Cowboys Nation Checks In

[O-Factor]

A few thoughts

The Cowboys offense is going to be very prolific this year. I was really impressed with the way Garrett called the game. I love the aggressiveness of the aerial attack, while also staying committed to the run. I would like to see MB3, start however, AND use him in goal line situations, while using Julius as the change of pace back. The Oline played really well also. Tony had a lot of time to find his guys. Even without Terry Glenn, our passing attack proved to be very formidable with Owens, Witten, Crayton and Hurd. Tony is also proving to be a smart QB by not always having an eye for Owens and hitting the open guy. Even after he threw a pick, he came right back and hit Hurd for a 51 yard td. If the Cowboys have to outscore opponents to win, they can. But you can’t expect that every week.

Defensively, we NEED Newman back. But I’d venture to say that the Cowboys should sit Newman this week against Miami. Cowboys can win this game without him. Plus it would give Newman another week of rest. Against the Giants there was just a lot of missed tackles and missed assignments, especially while the Cowboys were in zone....and then there is Roy. Not to mention we were missing two IMPORTANT starters. Considering the Cowboys are breaking in a new defensive scheme and were lost at times, that stuff is correctable. The defensive line played decent against a Giants Oline that have been together a while. But come mid season, I expect a vastly improved defense. If we could just hold teams from 14-20pts a game, the Offense should take care of the rest. If that is not the case, then we will probably still make playoffs, but not go deep.

Miami....well see how Wade and Cam Cameron(Fin's HC) match up against eachother after going against eachother every day in practice for the last few years while they were with the Chargers. But the Cowboys just have better personnel and it shouldn't be a close game. Im just anxious for the defense to show me something, some improvement, anything...

[TheZackAttack!]

A few thoughts
I would like to see MB3, start however, AND use him in goal line situations, while using Julius as the change of pace back.

MB3 should be the starting RB and Juice should be the third down back unless in goal line situations. Plus it would help me fantasy wise aswell :greedy

[peewee's lovechild]

MB3 should be the starting RB and Juice should be the third down back unless in goal line situations. Plus it would help me fantasy wise aswell :greedy

Are you insane????
Jones as a third down back???

He's not suited for that.

[peewee's lovechild]

The Boys will win this one and I'm pretty sure that the defense will be much better this time around. Wade looked pissed off in the sidelines last week when the D would get burned.

They will be an improved unit this week. But, if Reeves gets killed again . . . I'm going to set his house on fire with his family in it.

[O-Factor]

Defense Believes Giants Mistakes Are Correctable

IRVING, Texas - The New York Giants scored 35 points. They gained 438 total yards, higher than any total from 2006. Quarterback Eli Manning threw for four touchdowns and 312 yards, the first time he surpassed the 300-yard mark since Week 2 of last season.

Not exactly the type of debut Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips wanted for his defense, which was rescued by the offense's highest scoring total in seven years - also matching last year's season high.

As the team straggled into the Valley Ranch locker room some 12 hours after Sunday's 45-35 victory, the defensive players weren't satisfied with their performance but felt most of Sunday's problems were correctable.

"Take your hat off to them - they had a good effort, they played hard," defensive end Chris Canty said of the Giants' offensive production. "But the mistakes that we made cost us. And it's evident in the score. I think we're a much better defense than we showed yesterday."

The simplicity of those mistakes - missed tackles and assignments - bothered head coach Wade Phillips, but he liked the defense's aggressive mentality throughout the game without starting cornerback Terence Newman (plantar fascia) and Greg Ellis (heel).

"We knocked some of their guys out of the game," Phillips said. "I thought we were real physical, but we were over-aggressive at times by missing tackles instead of breaking down.

"We just made mistakes. A guy was supposed to drop in a curl and he rushed, and they hit the curl for 14 or 16 yards on third down one time. Things like that. We have to go back because we as coaches think they know everything we know and they've progressed as far as we think they have and maybe we haven't. So we may have to simplify certain things."

Inside linebacker Bradie James said some mistakes stemmed from communication problems that can occur early in the season. Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips said home crowd noise can play a factor, but he was more concerned with the defense's mental errors.

One example occurred on the third play from scrimmage, when Giants receiver Plaxico Burress beat cornerback Anthony Henry 60 yards on a slant route for a touchdown.

Henry took the blame Monday, saying, "I went inside and the safety had to go away, so that was a mistake on my behalf." But Phillips said Burress never should've gotten behind the coverage because the Cowboys were playing a two-deep zone.

Phillips refused to single out players and deflected several questions about strong safety Roy Williams' performance in coverage aside from his team-high eight tackles. He said the Cowboys played less man-to-man coverage without Newman, who was kept inactive after testing his partially torn plantar fascia in pre-game warmups.

"Our coverage overall wasn't good enough, obviously," Phillips said. "We really had some pressure but we just didn't play our zone stuff well enough. We had guys doubled and they caught it for touchdowns. And those kind of things bother you a little bit."

Jacques Reeves, who started in place of Newman, received a game ball from Phillips after recording two tackles and an interception against the Giants. Phillips said he's hopeful Newman can get closer to returning to practice this week.

"We realize we can give different looks with him with his speed and quickness," Henry said of Newman. "But you have to make adjustments throughout the game. We felt like it was important for us to rest him, get himself back to 100 percent so it don't be a lingering problem throughout the season."

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news.cfm?id=F1DDA8CC-0B04-D5BA-779E83324B534B88

[TheZackAttack!]

Are you insane????
Jones as a third down back???

He's not suited for that.

shit your right, I guess I was thinking with his speed we should try to utilize Juice a little more in the passing game. Have Romo hit him out in the flats. Juice does have something to prove this year if he wants a payday from some team next season.

[peewee's lovechild]

shit your right, I guess I was thinking with his speed we should try to utilize Juice a little more in the passing game. Have Romo hit him out in the flats. Juice does have something to prove this year if he wants a payday from some team next season.

Yea, moving him into the flats is a good idea. But, I would really like to see them running some more sweeps with him.

[peewee's lovechild]

I was really hoping that Garrett would employ a pro-set offense featuring both Barber and Jones. That would have been the best thing to do with both RBs.

It worked last year with New Orleans.

[O-Factor]

I was really hoping that Garrett would employ a pro-set offense featuring both Barber and Jones. That would have been the best thing to do with both RBs.

It worked last year with New Orleans.

Who knows, maybe Garrett has that up his sleeve?

[samikeyp]

I was really hoping that Garrett would employ a pro-set offense featuring both Barber and Jones. That would have been the best thing to do with both RBs.

It worked last year with New Orleans.

That would be cool.

Spot on about Newman. His absence proved why he was the only pro bowl-worthy DB in Dallas last year.

[Booharv]

Barber>>>>Jones.

[Whisky Dog]

When you score 45 in an NFL game, you don't change a damn thing on offense. There's no reason to switch the RB around when they are already set in their roles and are comfortable with them. If Barber gets too many more carries he'll lose effectiveness due to his physical running style. I think they are being used very well right now with no reason to change.

[peewee's lovechild]

When you score 45 in an NFL game, you don't change a damn thing on offense. There's no reason to switch the RB around when they are already set in their roles and are comfortable with them. If Barber gets too many more carries he'll lose effectiveness due to his physical running style. I think they are being used very well right now with no reason to change.

