Week 13 Recap - Vs. Green Bay
Cowboys 37... Packers 27... Favre gets knocked out due to injury in the second quarter and doesn't return... Romo gets 4 Touchdowns, and 309 yards. Dallas goes 11-1.
Week 14 Recap - @ Detroit
A game that should have been lost, but the 'Boys somehow always seem to manage a comeback in the last second... Or 18 seconds, where Witten, who fumbled on the goal line just a couple of plays prior, shows his worth and grabs the game winning Touchdown Pass, stunning the Lions.... Dallas 28... Detroit 27...
Week 15 Recap - Vs. Philly
Ugh... Defense was strong for the 'Boys, but unfortunately the Defense was strong for the Birds too... Not to mention that Brian Westbrook sealed the coffin with a goal line kneel rather than a 2 possession lead Touchdown... Dallas 6... Philly 10...
Week 16 Recap - @ Carolina
A game that shouldn't have been a challenge, was much more than bargained for. The Cowboys lost Terrell Owens to a high ankle sprain in the 2nd quarter and couldn't conjure up a Touchdown at all in the second quarter... hmm... coincidence? Luckily they still pulled it off against subpar Carolina.... Cowboys 20... Panthers 13...
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Friday, November 23, 2007
Week 12 Recap - Vs. New York Jets - Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving. Indeed.
As the food was already in the refrigerator, and families all over the country were lazily sprawed out on couches and floors, The Dallas Cowboys once again came into their living rooms to host another Thanksgiving Day Game. This year it would be against the New York Jets who had a record of 2-9.
Many people saw this game, and the final score of 34-3 probably eplains more of the game than I could put into words, but here's just a few. Dallas' defense was the star of this game, but the offense was as good as it always is. It was a great win for Dallas that propelled them to their first 10-1 start in franchise history, and will throw them into a 10-1 vs 10-1 battle next week when they host The Green Bay Packers in the NFL Network's 2nd Thursday game of the year.
10-1 feels good, but the true challenge is next week.
As the food was already in the refrigerator, and families all over the country were lazily sprawed out on couches and floors, The Dallas Cowboys once again came into their living rooms to host another Thanksgiving Day Game. This year it would be against the New York Jets who had a record of 2-9.
Many people saw this game, and the final score of 34-3 probably eplains more of the game than I could put into words, but here's just a few. Dallas' defense was the star of this game, but the offense was as good as it always is. It was a great win for Dallas that propelled them to their first 10-1 start in franchise history, and will throw them into a 10-1 vs 10-1 battle next week when they host The Green Bay Packers in the NFL Network's 2nd Thursday game of the year.
10-1 feels good, but the true challenge is next week.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Week 11 Recap - Vs. Washington
When everything seems to be going wrong, and failure seems imminent for these Cowboys, I say it's still safe to bet on them everytime, (but just not with the point spread.)
The first drives are often a microcasm for the rest of the game. It sets the mood of what to expect and where this game might go. If this was to say anything about the game, the first drive for Dallas' offense was hinting at a wild game.
A few nice runs, a nice pass here and there, mixed in with a frightening high snap which bounced off Romo's helmet into the hands of Julius Jones who was tackled for a loss of yards. Ultimately, this drive led to a missed Nick Folk field goal from about 50 yards. Not the best start.
Washington's first drive looked very good. A few passes, a few Clinton Portis runs, and a 19 yard Touchdown pass gave The Redskins an early 7-0 lead. Dallas got the ball back, and started a nice drive heading into Washington territoy, when Andre Gurode let another high snap fly over Romo's head. Romo instinctively hunted down the ball, which seemed to bounce right back into his hands, and launches a pass toward Terrell Owens, who can't get a chance at the ball as London Fletcher jumps and intercepted at their own 10 yard line.
Dallas' Defense came out in full force to prevent the interception from turning into any points, and Washington was forced to punt. Unfortunately for Dallas, they couldn't make anything of this possession either, and punted to Washington.
Washington drove up the field and ended up with a missed field goal and soon enough the ball was back in Tony Romo's hand. It was finally time to make something happen, but not without a few hurdles. This particular hurdle was practically a carbon copy of Andre Gurode's high snap over Romo's head, but this time as Romo grabs the ball and spins around to throw to T.O. the catch is made as well as a first down. Another couples runs, another couple passes, and Romo nails T.O. for a 4 yard Touchdown tying up the game at 7.
As fast as the Romo-mentum seemed to be kicking off, it quickly was squashed. Washington drove down the field with 1:16 left in the half and got deep enough to knock through a field goal and take the lead 10-7 going into the half.
The 2nd half started off pretty good as Dallas holds off a nice Washington drive which ended in a fumble by Jason Campbell. Dallas could do nothing though and quickly went 3 and out. Washington went out on their next possession but it was about 10 and out. Dallas had the ball back and missed a few passes, made a few passes and almost had an interception that was challanged and reversed. A few plays later and Romo hooks up with T.O. again for a 31 yard Touchdown. 14-10.
