Week 3 Recap - Dallas (27) @ Houston (13)

Dallas absolutely had to win this game. They were facing an 0-3 start to their season, which would historically give them a 3% chance to even make the playoffs. A team filled with talent but were playing undisciplined and sloppy, beating themselves more than not.

So what did they do? Well, they figured out some of their problems and got together as a team. Wade did what he does to motivate them in these moments of desperation and they followed. Jason Garrett dumbed down his fancy play-calling and went back to playing a gritty chess match. These Dallas Cowboys did what they had to do and won the game.

Believe me when I said that they "won" the game. They didn't get lucky because of inexcusable Texan penalties and fall into victory, they played a hell of a game and deserved this win.


The defense gave it their all and more. Dallas had 4 sacks, all on 3rd down plays with Ware leading the charge with 3 and Keith Brooking with a late game sack in the red zone. They also got their first turnover(s) of the year with Jenkins intercepting one, Spencer and Newman getting a fumble, and rookie Danny McCray with a 4th quarter interception to pretty much put the game away.

Hell I almost forgot to mention the goal line stands by the defense. The game should have been Dallas 27 and Houston 6 because twice in the red zone the defense held them to a field goal and the only touchdown came late in garbage time. This defense was playing lights out and didn't let Schaub get into any kind of rhythm.


The offense... Superb. Tony Romo was near perfect, hitting 23 of 30 for 284 yards and 2 touchdowns, which were shockingly both to Roy Williams who ended up with 117 yards on 5 catches. Witten, Bryant, Austin and even Bennett and Hurd all made clutch catches throughout the game, with Bryant especially showing signs of greatness, with time he has all the qualities of a top tier receiver.

The running game was also prominently featured. Garrett was calling up run after run early in the game, mostly Barber who ended up with 55 yards and Felix Jones with 43 yards. Choice had a couple yards but thankfully they decided to play it basic with just a feature back and a change of pace back. Also, there was no stupid razorback/wildcat formation, good decision Garrett, I hope you ripped all the wildcat plays out of the playbook, we don't need 'em.


Another big worry heading into the game was kicker David Buehler, who was 2 for 4 successful field goals in the first two games, both misses were crucial. He must have practiced like hell because this might have been his final game if he screwed up, and he didn't.

It was obvious that Wade was hesitant to let Beuhler kick on the first drive when they were at 4th and 2 with a 46 yard field goal possible and instead they went for it, unsuccessfully. Faith was restored when he nailed a 49 yard field goal to end the first half, giving Dallas a 10-3 lead going into the locker room. He also kicked a 40 yarder late in the 4th quarter to cushion the lead to 27-6 with just 3 minutes left in the game. He saved his job for at least another 2 weeks.


All in all it was a win, and a win solves all problems... for a little while anyway. Dallas was playing with their backs against the wall and they fought hard. They still showed some problems with penalties and although the running game was working, I'm sure they would have like a better average than 3.7 a rush, but it all worked out in the end.

Another negative was the injuries of Kyle Kosier and Jason Witten, who both sprained their knees. Kosier may miss upwards to 4 weeks, but at least they are going into the bye week, which should be a great time to rehab. Witten's injury was less severe and he should be good to go after the bye.


The Cowboys are going to need to play with this same desperation for the rest of the season... every game from here on out has to be a 'must-win' game. If it works, why fix it. They need to continue focusing on fundamentals and stick to the basics. Throw in some tricks here and there, but overall they just need to come out and beat teams, this team is talented beyond belief, if you just let them play, they will win.

Next up after the bye week is The Tennessee Titans, with the major threat of Chris Johnson and a slowly improving Vince Young. Let's Go Cowboys, Let's Go!


P.S.

Even with Dallas at 1-2, they are still tied for second place in the NFC East, with Philly in the lead at 2-1 but Washington and The Giants both at 1-2. Thankfully all four teams are pretty weak this year and if The Cowboys get their game together, they still have a great shot at taking the division.



-- Posted From My iPad