But, just imagine the damage the running game can do if you have a pro-set offense. And, Barber won't lose his effectiveness if they give him a few more carries. I would do the same thing they did last week, which was to increase his carries as the defense wore out. That was a smart move.

But, having both of them in the same backfield would be fucking awesome.

Also, I'm not going to get too cocky about posting 45 pts on a mediocre Giants defense. Let's see what happens when they go up against a real defense. I believe they can do it. I just want to see how well they work against a capable defense.

[leemajors]

But, just imagine the damage the running game can do if you have a pro-set offense. And, Barber won't lose his effectiveness if they give him a few more carries. I would do the same thing they did last week, which was to increase his carries as the defense wore out. That was a smart move.

But, having both of them in the same backfield would be fucking awesome.

Also, I'm not going to get too cocky about posting 45 pts on a mediocre Giants defense. Let's see what happens when they go up against a real defense. I believe they can do it. I just want to see how well they work against a capable defense.
:tu

[TheZackAttack!]

Cowboys replace Redskins as NFL's most valuable franchise


NEW YORK -- The Dallas Cowboys wrested the title of the NFL's most valuable franchise from the rival Redskins, knocking Washington off the top of the list for the first time in eight years, according to Forbes magazine's annual survey.

Thanks to a new $1 billion stadium set to open in 2009, the Cowboys' value increased by 28 percent -- by far the largest jump among NFL teams this year -- to $1.5 billion. They climbed from third to first in the rankings, leapfrogging the Redskins ($1.467 billion) and the New England Patriots ($1.199 billion).

The new stadium added about $350 million to the Cowboys' value. Jerry Jones can now boast that he owns the world's most valuable sports franchise, according to Forbes.

The Houston Texans and the Philadelphia Eagles again round out the top five and remain the only other franchises worth more than $1 billion.

Both New York teams also enjoyed big jumps in the rankings because of a planned stadium. The Giants moved from 15th to eighth with a 9 percent increase to $974 million. The Jets went from 19th to 10th with a 10 percent improvement to $967 million.

Their jointly owned, $1.3 billion facility is scheduled to open in 2010. The stadium added about $50 million to each franchise's value. That number is smaller than the Cowboys' because the venue isn't as far along. Forbes expects that the two teams' rankings will continue to climb as the stadium nears completion.

The Cleveland Browns were the only franchise whose value decreased. They rank ninth at $969 million, down from $970 million.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3018143

[scott]

MB3 can't carry the load as a starter. He hasn't been a full time back since high school. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

[Whisky Dog]

MB3 can't carry the load as a starter. He hasn't been a full time back since high school. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Exactly. They have enough shit to fix on defense without fucking up the chemistry of an offense that seems to be in rhythm. If any problems arise on offense later then you address them. Not now when things are rolling and everyone is confident in their role.

I'm not against a pro set as an added wrinkle, but if they haven't been working on it at all during training camp they might want to start off slowly and only introduce a bit at a time.

[TLWisfoine]

A few thoughts

The Cowboys offense is going to be very prolific this year. I was really impressed with the way Garrett called the game. I love the aggressiveness of the aerial attack, while also staying committed to the run. I would like to see MB3, start however, AND use him in goal line situations, while using Julius as the change of pace back. The Oline played really well also. Tony had a lot of time to find his guys. Even without Terry Glenn, our passing attack proved to be very formidable with Owens, Witten, Crayton and Hurd. Tony is also proving to be a smart QB by not always having an eye for Owens and hitting the open guy. Even after he threw a pick, he came right back and hit Hurd for a 51 yard td. If the Cowboys have to outscore opponents to win, they can. But you can’t expect that every week.

Defensively, we NEED Newman back. But I’d venture to say that the Cowboys should sit Newman this week against Miami. Cowboys can win this game without him. Plus it would give Newman another week of rest. Against the Giants there was just a lot of missed tackles and missed assignments, especially while the Cowboys were in zone....and then there is Roy. Not to mention we were missing two IMPORTANT starters. Considering the Cowboys are breaking in a new defensive scheme and were lost at times, that stuff is correctable. The defensive line played decent against a Giants Oline that have been together a while. But come mid season, I expect a vastly improved defense. If we could just hold teams from 14-20pts a game, the Offense should take care of the rest. If that is not the case, then we will probably still make playoffs, but not go deep.

Miami....well see how Wade and Cam Cameron(Fin's HC) match up against eachother after going against eachother every day in practice for the last few years while they were with the Chargers. But the Cowboys just have better personnel and it shouldn't be a close game. Im just anxious for the defense to show me something, some improvement, anything...

Why does everyone think that with Newman back that the defense is suddenly going to be elite or something? I'm not saying that the Cowboys don't need him back but last year Newman was healthy all year and the Cowboys defense still sucked. what was the problem? What they need is a pass rush.

[Whisky Dog]

Why does everyone think that with Newman back that the defense is suddenly going to be elite or something? I'm not saying that the Cowboys don't need him back but last year Newman was healthy all year and the Cowboys defense still sucked. what was the problem? What they need is a pass rush.

If their secondary actually stays in somewhat of a tight coverage and makes the QB actually go past his first read the defense has time to get a rush. The secondary was so out of place in the 1st game that Eli was hitting one read and go routes all game. They (mainly Williams, Henry, and Reeves) just need to get in the correct positions and play the correct coverage more than 20% of the time.

[O-Factor]

Why does everyone think that with Newman back that the defense is suddenly going to be elite or something? I'm not saying that the Cowboys don't need him back but last year Newman was healthy all year and the Cowboys defense still sucked. what was the problem? What they need is a pass rush.


Not saying that having Newman back will fix all of our defensive woes, Not at all. But it does help when you have a corner, who over the last two years, has given up only 2 tds. Granted, one was to Mike Williams! Last Sunday the secondary looked worse than it ever did last season. Word out of Cowboys camp was that there was a lot of missed assignments adjusting to a new scheme, and sloppy tackling. Fix that, or limit those mistakes, get you best cover corner back and hey, its a step to get this defense on track.

[TLWisfoine]

Not saying that having Newman back will fix all of our defensive woes, Not at all. But it does help when you have a corner, who over the last two years, has given up only 2 tds. Granted, one was to Mike Williams! Last Sunday the secondary looked worse than it ever did last season. Word out of Cowboys camp was that there was a lot of missed assignments adjusting to a new scheme, and sloppy tackling. Fix that, or limit those mistakes, get you best cover corner back and hey, its a step to get this defense on track.

Hopefully so my friend.

[O-Factor]

Cowboys' Ware in a rush to be fear factor
LB hopes to scare opponents, like Dolphins' Taylor does




By CALVIN WATKINS / The Dallas Morning News
[email protected]

IRVING – DeMarcus Ware wants to be what Jason Taylor is right now.

Feared.

Ware is getting there.

As he starts his third season, Ware, the Cowboys' outside linebacker, has 19 ½ career sacks and earned his first Pro Bowl berth last season.

But Ware wants more.

"Jason Taylor has that speed and the power," Ware said. "He has a lot of moves I try to incorporate in pass rushing. Yeah, you like to be feared like that guy. I do admire him when it comes to looking at pass rushing and all that stuff."

Sunday, when the Cowboys and Miami Dolphins meet, Taylor and Ware will be the most dangerous defensive players on the field.