Washington followed with a field goal drive heading into the 4th quarter, while Dallas continued their trends with a T.O. Touchdown pass of 46 yards. 21-13.
Washington was at it again, and drove down for a field goal. Dallas felt more dejavu as Romo connected for a 4th Touchdown pass to T.O. giving him a career high for one game, and bringing the score to 28-16. Now all The Cowboys had to do was eat up the clock and hold off The 'Skins.
With 7:50 left in the game, Washington wasn't going to be as easy to smother as The Cowboys were hoping. Jason Campbell methodically drove the ball up the field and nailed a pass to Santana Moss for a Touchdown. 28-23 with 3:45 left and Dallas getting the ball.
All Dallas had to do was run down the clock and get a first down or two, but after an incomplete pass, a loss of yards by Julius Jones, and a sack, Dallas was forced to punt with 2:51 seconds remaining.
Washington got good field position at the Dallas 40, and got the clock down to 1:45 as they reached the Dallas 19 yard line. A field goal wouldn't do it, so Washington was going for the gusto, when suddenly a beautiful leaping interception by Terrence Newman gave the ball back to Tony Romo to run out the clock and finish this game once and for all.
Things aren't always as you plan though. There were 1:39 left, and three straight Marion Barber runs left Dallas with a 4th down and were forced to punt again with 0:43 seconds left.
Washington's only hope would be in a few hail marys and some luck. But it would be Dallas who held the luck of the day. 2 Dallas penalties and a completed pass got The Redskins to the 50 yard line. There was 1 failed hail mary, a 2nd failed hail mary, and the final hail mary of the game with 0:05 seconds left was batted down by the MVP of the game, Terrell Owens.
As the fans begin to leave, the scoreboard read 28-23 as Dallas goes 9-1 for the first time since 1983. It's a short week as Dallas will next host the New York Jets on Thanksgiving. Let's go Cowboys, Let's go... LETS GO!! yee-haa
The first drives are often a microcasm for the rest of the game. It sets the mood of what to expect and where this game might go. If this was to say anything about the game, the first drive for Dallas' offense was hinting at a wild game.
A few nice runs, a nice pass here and there, mixed in with a frightening high snap which bounced off Romo's helmet into the hands of Julius Jones who was tackled for a loss of yards. Ultimately, this drive led to a missed Nick Folk field goal from about 50 yards. Not the best start.
Washington's first drive looked very good. A few passes, a few Clinton Portis runs, and a 19 yard Touchdown pass gave The Redskins an early 7-0 lead. Dallas got the ball back, and started a nice drive heading into Washington territoy, when Andre Gurode let another high snap fly over Romo's head. Romo instinctively hunted down the ball, which seemed to bounce right back into his hands, and launches a pass toward Terrell Owens, who can't get a chance at the ball as London Fletcher jumps and intercepted at their own 10 yard line.
Dallas' Defense came out in full force to prevent the interception from turning into any points, and Washington was forced to punt. Unfortunately for Dallas, they couldn't make anything of this possession either, and punted to Washington.
Washington drove up the field and ended up with a missed field goal and soon enough the ball was back in Tony Romo's hand. It was finally time to make something happen, but not without a few hurdles. This particular hurdle was practically a carbon copy of Andre Gurode's high snap over Romo's head, but this time as Romo grabs the ball and spins around to throw to T.O. the catch is made as well as a first down. Another couples runs, another couple passes, and Romo nails T.O. for a 4 yard Touchdown tying up the game at 7.
As fast as the Romo-mentum seemed to be kicking off, it quickly was squashed. Washington drove down the field with 1:16 left in the half and got deep enough to knock through a field goal and take the lead 10-7 going into the half.
The 2nd half started off pretty good as Dallas holds off a nice Washington drive which ended in a fumble by Jason Campbell. Dallas could do nothing though and quickly went 3 and out. Washington went out on their next possession but it was about 10 and out. Dallas had the ball back and missed a few passes, made a few passes and almost had an interception that was challanged and reversed. A few plays later and Romo hooks up with T.O. again for a 31 yard Touchdown. 14-10.
Washington followed with a field goal drive heading into the 4th quarter, while Dallas continued their trends with a T.O. Touchdown pass of 46 yards. 21-13.
Washington was at it again, and drove down for a field goal. Dallas felt more dejavu as Romo connected for a 4th Touchdown pass to T.O. giving him a career high for one game, and bringing the score to 28-16. Now all The Cowboys had to do was eat up the clock and hold off The 'Skins.
With 7:50 left in the game, Washington wasn't going to be as easy to smother as The Cowboys were hoping. Jason Campbell methodically drove the ball up the field and nailed a pass to Santana Moss for a Touchdown. 28-23 with 3:45 left and Dallas getting the ball.
All Dallas had to do was run down the clock and get a first down or two, but after an incomplete pass, a loss of yards by Julius Jones, and a sack, Dallas was forced to punt with 2:51 seconds remaining.
Washington got good field position at the Dallas 40, and got the clock down to 1:45 as they reached the Dallas 19 yard line. A field goal wouldn't do it, so Washington was going for the gusto, when suddenly a beautiful leaping interception by Terrence Newman gave the ball back to Tony Romo to run out the clock and finish this game once and for all.
