade Phillips will have the defense ready to go again and Jason Garrett will call a great offensive game.