Taylor, Miami's defensive end, is a five-time Pro Bowl selection and the reigning NFL defensive player of the year.

He is third among active players in career sacks, with 107. Since 2000, no NFL player has more sacks than Taylor's 90 ½ .

"There's a reason why he's the NFL defensive player of the year," Cowboys left tackle Flozell Adams said.

Ware is just getting started. He moved from college defensive end to pro outside linebacker. He made the adjustment and excelled at it, especially last season when the Cowboys lost the other starting outside linebacker, Greg Ellis, in Week 9 of last season to a torn Achilles' tendon.

In Ellis' absence, Ware had 6 ½ sacks and 38 tackles.

Opposing offenses are now starting to fear him.

"Just a great player, a great young player," Miami coach Cam Cameron said. He's "an ascending player that you need to account for on every play. Obviously, we know that, but everybody else in the league knows it as well. It's going to be a heck of a challenge for us."

Ware is trying to get better. He's learning karate to improve his hand coordination when he faces tackles and running backs on the pass rush.

Taylor understands what Ware is going through. The players talked at last year's Pro Bowl about techniques and how to rush different offensive linemen.

A bond has developed between them."I'm flattered he aspires to be me, but he's got plenty of talent and he has the things he can do on his own," said Taylor, an 11-year veteran. "He's an outstanding player who has a lot of room to grow, I think."

The players' backgrounds are similar. Neither is from a football powerhouse – Ware is from Troy University, while Taylor went to the University of Akron.

"That's how small-school guys are. They have that fire about them, being the underdog," Ware said. "Jason Taylor steps to that next level and that's what I'm trying to do. I'm saying I'm not there yet mentally, but I'd say I'm there physically."


OFF TO A GOOD START
Here's a look at DeMarcus Ware and Jason Taylor in their first two NFL seasons:


JASON TAYLOR
Year G GS Tackles Sacks
1997 13 11 50 5
1998 16 15 52 9
DEMARCUS WARE
Year G GS Tackles Sacks
2005 16 16 65 8
2006 16 16 82 11 ½


http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/football/cowboys/stories/091407dnspocowlede.36d4dc2.html

[TheZackAttack!]

the young guns on dallas's d are sick.

just sick.

they should have worked out something with parcells so he could still run things on draft day

also julius jones (don't call him juice, that nickname is taken and it sucks) is better all-around than marion barber

barber just has a nose for the end zone, and the kid's got guts. he's not great in short yardage situations otherwise.

Im bringing the Juice nickname back. Barber is not great in short yardage situations????? What are you talking about. The guy has a motor that wont quit. Wow that is news to me.

[leemajors]

MB3 can't carry the load as a starter. He hasn't been a full time back since high school. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
this is true, but i would have liked to see him get a couple more carries than he did last week. i just love how he initiates contact instead of ducking out of bounds.

[L.I.T]

Yea, moving him into the flats is a good idea. But, I would really like to see them running some more sweeps with him.

Sweeps would be good addition.

But I wonder if their line is mobile enough to really pull and get out in front of him. I know they are athletic and a mauling group at the point of attack...but hasn't Leonard Davis' weakness been blocking in space?

[L.I.T]

Im bringing the Juice nickname back. Barber is not great in short yardage situations????? What are you talking about. The guy has a motor that wont quit. Wow that is news to me.

If you saw the statistics in the last game, the guy was the worst in the league in 3 and 1 and 4 and 1 situations; with only a 50% conversion rate.

Wade identified this as an area he needs to work on.

[peewee's lovechild]

Sweeps would be good addition.

But I wonder if their line is mobile enough to really pull and get out in front of him. I know they are athletic and a mauling group at the point of attack...but hasn't Leonard Davis' weakness been blocking in space?

Have you seen Leonard Davis throw people around? And, he's pretty damn mobile, suprisingly so. He's up for it.

[Whisky Dog]

Sweeps would be good addition.

But I wonder if their line is mobile enough to really pull and get out in front of him. I know they are athletic and a mauling group at the point of attack...but hasn't Leonard Davis' weakness been blocking in space?

His weakness was having to deal with speed rushers from the tackle position, a position he hadn't played at all until the dumbasses in Arizona decided to take their strongest, most physical lineman and put him outside. Being able to pull and kick out a backer or safety is completely different from having to handle a speed rush as a tackle.

[johnsmith]

When did every team get a "nation", and why are we all (including me) using this phrase. "Broncos nation", "Cowboy Nation", wasn't that just something the Raiders had? And if it was, what in the hell are we all doing copying the Raiders?

[peewee's lovechild]

His weakness was having to deal with speed rushers from the tackle position, a position he hadn't played at all until the dumbasses in Arizona decided to take their strongest, most physical lineman and put him outside. Being able to pull and kick out a backer or safety is completely different from having to handle a speed rush as a tackle.

He was completely mishandled in Arizona.

I think he'll have a pretty good career in Dallas.

[peewee's lovechild]

When did every team get a "nation", and why are we all (including me) using this phrase. "Broncos nation", "Cowboy Nation", wasn't that just something the Raiders had? And if it was, what in the hell are we all doing copying the Raiders?

Sorry about that.

We'll just go with the staple:


AMERICA'S TEAM

[johnsmith]

Sorry about that.

We'll just go with the staple:


AMERICA'S TEAM


Fuck you.


Eh, at least it's not copying the Raiders though.

[peewee's lovechild]

Fuck you.


Your team is three Super Bowl wins shy of giving you the privilege to speak that way.

Until then, fuck yourself.

[johnsmith]

Your team is three Super Bowl wins shy of giving you the privilege to speak that way.

Until then, fuck yourself.


Noted.

[peewee's lovechild]

Noted.

Good.

I'm glad we had this talk.

[O-Factor]

When did every team get a "nation", and why are we all (including me) using this phrase. "Broncos nation", "Cowboy Nation", wasn't that just something the Raiders had? And if it was, what in the hell are we all doing copying the Raiders?


Dallas Cowboys
http://www.firstandtensportsden.com/store/images/product_images/VINYLMAGNET-COWBOYS.jpg

Most consecutive winning seasons (20) (1966-1985)
Most seasons with at least 10 wins (24)
Most post season appearences (28)
Most playoff games played (54, winning 32)
Most appearences in NFC title game (14)
Most Super Bowl appearances (9)
Most SuperBowl wins (5, tied with 49ers and Steelers)
1st team to win 3 Super Bowls in 4 years
....and is now the most valuable sports team on the planet

Yes, we are a nation, we have fans everywhere, we are America's Team,

[TMSKILZ]

Cowboys rule baby! Lets go DFense!

[TLWisfoine]

http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/I/411ozksOzOL._AA280_.jpg

[StylisticS]

Yes, we are a nation, we have fans everywhere, we are America's Team,

Wonderful post O-Factor but the Bronco fan is correct. We are not a nation. We are just simply America's Team which is much more envious around the league than just a single nation. Let the Raiders be Raidernation. Let the Packers be Titletown. It's a unique title for a team. We are America's Team, not Cowboysnation. Even though we have the largest fanbase in the NFL.

[TLWisfoine]

Wonderful post O-Factor but the Bronco fan is correct. We are not a nation. We are just simply America's Team which is much more envious around the league than just a single nation. Let the Raiders be Raidernation. Let the Packers be Titletown. It's a unique title for a team. We are America's Team, not Cowboysnation. Even though we have the largest fanbase in the NFL.