Things aren't always as you plan though. There were 1:39 left, and three straight Marion Barber runs left Dallas with a 4th down and were forced to punt again with 0:43 seconds left.
Washington's only hope would be in a few hail marys and some luck. But it would be Dallas who held the luck of the day. 2 Dallas penalties and a completed pass got The Redskins to the 50 yard line. There was 1 failed hail mary, a 2nd failed hail mary, and the final hail mary of the game with 0:05 seconds left was batted down by the MVP of the game, Terrell Owens.
As the fans begin to leave, the scoreboard read 28-23 as Dallas goes 9-1 for the first time since 1983. It's a short week as Dallas will next host the New York Jets on Thanksgiving. Let's go Cowboys, Let's go... LETS GO!! yee-haa
Monday, November 12, 2007
Week 10 Recap - @ New York Giants
The first Sunday Night Game of the season, a matchup between The New York Giants and The Dallas Cowboys was a long time ago, and a lot of things have changed since then. Back then, The Cowboys managed to win with a final score of 45-35, although both defenses were shakey.
That was 10 weeks ago. Since then, both defenses and their stats have improved greatly. The Cowboys were leadig the divison, standing at 7-1, while The Giants were 6-2 and on a 4 game winning streak. One of the biggest matchups of the week as Dallas might have to share the top spot of the NFC East if they lose.
Well... Dallas didn't want to lose, and so they didn't. The defenses showed up, but even as improved as they were, the offense and Tony Romo were what really showed up. 20/28 in completions, 247 yards, 4 Touchdowns, and 1 unfortunate interception led this team to a final score of 31-20. Terrell Owens showed up with 125 yards and 2 Touchdowns, and Patrick Crayton grabbed 66 yards and a Touchdown, while 3rd string TE Tony Curtis started the Touchdown run off on the first drive with an amazing Touchdown catch off of a Michael Jordan-ese leap into the air.
Dallas held their ground the entire game and with 00:04 seconds left, Eli Manning hurls the ball downfield only to be intercepted by Pat Watkins. What a beautiful way to cap off a beautiful sweep of the New York football Giants. 8-1 and ready to go home and battle yet another divison rival in the Washington Redskins.
That was 10 weeks ago. Since then, both defenses and their stats have improved greatly. The Cowboys were leadig the divison, standing at 7-1, while The Giants were 6-2 and on a 4 game winning streak. One of the biggest matchups of the week as Dallas might have to share the top spot of the NFC East if they lose.
Well... Dallas didn't want to lose, and so they didn't. The defenses showed up, but even as improved as they were, the offense and Tony Romo were what really showed up. 20/28 in completions, 247 yards, 4 Touchdowns, and 1 unfortunate interception led this team to a final score of 31-20. Terrell Owens showed up with 125 yards and 2 Touchdowns, and Patrick Crayton grabbed 66 yards and a Touchdown, while 3rd string TE Tony Curtis started the Touchdown run off on the first drive with an amazing Touchdown catch off of a Michael Jordan-ese leap into the air.
Dallas held their ground the entire game and with 00:04 seconds left, Eli Manning hurls the ball downfield only to be intercepted by Pat Watkins. What a beautiful way to cap off a beautiful sweep of the New York football Giants. 8-1 and ready to go home and battle yet another divison rival in the Washington Redskins.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Week 9 Recap - @ Philadelphia
Back from an impressive win over Minnesota, and with a bye week under their belts, (not to mention a $67 million dollar, 6 year contract tucked inside Tony Romo's belt) The Dallas Cowboys were heading into enemy territory as they invaded one of their closest rivals homes' in Philadelphia on Sunday Night.
The game pretty much was defined on the very first play from scrimmage when Donovan McNabb was sacked and fumbled the ball, giving Dallas the turnover which led to a 2 yard Touchdown run by Julius Jones. A positive trend continued as Dallas dominated the first half, reaching the endzone 3 times, and only allowing 1 Touchdown by The Eagles. The 2nd half was just as strong as Terrell Owens reached the endzone early, giving Dallas plenty of breathing room at 21-7.
A David Akers field goal got the Eagles up to 10 points, but almost immediately Jason Witten put the nail in the coffin by getting a Touchdown and a huge lead at 28-10.
The 4th quarter was basically garbage time. The Cowboys knocked a field goal in to bring the game to 31-10, and the defense loosened up and the Eagles managed another Touchdown before the clock ran out.
31-17, and a beautifual humiliation of an Eagles team who sweep Dallas last year. A little revenge, and a nice statement, especially for T.O. who left the Eagles almost 2 years to the day, and who managed an impressive day with 10 catches for 174 yards and a Touchdown. Jason Witten wasn't too shabby himself with 77 yards, a Touchdown and a catch that will be replayed for years, with Witten catching the ball, getting the helmet ripped from his head but still able to break the tackle and stay on his feet for about 15 more yards, unfortunately he was tackled within a few feet of the endzone.