:toast

[gino>yourlife]

Go Cowboys!!

[jaespur21]

Im really hoping The boys D holds the FINS below 13 points. is david boston playing for the FIns this year? i know chambers is a tough guard. either way i see the boys starting the year 2-0

[Whisky Dog]

Im really hoping The boys D holds the FINS below 13 points. is david boston playing for the FIns this year? i know chambers is a tough guard. either way i see the boys starting the year 2-0

Boston was released and is now without a team as far as I know. The key will be to stuff the running game and have the coverage actually be in the correct position most of the time (which doesn't seem too much to ask for considering most HS teams can at least line up correctly and stay in coverage). If that happens Green has to go to his 2nd and third reads and the pressure can either get him or force him into mistakes.

[kskonn]

I am going to jump back on the Barber Jones thing, I like the set up the way it is. I think people like barber because everyone likes the under dog. Personally I think the reason they work so well together is because their skill sets are exactly opposite. Every time the cowboys ran jones outside last week they had pretty good success. However he was getting hit at the line of scrimmage and still grinding out 4 yards, so Jones in my opinion is underated by a lot of cowboys fans. this reminds me of when emmitt was starting and everyone wanted hambrick to be the starter, once it happened the defenses tore him apart. having two good backs is really a luxury and we should ride it out as long as we can, not sure if jones will be back next year or not.

[kskonn]

Also I think we saw how good Anthony Henry and Terrence Newman make roy williams look, or should say how less crappy they make him look in coverage. When he actually has to be a safety and help out a weeker cornerback he is exposed. So in my opinion having newman back will help a lot. It will atleast give the cowboys line 1-2 secconds more time to get the quarterback which could be the difference between one sack in a game or four sacks.

[jaespur21]

well boston is gone but ted ginn jr is out there wide and another receiver whom i cant thing of right now. whomever is out there the ONLY way the Fins can beat the boys is big plays. with those receivers.

I cant see the Fins rushing for 100+yds. from what i saw last week Ratliff played very well and hopefully Jay steps up and fills in nicely for Ferguson. if he does So, no way the Fins can shove the ball down our throats, and our defense can have several third and long situations

[Chris]

Jones is garbage. I've had enough of his crap. He better show us all something this year or mark my words, he's gone.

[BeerIsGood!]

well boston is gone but ted ginn jr is out there wide and another receiver whom i cant thing of right now. whomever is out there the ONLY way the Fins can beat the boys is big plays. with those receivers.

I cant see the Fins rushing for 100+yds. from what i saw last week Ratliff played very well and hopefully Jay steps up and fills in nicely for Ferguson. if he does So, no way the Fins can shove the ball down our throats, and our defense can have several third and long situations

Well, the one thing I can say is that they don't have a receiver in the caliber of Plaxico Burress. I also don't think Trent Green can dial it up anywhere near where Eli was while he was "on" last Sunday.

I'm not sure about the Dolphins' defense. They're usually really good, but they are currently near the bottom of the league in defense after giving up a ton of yards to a redskin offense that doesn't look to be very good at all. The redskins couldn't finish for shit, but I like Dallas' ability to finish much better and put up some points if the Dolphins don't play any better defense.

[jaespur21]

I'm not sure about the Dolphins' defense. They're usually really good, but they are currently near the bottom of the league in defense after giving up a ton of yards to a redskin offense that doesn't look to be very good at all.
the boys have had shitty games against the skins lately but i wouldnt say our D is worse in the L. Either way the Boys beatin the Dolphins

[peewee's lovechild]

I am going to jump back on the Barber Jones thing, I like the set up the way it is. I think people like barber because everyone likes the under dog. Personally I think the reason they work so well together is because their skill sets are exactly opposite. Every time the cowboys ran jones outside last week they had pretty good success. However he was getting hit at the line of scrimmage and still grinding out 4 yards, so Jones in my opinion is underated by a lot of cowboys fans. this reminds me of when emmitt was starting and everyone wanted hambrick to be the starter, once it happened the defenses tore him apart. having two good backs is really a luxury and we should ride it out as long as we can, not sure if jones will be back next year or not.

:tu

[peewee's lovechild]

http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/I/411ozksOzOL._AA280_.jpg

Dude, I gotta have this shirt!!!!

[TLWisfoine]

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/7228238


Joey Porter takes jabs at Marion Barber

Alex Marvez
FOXSports.com, Updated 2 hours ago
DAVIE, Fla. - Miami Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter admits he's "not where I want to be at right now" because of knee surgery that forced him to miss the entire preseason.

But Porter's mouth already is in midseason form.

Known as one of the NFL's biggest trash-talkers, Porter took several jabs at Dallas running back Marion Barber when asked by FOXSports.com for the key to stopping the Cowboys offense in Sunday's game at Dolphin Stadium.

"Barber thinks he's a tough guy sometimes," Porter said of a player who had an NFC-high 14 rushing touchdowns in 2006. "He likes to get into the secondary and lower his shoulder and try to run people over to see if he's this real physical running back. I love running backs who play like that. It's a challenge.

"I love a cocky guy. He's a cocky guy. That makes two cocky guys in the game. Somebody has to give. That's my type of fight, so I'm going to be looking for him."

Porter should receive more playing time Sunday, which will bolster a Dolphins defense gouged for 400 total yards by the Redskins. Cameron said Miami had targeted strong-side linebacker as its top priority in free agency, as the franchise wanted to generate a better pass rush by taking advantage of the double-team blocking received by reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Jason Taylor.

"I'm going to be looking for (Dallas) to try and run the ball," Porter said. "I know they feel they can because of all the yards we gave up last week. In the back of their minds, they have to be thinking that's what they want to come out here and get established.

"We're going to be sitting here waiting on it."
Just like Barber should be awaiting an earful of noise from Porter on Sunday.

[Switchman]

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/7228238


Joey Porter takes jabs at Marion Barber

Alex Marvez
FOXSports.com, Updated 2 hours ago
DAVIE, Fla. - Miami Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter admits he's "not where I want to be at right now" because of knee surgery that forced him to miss the entire preseason.

But Porter's mouth already is in midseason form.

Known as one of the NFL's biggest trash-talkers, Porter took several jabs at Dallas running back Marion Barber when asked by FOXSports.com for the key to stopping the Cowboys offense in Sunday's game at Dolphin Stadium.

"Barber thinks he's a tough guy sometimes," Porter said of a player who had an NFC-high 14 rushing touchdowns in 2006. "He likes to get into the secondary and lower his shoulder and try to run people over to see if he's this real physical running back. I love running backs who play like that. It's a challenge.

"I love a cocky guy. He's a cocky guy. That makes two cocky guys in the game. Somebody has to give. That's my type of fight, so I'm going to be looking for him."

Porter should receive more playing time Sunday, which will bolster a Dolphins defense gouged for 400 total yards by the Redskins. Cameron said Miami had targeted strong-side linebacker as its top priority in free agency, as the franchise wanted to generate a better pass rush by taking advantage of the double-team blocking received by reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Jason Taylor.

"I'm going to be looking for (Dallas) to try and run the ball," Porter said. "I know they feel they can because of all the yards we gave up last week. In the back of their minds, they have to be thinking that's what they want to come out here and get established.

"We're going to be sitting here waiting on it."
Just like Barber should be awaiting an earful of noise from Porter on Sunday.

^^ Cause

Just now...effect haha.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

I guess his type of fight is go at it til your helmet comes off.

[O-Factor]

:ihit with 3 minutes left in the game. Marion Barber 89 yards on 14 carries, 2 tds.....Porter, 2 tackles.

[dirk4mvp]

Did anybody see how Porter was lookin on the sidelines when they did a closeup on him ?

[ggoose25]

here

[dougp]

Go boys - TO's camera was hilarious.

[peewee's lovechild]

Tony Romo made some crazy plays today.

[leemajors]

romo looked a lot better overall today. his shake on taylor was awesome.

[peewee's lovechild]

romo looked a lot better overall today. his shake on taylor was awesome.

I know I'm going to be called out for saying this, but what the fuck . . . he reminded me of Brett Favre on that particular play and he had a couple of other plays that were very Favre-esque.

[TMSKILZ]

#9 is the real deal baby! Next wk against ''Da Bears'' is going to be tough, their "D" is as good as advertised.

[Whisky Dog]

the Cowboys played great considering they had problems with their airplane and had to make an unscheduled emergency landing in New Orleans.

From what I heard they just took Flozell Adams into the cockpit because that guy can false start anything.

[TMSKILZ]

That was a low blow whisky dog!

[O-Factor]

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/7228238


Joey Porter takes jabs at Marion Barber

Alex Marvez
FOXSports.com, Updated 2 hours ago
DAVIE, Fla. - Miami Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter admits he's "not where I want to be at right now" because of knee surgery that forced him to miss the entire preseason.

But Porter's mouth already is in midseason form.

Known as one of the NFL's biggest trash-talkers, Porter took several jabs at Dallas running back Marion Barber when asked by FOXSports.com for the key to stopping the Cowboys offense in Sunday's game at Dolphin Stadium.

"Barber thinks he's a tough guy sometimes," Porter said of a player who had an NFC-high 14 rushing touchdowns in 2006. "He likes to get into the secondary and lower his shoulder and try to run people over to see if he's this real physical running back. I love running backs who play like that. It's a challenge.

"I love a cocky guy. He's a cocky guy. That makes two cocky guys in the game. Somebody has to give. That's my type of fight, so I'm going to be looking for him."

Porter should receive more playing time Sunday, which will bolster a Dolphins defense gouged for 400 total yards by the Redskins. Cameron said Miami had targeted strong-side linebacker as its top priority in free agency, as the franchise wanted to generate a better pass rush by taking advantage of the double-team blocking received by reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Jason Taylor.

"I'm going to be looking for (Dallas) to try and run the ball," Porter said. "I know they feel they can because of all the yards we gave up last week. In the back of their minds, they have to be thinking that's what they want to come out here and get established.

"We're going to be sitting here waiting on it."
Just like Barber should be awaiting an earful of noise from Porter on Sunday.



Barber Shows His Toughness To Porter, Dolphins
Nick Eatman - Email
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
September 17, 2007 12:05 AM

MIAMI - He said he didn't hear it. He said he wasn't aware of anything even after the game. He also said he didn't have any words with a certain Dolphins linebacker during the game.

While that might just be the case, Cowboys running back Marion Barber definitely played as if he heard the comments Miami's Joey Porter made earlier in the week, questioning the running back's toughness and saying he would be "looking for him" during the game.

In fact, Porter and Barber found each other before the game, when the two had a few heated words as the Cowboys exited the field and went back into the locker room.

And on Barber's first carry from scrimmage, Porter was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct after ripping Barber's helmet off after the play had ended.

But it was Barber who certainly got the last laugh on Sunday as the Cowboys rolled to a 37-20 win over the Dolphins.

The third-year tailback led the Cowboys with 89 yards on just 14 carries (6.4 yards per attempt) and scored two touchdowns, including a 40-yard game-clincher late in the fourth quarter.

"I don't really know about any of that," Barber said of Porter's comments. "We just went out and played football. That's all. I really don't know what you're talking about."

But it seems unlikely that Porter's comments, which appeared this week in a FOXSports.com story, didn't get back to Barber before kickoff.

Porter, a former Pro Bowl linebacker who signed with the Dolphins this past off-season, was rather opinionated about Barber, who is becoming one of the NFL's toughest runners.

"Barber thinks he's a tough guy sometimes," Porter reportedly said. "He likes to get into the secondary and lower his shoulder and try to run people over to see if he's this real physical running back. I love running backs who play like that. It's a challenge.

"I love a cocky guy. He's a cocky guy. That makes two cocky guys in the game. Somebody has to give. That's my type of fight, so I'm going to be looking for him."

He didn't have to look too far. While Barber fell short of getting his second 100-yard game, he did score two more touchdowns, giving him three in two games. Barber led the NFC last year with 14 rushing touchdowns.

While Barber might not have heard, or simply wanted to comment on Porter' statement, wide receiver Terrell Owens wasn't afraid to address the topic.

"I think Marion handled that situation very nicely - getting into the end zone twice," Owens said. "Marion, by no means, is going to shy from anyone. His name should be 'Marion Barbarian' because he has a nose and a knack for the goal line. If there is contact to be made, he's going to make it."

And for the record, Porter finished the game with two tackles.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news.cfm?id=11DB7C99-FC15-970D-ECFB101ACCB95903

[Dirk Nowitzki]

I am happy but then again we played the fucking fins. The O is great. The d-line however is our biggest weakness still. We need to put better pressure on the qb or this season will be exactly like last year. :madrun :madrun

[O-Factor]

I am happy but then again we played the fucking fins. The O is great. The d-line however is our biggest weakness still. We need to put better pressure on the qb or this season will be exactly like last year. :madrun :madrun

Same here, im satisfied with a win, but we still need work on D. No need to sugar coat all the turnovers our D had.

[samikeyp]

Barber Shows His Toughness To Porter, Dolphins
Nick Eatman - Email
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
September 17, 2007 12:05 AM

MIAMI - He said he didn't hear it. He said he wasn't aware of anything even after the game. He also said he didn't have any words with a certain Dolphins linebacker during the game.

While that might just be the case, Cowboys running back Marion Barber definitely played as if he heard the comments Miami's Joey Porter made earlier in the week, questioning the running back's toughness and saying he would be "looking for him" during the game.

In fact, Porter and Barber found each other before the game, when the two had a few heated words as the Cowboys exited the field and went back into the locker room.

And on Barber's first carry from scrimmage, Porter was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct after ripping Barber's helmet off after the play had ended.

But it was Barber who certainly got the last laugh on Sunday as the Cowboys rolled to a 37-20 win over the Dolphins.

The third-year tailback led the Cowboys with 89 yards on just 14 carries (6.4 yards per attempt) and scored two touchdowns, including a 40-yard game-clincher late in the fourth quarter.

"I don't really know about any of that," Barber said of Porter's comments. "We just went out and played football. That's all. I really don't know what you're talking about."

But it seems unlikely that Porter's comments, which appeared this week in a FOXSports.com story, didn't get back to Barber before kickoff.

Porter, a former Pro Bowl linebacker who signed with the Dolphins this past off-season, was rather opinionated about Barber, who is becoming one of the NFL's toughest runners.