Overall, this was a big game. Certainly both teams wanted the W, but Dallas proved they weren't the same team that they were last year, they were much improved. It showed on the field, The Cowboys dominated throughout the game and handled themselves nicely, even while they were deep inside enemy territory.
Now, Dallas is 7-1, and this was a perfect way to start a 3 game divison rival stretch. Next week they have to go down the street and face off with the New York Giants for the 2nd time this year, I'll see ya there...
The game pretty much was defined on the very first play from scrimmage when Donovan McNabb was sacked and fumbled the ball, giving Dallas the turnover which led to a 2 yard Touchdown run by Julius Jones. A positive trend continued as Dallas dominated the first half, reaching the endzone 3 times, and only allowing 1 Touchdown by The Eagles. The 2nd half was just as strong as Terrell Owens reached the endzone early, giving Dallas plenty of breathing room at 21-7.
A David Akers field goal got the Eagles up to 10 points, but almost immediately Jason Witten put the nail in the coffin by getting a Touchdown and a huge lead at 28-10.
The 4th quarter was basically garbage time. The Cowboys knocked a field goal in to bring the game to 31-10, and the defense loosened up and the Eagles managed another Touchdown before the clock ran out.
31-17, and a beautifual humiliation of an Eagles team who sweep Dallas last year. A little revenge, and a nice statement, especially for T.O. who left the Eagles almost 2 years to the day, and who managed an impressive day with 10 catches for 174 yards and a Touchdown. Jason Witten wasn't too shabby himself with 77 yards, a Touchdown and a catch that will be replayed for years, with Witten catching the ball, getting the helmet ripped from his head but still able to break the tackle and stay on his feet for about 15 more yards, unfortunately he was tackled within a few feet of the endzone.
Overall, this was a big game. Certainly both teams wanted the W, but Dallas proved they weren't the same team that they were last year, they were much improved. It showed on the field, The Cowboys dominated throughout the game and handled themselves nicely, even while they were deep inside enemy territory.
Now, Dallas is 7-1, and this was a perfect way to start a 3 game divison rival stretch. Next week they have to go down the street and face off with the New York Giants for the 2nd time this year, I'll see ya there...
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Week 7 Recap - Vs. Minnesota
Time to stop bitching about how bad Dallas is in the 1st quarter. The opening drive led the cowboys to 7 points, which is the first touchdown all season that Dallas scored in the 1st quarter. It's about time that Dallas did something in the first 15 minutes, let's hope this trend continues.
Unfortunately, Minnesota drove the ball for an easy 7 on their first drive too. Adrian Peterson took most of the carries and ended up with the Touchdown to tie up the game early.
A few volleys later, within the last 7 minutes of the first half, a Patrick Crayton fumble led to a run back Touchdown for the Vikings.
Trailing 14-7, Dallas eventually has a nice drive with a little over a minute left in the first half. They failed at reaching the endzone, and Nick Folk, hero in Buffalo, failed to make the field goal, and took them into the half behind by a Touchdown.
Going into the 2nd half, nothing much happened until about 5 minutes in. Dallas had great field position from a punt and penalty, and swiftly took the ball to the 1 yard line. Marion "The Barbarian" Barber, punched it in for a Touchdown, tying up the game at 14. This is the first rushing Touchdown that Minnesota allowed all season.
Minnesota followed with an impressive drive and got within field goal range. Unfortunately for the Vikings, a 49 yard field goal attempt was miraculously blocked by Dallas' Chris Canty. The ball bounced into the hands of Dallas' Patrick Watkins, who ran home for a Touchdown, 21-14 and the lead. It was also the first time since 1983 that The Cowboys ran a blocked field goal in for a Touchdown. History is just repeating all over the place, isn't it?
Not until the 4th quarter with about 12 minutes left, did anything too exciting happen. Minnesota was pinned inside their own 10. The ball was handed off to Peterson, who gets the ball knocked from his hands by Jason Hatcher. Bradie James falls on the fumble, giving Dallas the ball. This turnove only ends up as 3 more points for Dallas, but it's better than nothing.
24-14, Cowboys in the lead and it's now a 2 possession game with just a little over 10 minutes left in the game. Dallas' defense held it's ground beautifully, although Minnesota's did as well, and the game ended at 24-14...Dallas Cowboys on top, and a 6-1 record in the books heading into a Bye Week.
Whew, again...
Unfortunately, Minnesota drove the ball for an easy 7 on their first drive too. Adrian Peterson took most of the carries and ended up with the Touchdown to tie up the game early.
A few volleys later, within the last 7 minutes of the first half, a Patrick Crayton fumble led to a run back Touchdown for the Vikings.
Trailing 14-7, Dallas eventually has a nice drive with a little over a minute left in the first half. They failed at reaching the endzone, and Nick Folk, hero in Buffalo, failed to make the field goal, and took them into the half behind by a Touchdown.
Going into the 2nd half, nothing much happened until about 5 minutes in. Dallas had great field position from a punt and penalty, and swiftly took the ball to the 1 yard line. Marion "The Barbarian" Barber, punched it in for a Touchdown, tying up the game at 14. This is the first rushing Touchdown that Minnesota allowed all season.