"Barber thinks he's a tough guy sometimes," Porter reportedly said. "He likes to get into the secondary and lower his shoulder and try to run people over to see if he's this real physical running back. I love running backs who play like that. It's a challenge.

"I love a cocky guy. He's a cocky guy. That makes two cocky guys in the game. Somebody has to give. That's my type of fight, so I'm going to be looking for him."

He didn't have to look too far. While Barber fell short of getting his second 100-yard game, he did score two more touchdowns, giving him three in two games. Barber led the NFC last year with 14 rushing touchdowns.

While Barber might not have heard, or simply wanted to comment on Porter' statement, wide receiver Terrell Owens wasn't afraid to address the topic.

"I think Marion handled that situation very nicely - getting into the end zone twice," Owens said. "Marion, by no means, is going to shy from anyone. His name should be 'Marion Barbarian' because he has a nose and a knack for the goal line. If there is contact to be made, he's going to make it."

And for the record, Porter finished the game with two tackles.

Talk all the shit you want but if you don't back it up, it means nothing.

Scoreboard, Barber.

[ATRAIN]

Barber Shows His Toughness To Porter, Dolphins
Nick Eatman - Email
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
September 17, 2007 12:05 AM

MIAMI - He said he didn't hear it. He said he wasn't aware of anything even after the game. He also said he didn't have any words with a certain Dolphins linebacker during the game.

While that might just be the case, Cowboys running back Marion Barber definitely played as if he heard the comments Miami's Joey Porter made earlier in the week, questioning the running back's toughness and saying he would be "looking for him" during the game.

In fact, Porter and Barber found each other before the game, when the two had a few heated words as the Cowboys exited the field and went back into the locker room.

And on Barber's first carry from scrimmage, Porter was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct after ripping Barber's helmet off after the play had ended.

But it was Barber who certainly got the last laugh on Sunday as the Cowboys rolled to a 37-20 win over the Dolphins.

The third-year tailback led the Cowboys with 89 yards on just 14 carries (6.4 yards per attempt) and scored two touchdowns, including a 40-yard game-clincher late in the fourth quarter.

"I don't really know about any of that," Barber said of Porter's comments. "We just went out and played football. That's all. I really don't know what you're talking about."

But it seems unlikely that Porter's comments, which appeared this week in a FOXSports.com story, didn't get back to Barber before kickoff.

Porter, a former Pro Bowl linebacker who signed with the Dolphins this past off-season, was rather opinionated about Barber, who is becoming one of the NFL's toughest runners.

"Barber thinks he's a tough guy sometimes," Porter reportedly said. "He likes to get into the secondary and lower his shoulder and try to run people over to see if he's this real physical running back. I love running backs who play like that. It's a challenge.

"I love a cocky guy. He's a cocky guy. That makes two cocky guys in the game. Somebody has to give. That's my type of fight, so I'm going to be looking for him."

He didn't have to look too far. While Barber fell short of getting his second 100-yard game, he did score two more touchdowns, giving him three in two games. Barber led the NFC last year with 14 rushing touchdowns.

While Barber might not have heard, or simply wanted to comment on Porter' statement, wide receiver Terrell Owens wasn't afraid to address the topic.

"I think Marion handled that situation very nicely - getting into the end zone twice," Owens said. "Marion, by no means, is going to shy from anyone. His name should be 'Marion Barbarian' because he has a nose and a knack for the goal line. If there is contact to be made, he's going to make it."

And for the record, Porter finished the game with two tackles.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news.cfm?id=11DB7C99-FC15-970D-ECFB101ACCB95903


Barber is a beast!! IS he still num 2 on the depth chart?

[peewee's lovechild]

I am happy but then again we played the fucking fins. The O is great. The d-line however is our biggest weakness still. We need to put better pressure on the qb or this season will be exactly like last year. :madrun :madrun

Although there is concern with the D-line, it's the secondary that is our biggest weakness.

Do you remember seeing Plaxico running untouched last week?

[peewee's lovechild]

Barber is a beast!! IS he still num 2 on the depth chart?

Yes he is, and he should remain that way.

He's like Manu Ginobili, he's so much better off the bench.

[Whisky Dog]

Barber is a beast!! IS he still num 2 on the depth chart?

He doesn't start, but he's been finishing games. He's sort of like Manu, and I think like Manu it's a role that allows him to make the greatest impact for the team.

[Whisky Dog]

Although there is concern with the D-line, it's the secondary that is our biggest weakness.

Do you remember seeing Plaxico running untouched last week?


We've gotten away with 2 weeks without one of the best CB in football and a starting defensive end. With the Bears and Rex's horrible aim coming up do the Cowboys take the chance to sit Newman again to get rest even if he can go?

[ATRAIN]

He doesn't start, but he's been finishing games. He's sort of like Manu, and I think like Manu it's a role that allows him to make the greatest impact for the team.


So basically what pee wee said :)

[Whisky Dog]

So basically what pee wee said :)

He posted while I was typing.

[Dirk Nowitzki]

Although there is concern with the D-line, it's the secondary that is our biggest weakness.

Do you remember seeing Plaxico running untouched last week?

Unable to pressure the qb will kill the secondary no matter who is in it.

[peewee's lovechild]

Unable to pressure the qb will kill the secondary no matter who is in it.

You do have a point on the importance of being able to pressure the QB, but that doesn't change the fact that our secondary is the weaker component.

[TLWisfoine]

You do have a point on the importance of being able to pressure the QB, but that doesn't change the fact that our secondary is the weaker component.

How do you figure that? The secondary is weak no question, but with a good pass rush even the weakest secondary can look decent.

[peewee's lovechild]

The secondary is weak no question

That was the point I was making.

Don't get your confederate flag panties in a bunch.

[TLWisfoine]

That was the point I was making.

Don't get your confederate flag panties in a bunch.

But how is it the weakest link, ese!!!

[TLWisfoine]

Unable to pressure the qb will kill the secondary no matter who is in it.

Agree 100%

[peewee's lovechild]

But how is it the weakest link, ese!!!

(Ese)
LOL!!

It's been apparent that our secondary is weak. Jaques Reeves in week 1 was murdered over and over again. Anthony Henry got beat pretty bad a few times this past week, although he made up for it by picking off Trent Green.

But, the D-line has been consistent (as much as they can be) for the past two weeks. Demarcus Ware has been in the back field disrupting things and they were able to keep Jacobs/Ward to just about 100 yds in week 1 and kept the Maimi backfield to 60 yds.

But, add up the yards that the secondary has sacrificed during the past two weeks and compare that to what the D-line has given up.

Once again, yes we do need to play better at D-line, but the secondary is our biggest concern.

[TLWisfoine]

(Ese)
LOL!!

It's been apparent that our secondary is weak. Jaques Reeves in week 1 was murdered over and over again. Anthony Henry got beat pretty bad a few times this past week, although he made up for it by picking off Trent Green.

But, the D-line has been consistent (as much as they can be) for the past two weeks. Demarcus Ware has been in the back field disrupting things and they were able to keep Jacobs/Ward to just about 100 yds in week 1 and kept the Maimi backfield to 60 yds.

But, add up the yards that the secondary has sacrificed during the past two weeks and compare that to what the D-line has given up.