Minnesota followed with an impressive drive and got within field goal range. Unfortunately for the Vikings, a 49 yard field goal attempt was miraculously blocked by Dallas' Chris Canty. The ball bounced into the hands of Dallas' Patrick Watkins, who ran home for a Touchdown, 21-14 and the lead. It was also the first time since 1983 that The Cowboys ran a blocked field goal in for a Touchdown. History is just repeating all over the place, isn't it?
Not until the 4th quarter with about 12 minutes left, did anything too exciting happen. Minnesota was pinned inside their own 10. The ball was handed off to Peterson, who gets the ball knocked from his hands by Jason Hatcher. Bradie James falls on the fumble, giving Dallas the ball. This turnove only ends up as 3 more points for Dallas, but it's better than nothing.
24-14, Cowboys in the lead and it's now a 2 possession game with just a little over 10 minutes left in the game. Dallas' defense held it's ground beautifully, although Minnesota's did as well, and the game ended at 24-14...Dallas Cowboys on top, and a 6-1 record in the books heading into a Bye Week.
Whew, again...
Friday, October 19, 2007
Week 6 Recap - Vs. New England
Due to the harsh reality of last Sunday's game against the New England Patriots, I refuse to provide a recap this week. Dallas lost and it wasn't pretty. 48-27 was the final score, with the Patriots far ahead at the end.
This game is pretty much blocked from my memory at this point. I have, however, had a few nightmares which involve flashes of Wes Welker and Donte Stallworth murdering Dallas' secondary with their cleats, while a devilish Tom Brady (complete with horns) cackles and shoots footballs at players with a full mechanical arm cannon. Nonetheless, it's just one loss, it's a regular season game, and you can't stay undefeated forever (unless you're the Patriots, that is,) so let's just forget this tragedy and move forward to week 7.
This game is pretty much blocked from my memory at this point. I have, however, had a few nightmares which involve flashes of Wes Welker and Donte Stallworth murdering Dallas' secondary with their cleats, while a devilish Tom Brady (complete with horns) cackles and shoots footballs at players with a full mechanical arm cannon. Nonetheless, it's just one loss, it's a regular season game, and you can't stay undefeated forever (unless you're the Patriots, that is,) so let's just forget this tragedy and move forward to week 7.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Week 5 Recap - @ Buffalo - Monday Night Football
Dallas had no major problems handing St. Louis a loss of 35-7 last week, and Buffalo was statistically ranked just as low, in fact, a little lower than the injured Rams. If sportscasters and analysists are any indication, Dallas had already won this game.
A few things stood in the way, however, as Buffalo was hosting their first Monday Night game in 13 years, and with that came a loud enough crowd to rival that at Arrowhead. The 12th man was in full effect, and it may have been the catalyst for 4 Tomo Romo interceptions in the first half, which had the 'Boys in a 17-10 hole heading into the half.
Back from the half and the Cowboys receive the kickoff. They drive down the field and end up with a field goal, bringing the score to 17-13.
The following kickoff would end up being devastating. A Nick Folk 73 yard kick to Terrance McGee was run back for 103 yards and a Touchdown for Buffalo. Now behind at 24-13, Dallas drove down the field and starting the 4th quarter with another field goal kick, bringing the game within reach at 24-16.
A Cowboys' fumble leads to a Buffalo drive which leads to an interception, which leads to a Cowboys' drive that leads to an interception. Luckily Buffalo couldn't make anything of it and punts away with a little under 4 minutes left in the game.
Romo finally rebounds from his horrific day by driving the ball to the Buffalo 4 yard line and completing the drive with a short pass to Patrick Crayton for a Touchdown. Dallas would need a 2 point conversion to tie up the game and take them into overtime, yet alas, a high toss to Terrell Owens resulted incomplete when it was stripped out of his hands before he even hit the ground.
There were :20 seconds left in the game, and judging by the eruption of the crowd, this game was over, and Buffalo finally got revenge for all those Super Bowls that Dallas dominated in. But even though the clock said :20, this game was far from over.
Rookie Kicker, Nick Folk, headed into the onside kick and executed perfectly. WR Sam Hurd deflected the ball just barely within 10 yards, and TE Tony Curtis ran like the wind and dropped on the ball, recovering the kick and giving the Cowboys one last shot.
Romo took the field again and shot a pass to T.O. at the Buffalo 25. He miraculously assembled his men and spiked the ball to stop the clock at :01 second, yet the T.O. catch had to be reviewed and it ended up being an incomplete pass. Back to the drawing board.
Romo again drops back into the shotgun and takes 2 shots to Barber and Crayton who both drop out of bounds to stop the clock with :02 seconds remaining and bringing the 'Boys to the Buffalo 35. It would be up to Rookie Kicker Nick Folk to complete the 53 yard field goal, and take the 'Boys to 5-0.
Folk steps up to the plate and nails a homerun, right down the middle, and right through the goal posts. The Cowboys win it!! The Cowboys w... wha..wha... what happened?! Ah... sneaky Bills' Head Coach Dick Jaraun used the infamous 'secret timeout' right before the snap, meaning the kick doesn't count and Folk's gotta do it again.
Have no fear, Folk is here. As calm and collective as a surgeon, Nick Folk does it again. And once again, with almost the same sureshot accuracy as the first kick, the ball clears the goal posts and the Cowboys do, in fact, win the game at 25-24.
Whew...
A few things stood in the way, however, as Buffalo was hosting their first Monday Night game in 13 years, and with that came a loud enough crowd to rival that at Arrowhead. The 12th man was in full effect, and it may have been the catalyst for 4 Tomo Romo interceptions in the first half, which had the 'Boys in a 17-10 hole heading into the half.
Back from the half and the Cowboys receive the kickoff. They drive down the field and end up with a field goal, bringing the score to 17-13.
The following kickoff would end up being devastating. A Nick Folk 73 yard kick to Terrance McGee was run back for 103 yards and a Touchdown for Buffalo. Now behind at 24-13, Dallas drove down the field and starting the 4th quarter with another field goal kick, bringing the game within reach at 24-16.
A Cowboys' fumble leads to a Buffalo drive which leads to an interception, which leads to a Cowboys' drive that leads to an interception. Luckily Buffalo couldn't make anything of it and punts away with a little under 4 minutes left in the game.
Romo finally rebounds from his horrific day by driving the ball to the Buffalo 4 yard line and completing the drive with a short pass to Patrick Crayton for a Touchdown. Dallas would need a 2 point conversion to tie up the game and take them into overtime, yet alas, a high toss to Terrell Owens resulted incomplete when it was stripped out of his hands before he even hit the ground.
There were :20 seconds left in the game, and judging by the eruption of the crowd, this game was over, and Buffalo finally got revenge for all those Super Bowls that Dallas dominated in. But even though the clock said :20, this game was far from over.
Rookie Kicker, Nick Folk, headed into the onside kick and executed perfectly. WR Sam Hurd deflected the ball just barely within 10 yards, and TE Tony Curtis ran like the wind and dropped on the ball, recovering the kick and giving the Cowboys one last shot.
Romo took the field again and shot a pass to T.O. at the Buffalo 25. He miraculously assembled his men and spiked the ball to stop the clock at :01 second, yet the T.O. catch had to be reviewed and it ended up being an incomplete pass. Back to the drawing board.
Romo again drops back into the shotgun and takes 2 shots to Barber and Crayton who both drop out of bounds to stop the clock with :02 seconds remaining and bringing the 'Boys to the Buffalo 35. It would be up to Rookie Kicker Nick Folk to complete the 53 yard field goal, and take the 'Boys to 5-0.
Folk steps up to the plate and nails a homerun, right down the middle, and right through the goal posts. The Cowboys win it!! The Cowboys w... wha..wha... what happened?! Ah... sneaky Bills' Head Coach Dick Jaraun used the infamous 'secret timeout' right before the snap, meaning the kick doesn't count and Folk's gotta do it again.
Have no fear, Folk is here. As calm and collective as a surgeon, Nick Folk does it again. And once again, with almost the same sureshot accuracy as the first kick, the ball clears the goal posts and the Cowboys do, in fact, win the game at 25-24.
Whew...
Monday, October 1, 2007
Week 4 Recap - St. Louis at Dallas
Dallas started this game as shakey and slow as they did their previous 3 games. It was nerve-rackingly hard to watch, and made you think that maybe the last few games the Cowboys won were a fluke. They seemed unable to connect at all, having no touchdowns or field goals and being forced to punt 3 times in the first quarter. Add on a Romo interception and things seemed increasingly bleak.
The second quarter started to look just as frightening as the Rams drove the ball close enough for a field goal. However, the Stars must have been aligned just right, and Jeff Wilkins missed the easy 28 yard Field Goal attempt.
Things were starting to look good for the 'Boys as Tony Romo drove from their 20 yard line to St. Louis' 2 yard line, with Julius Jones punching home the Touchdown to finally put some points on the board. Ah, a little breathing room.
Nothing lasts forever though, as the pendulum of momentum swung the other way. Nearing the end of the half, a Mat McBriar punt ended in catastrophe when Dante Hall ran the ball the whole way back for an 85 yard Touchdown. Tied at 7-7, It was beginning to look as though the Rams had a fighting chance. St. Louis' Issac Bruce did guarantee a victory, after all.
The next drive started with some potential for the 'Boys. They managed to get the ball from their 24 yard line to the 50 in just 4 plays, and the end of the half was less than a minute away.
It was 3rd down with 3 to go, and only :56 seconds left in the half when, Andre Gurode, snaps the ball well over Romo's head and it flips and flops about 33 yards behind the line of scrimmage. Romo was chasing after the ball like a farmer trying to russle up a greased pig. At this point, it was the worst possible thing to happen... well, it might have been for most teams, but luckily the Dallas Cowboys have a true playmaker in Tony Romo.