Once again, yes we do need to play better at D-line, but the secondary is our biggest concern.

I will say this though, with the way the Cowboys have the DB's playing off the recievers its not going to matter how good the pass rush is. If Phillips is going to continue to have the DB's play off the reciever like this, then Newman can't come back soon enough.

[kskonn]

I will say this though, with the way the Cowboys have the DB's playing off the recievers its not going to matter how good the pass rush is. If Phillips is going to continue to have the DB's play off the reciever like this, then Newman can't come back soon enough.


once newman comes back they will press more, becuase they will have a good corner on the right side that doesn't depend roy( i can't cover shit) williams to help him out. :fro

[TLWisfoine]

once newman comes back they will press more, becuase they will have a good corner on the right side that doesn't depend roy( i can't cover shit) williams to help him out. :fro

Then just as I said my friend, NEWMAN CAN'T COME BACK SOON ENOUGH!!! :)

[peewee's lovechild]

I will say this though, with the way the Cowboys have the DB's playing off the recievers its not going to matter how good the pass rush is. If Phillips is going to continue to have the DB's play off the reciever like this, then Newman can't come back soon enough.

They aren't quick enough to bump and cover, which is why I said that they make up the weaker component of our defense.

[Whisky Dog]

They were laying off the receivers all game to make Green throw underneath, then in the 2nd half changed it up to take away the check downs. That change threw the Dolphins' offense off. That's how Williams and Henry got their picks (Henry's 2nd). Hamlin's pick was on a horrible over throw, and Henry's 1st pick was on damn good coverage down the field.

[samikeyp]

Then just as I said my friend, NEWMAN CAN'T COME BACK SOON ENOUGH!!!

Amen.

[OdenCouchDynasty]

Cowboys kick ass.

[TLWisfoine]

They aren't quick enough to bump and cover, which is why I said that they make up the weaker component of our defense.

You have a point with Henry, but according to what I hear Reeves is just as fast if not faster than Newman.

[O-Factor]

Tony Romo and Mario Williams on the Jim Rome radio show "The Jungle" today. Show is between 11am-2pm. If interested in hearing the interviews today check your local affiliate below

TEXAS

ALICE KOPY-AM 1070

AMARILLO KPUR-AM 1440

AUSTIN KVET-AM 1300

BEAUMONT-PORT ARTHUR KBPO-AM 1150

COLLEGE STATION KZNE-AM 1150

CORPUS CHRISTI KSIX-AM 1230

DALLAS KHFX-AM 1460

EL PASO KHEY-AM 690

HOUSTON KILT-AM 610

SAN ANTONIO KTKR-AM 760

WACO KRZI-AM 1580

WICHITA FALLS KWFS-AM 1290

US

US-AT LARGE KROM-WW JIMROME.COM

UT

PROVO KOVO-AM 960

SALT LAKE CITY KALL-AM 700

SALT LAKE CITY KZNS-AM 1280

ST. GEORGE KZNU-AM 1450

[stretch]

I know the Cowboys won't do it, but I think when Newman comes back, we should start Newman and Reeves at CB, move Henry to safety, and bench Roy's slow ass.

[Taco]

Yo!!

[ATRAIN]

Ive never seen Marion Barber been called Marion the Barbarian, I love it

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-cowboys-marionthecloser&prov=ap&type=lgns

By any name, 'Marion the Barbarian' a vital part of Cowboys offense
By any name, 'Marion the Barbarian' a vital part of Cowboys offense, AP Photo MDS116
September 20, 2007

IRVING, Texas (AP) -- The moniker "MB3" served Marion Barber III pretty well for most of his life, at least through his rookie season with the Dallas Cowboys. Then Bill Parcells suggested Barber be known as "The Closer" because of his ability to end drives with touchdown runs.

Now teammate Terrell Owens has bestowed Barber with perhaps the most-fitting nickname: "Marion the Barbarian."

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Anyone who has seen him run, and certainly anyone who has tried tackling him, understands the reference.

The 6-foot, 221-pound Barber is what coaches call a downhill runner, someone who picks up steam as he chugs along. He lowers his shoulders and runs over defenders instead of going around them -- unless he first shoves them out of the way with a stiff arm.

But Barber is at his best in tight spaces, when he needs to bash open his own holes. Like near the goal line.

Barber led the NFC with 14 rushing touchdowns last season. Nine came from 3 yards or less. Only one covered more than nine yards.

"He kind of challenges people and dares not to be stopped," Owens said. "It's sort of barbaric. That's how I came up with the nickname."

Barber is tied for the NFL lead with three TDs this season. He had a pair Sunday in a victory over Miami: a typical 1-yarder burrowing through the line and a 40-yarder that was a career best by 12 yards.

Yet the play that sums up Barber's style was his very first carry against the Dolphins. It was only a five-yard gain around the right end, but it ended with his helmet being ripped off by trash-talking linebacker Joey Porter, drawing a personal foul.

Earlier in the week, Porter had said, "Barber thinks he's a tough guy sometimes. ... That's my type of fight, so I'm going to be looking for him." If this opening salvo was meant as further intimidation, it didn't work. Barber finished with 89 yards, his most in 26 games and the third-best of his career.

Asked this week if his opinion of Barber had changed, Porter said: "It doesn't matter."

Barber is no trash-talker. In fact, he's not much of a talker at all, at least not to reporters.

He's also not much of a complainer about splitting time with Julius Jones. Jones is the starter and Barber is, well, the closer.

Their combination is a classic blend of speed (Jones) and power (Barber). Jones gets more carries but Barber gets more out of his, averaging more yards per carry and, of course, piling up more TDs.

"It's a team," Jones said. "He's doing a good job. He breaks tackles well and he's productive. It's a good combination. If I'm having a tough day, where defenses are sticking me like they were (in Miami) that's when he breaks loose. I'm sure the same will go the other way. That's the way it is."

Fans have been wanting Barber to get the ball more since he was a rookie in 2005. Alas, this may be the one area where new coach Wade Phillips and Parcells agree the most: Why mess with a good thing? It's also worth noting that Barber was at his best in college when he shared the load at Minnesota with Laurence Maroney, now the starter in New England.

"I see everybody's point that Marion's doing some great things for us and that's what we hoped he'll do but the other guy is doing some good things for us too," Phillips said. "I think it's working the way we're doing it."

Even with Jones off to a slow start, the Cowboys have scored 82 points, most in the NFL. Their 47 points from inside the opponents' 20-yard line is more than 21 teams have scored overall.

That trend is likely to slow when Dallas goes to Chicago on Sunday night.

The Bears' ferocious defense is based on stopping the run. They've already slowed LaDainian Tomlinson and Larry Johnson and now will be ready for Barber and Jones.

"I think the main thing is they've got fresh legs in there all the time," Chicago linebacker Brian Urlacher said. "Jones is the straight-ahead speed guy. Barber is more of the cutback, patient guy."

Urlacher made no bring-it-on challenge, a la Porter.

He even seemed to take offense at the idea a Barbarian was headed his way.

"Is that what he is?" Urlacher said in a testy voice. "A smashmouth guy?"

He'll find out soon enough.

[peewee's lovechild]

That trend is likely to slow when Dallas goes to Chicago on Sunday night.

The Bears' ferocious defense is based on stopping the run. They've already slowed LaDainian Tomlinson and Larry Johnson and now will be ready for Barber and Jones.