Impossible as it seems, Romo was able to snatch up the ball at about the 17 yard line, follow a few lead blockers, juke out St. Louis' Raonall Smith, get back to the 50 yard line and sure enough, add on 4 more yards for the first down to really make a statement. This will undoubtely be the 'Play of the Week' on many sports shows tomorrow morning. And the magic wasn't over yet. 5 plays later, when Dallas was 15 yards from the goal line, Romo couldn't find an open receiver so he ran it the Touchdown himself. Dallas would take the lead 14-7 going into the half. This should pretty much be the proof to sceptics that Romo has what it takes to contend with any defense out there (Rams defense was rated #7 overall going into this week.)
That drive seemed to be all the momentum that Dallas needed. On their first possession after the half, Romo lauched a short pass to Patrick Crayton, who managed to avoid a tackle and run the ball in for a 56 yard Touchdown. Now leading 21-7, it started to become a little easier to breathe at this point.
The next Dallas possession ended with a deep pass and another catch for Crayton who ran it in for a 37 yard Touchdown. 28-7.
The Rams had a nice drive after the second Crayton Touchdown, and drove all the way to the Dallas 10. Unfortunately for the Rams, the Stars were once again lined up perfectly as Ken Hamlin intercepted a horribly thrown ball in the End Zone. This led to another successful Cowboys drive that ended with a 17 yard pass to Jason Witten for the Touchdown. Now 35-7 and 2 minutes until the 4th quarter, it would be near impossible for these Rams to rally a victory.
And sure enough, the Rams were just too battered to do anything more. They were forced to punt 2 more times, and Dallas slowly ran out the clock, even bringing in Brad Johnson as Quarterback and Tyson Thompson as Halfback to run the clock down to 00:00. The Cowboys go 4-0, the Rams go 0-4. I say, Bring on the Bills!
P.S.
Just because I forgot to mention a few things.
-Greg Ellis was back in the game for the first time since tearing his ACL last November, and had 2 tackles and 1 1/2 sacks.
-Terence Newman was in and getting more playing time ending with 4 tackles. Newman had to pick up the slack due to the fact that Anthony Henry sprained his right ankle in the first quarter and was out for the game.
-Dallas is currently leading the league in total points for the season with 151 and is 4th all-time for total points scored in 4 consecutive games.
-Although Dallas was leading the league in penalties coming into this game (30 total), they only commited 2 penalties for 10 yards this time around.
-Neither Terrell Owens or Marion Barber had a Touchdown in this game, while Patrick Crayton had the best game of his career with 7 Receptions for 184 yards and 2 Touchdowns.
-And, I gotta point out, for the 4th straight week in a row, the Cowboys are absoultely dominating in the second half of these games. It almost seems as though the first half is more about studying the oppononents' weaknesses and trying to get them in a comfort zone, while the second half is all about exploiting them. I smell a genius strategy from Wade Phillips and Jason Garrett, and I love it.
The second quarter started to look just as frightening as the Rams drove the ball close enough for a field goal. However, the Stars must have been aligned just right, and Jeff Wilkins missed the easy 28 yard Field Goal attempt.
Things were starting to look good for the 'Boys as Tony Romo drove from their 20 yard line to St. Louis' 2 yard line, with Julius Jones punching home the Touchdown to finally put some points on the board. Ah, a little breathing room.
Nothing lasts forever though, as the pendulum of momentum swung the other way. Nearing the end of the half, a Mat McBriar punt ended in catastrophe when Dante Hall ran the ball the whole way back for an 85 yard Touchdown. Tied at 7-7, It was beginning to look as though the Rams had a fighting chance. St. Louis' Issac Bruce did guarantee a victory, after all.
The next drive started with some potential for the 'Boys. They managed to get the ball from their 24 yard line to the 50 in just 4 plays, and the end of the half was less than a minute away.
It was 3rd down with 3 to go, and only :56 seconds left in the half when, Andre Gurode, snaps the ball well over Romo's head and it flips and flops about 33 yards behind the line of scrimmage. Romo was chasing after the ball like a farmer trying to russle up a greased pig. At this point, it was the worst possible thing to happen... well, it might have been for most teams, but luckily the Dallas Cowboys have a true playmaker in Tony Romo.
Impossible as it seems, Romo was able to snatch up the ball at about the 17 yard line, follow a few lead blockers, juke out St. Louis' Raonall Smith, get back to the 50 yard line and sure enough, add on 4 more yards for the first down to really make a statement. This will undoubtely be the 'Play of the Week' on many sports shows tomorrow morning. And the magic wasn't over yet. 5 plays later, when Dallas was 15 yards from the goal line, Romo couldn't find an open receiver so he ran it the Touchdown himself. Dallas would take the lead 14-7 going into the half. This should pretty much be the proof to sceptics that Romo has what it takes to contend with any defense out there (Rams defense was rated #7 overall going into this week.)
That drive seemed to be all the momentum that Dallas needed. On their first possession after the half, Romo lauched a short pass to Patrick Crayton, who managed to avoid a tackle and run the ball in for a 56 yard Touchdown. Now leading 21-7, it started to become a little easier to breathe at this point.
The next Dallas possession ended with a deep pass and another catch for Crayton who ran it in for a 37 yard Touchdown. 28-7.
The Rams had a nice drive after the second Crayton Touchdown, and drove all the way to the Dallas 10. Unfortunately for the Rams, the Stars were once again lined up perfectly as Ken Hamlin intercepted a horribly thrown ball in the End Zone. This led to another successful Cowboys drive that ended with a 17 yard pass to Jason Witten for the Touchdown. Now 35-7 and 2 minutes until the 4th quarter, it would be near impossible for these Rams to rally a victory.
And sure enough, the Rams were just too battered to do anything more. They were forced to punt 2 more times, and Dallas slowly ran out the clock, even bringing in Brad Johnson as Quarterback and Tyson Thompson as Halfback to run the clock down to 00:00. The Cowboys go 4-0, the Rams go 0-4. I say, Bring on the Bills!
P.S.
Just because I forgot to mention a few things.
-Greg Ellis was back in the game for the first time since tearing his ACL last November, and had 2 tackles and 1 1/2 sacks.
-Terence Newman was in and getting more playing time ending with 4 tackles. Newman had to pick up the slack due to the fact that Anthony Henry sprained his right ankle in the first quarter and was out for the game.
-Dallas is currently leading the league in total points for the season with 151 and is 4th all-time for total points scored in 4 consecutive games.
-Although Dallas was leading the league in penalties coming into this game (30 total), they only commited 2 penalties for 10 yards this time around.
-Neither Terrell Owens or Marion Barber had a Touchdown in this game, while Patrick Crayton had the best game of his career with 7 Receptions for 184 yards and 2 Touchdowns.
-And, I gotta point out, for the 4th straight week in a row, the Cowboys are absoultely dominating in the second half of these games. It almost seems as though the first half is more about studying the oppononents' weaknesses and trying to get them in a comfort zone, while the second half is all about exploiting them. I smell a genius strategy from Wade Phillips and Jason Garrett, and I love it.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Week 1 - Week 3 Mini Recaps
Week 1 - Vs the New York Giants
Sunday Night Opener for Dallas, and what a show. Ok, so it started out kind of slow with the Giants leading 6-3 after the 1st quarter. Dallas took the lead going into the half 17-16, and after the half, things really heated up. Dallas' defense wasn't as powerful as it should've been, but it's early in the season, give em time. Tony Romo and Jason Witten connected beautifully most of the game. The back and forth shootout ended with Dallas ahead 45-35, and Brandon Jacobs, Osi Umenyiora, and even Eli Manning going out because of injuries. Go Dallas!
Week 2 - At Miami
Again, this game started slow, with the half ending 10-6 Dallas, but as soon as Halftime was over, it was time to get to work. Dallas exploited Miami's overrated defense, and Dallas' defense was definitely improving from last week, intercepting Trent Green 4 times, and recovering a fumbled snap. Tony Romo is definitely not a fluke, and led this Offense to a 37-20 final, with Dallas in the lead again. 2-0 Baby!
Week 3 - At Chicago
Sunday Night again. Tony Romo and the offense seemed a little shakey during the first half (Again!) The defense seemed a little more improved than last week. Rex Grossman was as inconsistant as ever. Going into the half 3-3, but after halftime, the Second Half Superstars that are the Dallas Cowboys, took total control of the game. An 89-yard touchdown drive began the 3rd quarter, and the offensive smackdown never stopped. 34-10 would be the final score, as Dallas goes 3-0. Yippie Kye Aye MotherF**kers!
Sunday Night Opener for Dallas, and what a show. Ok, so it started out kind of slow with the Giants leading 6-3 after the 1st quarter. Dallas took the lead going into the half 17-16, and after the half, things really heated up. Dallas' defense wasn't as powerful as it should've been, but it's early in the season, give em time. Tony Romo and Jason Witten connected beautifully most of the game. The back and forth shootout ended with Dallas ahead 45-35, and Brandon Jacobs, Osi Umenyiora, and even Eli Manning going out because of injuries. Go Dallas!
Week 2 - At Miami
Again, this game started slow, with the half ending 10-6 Dallas, but as soon as Halftime was over, it was time to get to work. Dallas exploited Miami's overrated defense, and Dallas' defense was definitely improving from last week, intercepting Trent Green 4 times, and recovering a fumbled snap. Tony Romo is definitely not a fluke, and led this Offense to a 37-20 final, with Dallas in the lead again. 2-0 Baby!
Week 3 - At Chicago
Sunday Night again. Tony Romo and the offense seemed a little shakey during the first half (Again!) The defense seemed a little more improved than last week. Rex Grossman was as inconsistant as ever. Going into the half 3-3, but after halftime, the Second Half Superstars that are the Dallas Cowboys, took total control of the game. An 89-yard touchdown drive began the 3rd quarter, and the offensive smackdown never stopped. 34-10 would be the final score, as Dallas goes 3-0. Yippie Kye Aye MotherF**kers!
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