"I think the main thing is they've got fresh legs in there all the time," Chicago linebacker Brian Urlacher said. "Jones is the straight-ahead speed guy. Barber is more of the cutback, patient guy."

Urlacher made no bring-it-on challenge, a la Porter.

He even seemed to take offense at the idea a Barbarian was headed his way.

"Is that what he is?" Urlacher said in a testy voice. "A smashmouth guy?"

He'll find out soon enough.

If ever Garret is going to try out the pro-set offense, now is the time to do it.
Make the Bears account for MBIII and Juice in the backfield.

[BacktoBasics]

If they can't establish even a small run game its going to be a long Sunday night. This will be a real test.

[O-Factor]

Dallas @ Chicago

Offensively, I'd love to see Garrett be really aggressive, open it up and have Romo firing away from the get go. Because the Bears are so good against the run, I think we should let the passing game open up the running game. I also think we need to put points up on the board first so that Chicago is forced to pass more. The more Rex Grossman has to pass, the more potential for Rex Grossman mistakes.
Of course Rex is one of those QBs who has a phenomenal game every now and then and has the arm to air it out to himself. Ideally I'd like to see Newman suited up but still take another week of rest. But if Rex is on I’d like to see Newman out there. I do like what I’m hearing out of Valley Ranch about Newman and how he is progressing.
Defensively we need to force some turnovers in this game, preferably from Grossman, to bring his confidence down. I still want to see more of a pass rush from the D-line and specifically from Ware. Hopefully in week 3 they will continue to progress in Wade's scheme.
I’m not to worried about punting to Hester as we have the best punter in the league who will give our unit time to get down field, but there is nothing wrong with playing it safe.

[StylisticS]

What this game is about is a classic matchup of trenches. Every football fan should know, if you win the battle of the trenches, you more than likely win the game. It is not more apparent than this game. Our oline (which has improved mightly this season) will have it's biggest test this season against Harris and the Bears Dline. Can our dline push the oline back and get to Grossman. If so, Grossman will buckle under pressure and the INT's and fumbles will come. Really looking forward to this one. We need this game. If we win this game, I think we are at this time, the class of the NFC.

[TLWisfoine]

Despite lack of title, WR wants to be leader on 'Boys


IRVING, Texas (AP) -- When the Dallas Cowboys picked their captains, Terrell Owens didn't make the cut.

So?

"I told the guys that I am a self-appointed captain," Owens said, laughing. "We had our first players' meeting right before our first game. Coach had the captains come up and say some things, and if anybody else wanted to say some things, they had the floor. I stood up and offered to be that self-appointed captain. Everybody kind of got a chuckle out of that."

Tony Romo and Jason Witten are the offensive captains. Bradie James represents the defense and Keith Davis the special teams.

If all four are ever inactive at the same time, then maybe coach Wade Phillips would send Owens out for the coin toss.

For now, though, Phillips will gladly settle for sending Owens out for passes -- and touchdowns.

T.O. has a TD catch in six straight games, one shy of the team record set by Frank Clarke in 1961-62 and matched by Bob Hayes in 1965-66. Clarke, Hayes and Michael Irvin also had six-game streaks.

Owens' roll is the longest going in the NFL. He's also got the second-longest streak of consecutive games with a catch, 154.

But, wait, that's not all.

-- Owens passed Don Maynard for 15th on the career receiving yardage list with 97 yards against Miami this past Sunday. His tally is up to 11,899, only five behind Irvin for No. 14 all-time.

-- Owens has 809 career catches, five from tying Keyshawn Johnson and Henry Ellard for No. 15 on that list. Six will put him at 14th with Shannon Sharpe.

At his usual rates, Owens will finish the year top 10 in both categories. He's already No. 4 in TD catches.

Owens might have a tough time moving up the lists Sunday night because the Cowboys will be facing a Chicago defense that's among the best in the league.

Then again, thanks in part to Owens, Dallas does have the league's most explosive offense thus far.

"We're going to be revved up just like they're going to be fired up," Owens said. "Our scheme is not going to change, just as well as their scheme is not going to change. We've just got to go out and play our brand of football."

Considering the numbers the Cowboys have put up, it's no surprise that Owens is happy with the way things have gone the first two games under new play-caller Jason Garrett.

"We're attacking. If that's a synonym for being aggressive, then, yeah, that's what we want to do," Owens said. "We want to attack and throw the ball downfield."

A great example came on fourth-and-5 from the Miami 34 with just over four minutes left in the game.

Dallas took a time out just before that play. Owens went to the coaches and let them know this would be a good time to get him the ball.

Tight end Jason Witten actually was the primary receiver on the play, but quarterback Tony Romo read the defense and looked to Owens instead. Both recognized that the cornerback was shading one way, so the route -- and the pass -- went another way, hitting Owens in stride in the end zone.

"I guess it was just that communication and that chemistry that you guys have been talking about between me and Tony," Owens said. "That was just a taste and a touch of what can go on throughout the season."

Romo hit Owens in the end zone earlier in the game, but he couldn't hold on to it, something about the sun being in his eyes. That obviously didn't affect Owens' confidence when he told coaches he wanted the ball.

"I welcomed the challenge," Owens said. "That's what I want. I want to put it on my shoulders to make play. ... I try to pick my times, but I'm always making requests. It was a situation where it was do-or-die. It was a fourth down situation where we needed to keep the chains moving a little bit, and obviously if we scored, it kind of put the game out of reach. It worked out for us."

Asked whether coaches knew he was more serious than usual in this pivotal moment, Owens said, "I'm always serious."

And he looked it when he said it.

So is it fair to say he demanded the ball on that play?

"It was a strong request," he said, laughing. "How about that?"

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/football/nfl/09/20/bc.fbn.cowboysnotebook.ap/

[TLWisfoine]

ESPN insider: Dallas v. Chicago

Earlier this week, our scouts filed their advance scouting report on this week's matchup between the Cowboys and Bears. Now they're back with a second look.

Matchup to watch
Chicago C Olin Kreutz vs. Dallas NT Jeremiah Ratliff
Kreutz is one of the few top centers in the game today. He is tough as nails, quick off the ball and very technically sound. He uses his hands especially well and has good mobility. Kreutz is the leader of the Bears' offensive line and has an excellent understanding of the game.

Ratliff is Ferguson's backup. He isn't a bad player by any stretch of the imagination, but he is nothing more than an upper-end backup and not someone who a 3-4 defense, like Dallas, wants playing a lot of snaps. His job is to occupy space and allow the Cowboys' inside linebackers to get downhill to the ball carrier.

Because Kreutz should handle Ratliff one-on-one, the Bears' guards will get to the second level unabated. So, Benson could be in for a very good day as an inside-runner.


Are these the two best teams in the NFC?
Right now, they are, but both teams have major question marks and neither team would be considered an elite AFC team after two weeks.

Chicago's defense and special teams are every bit as good as they were a year ago, which was good enough for a trip to the Super Bowl. The problem with the Bears is behind center. The Bears have more weapons than ever, but having Rex Grossman delivering the ball is a huge concern. Chicago would waltz into the postseason with a true caretaker quarterback, like Brian Griese or Kyle Orton, but Grossman's pension for misreading coverages and turning the ball over could eventually be enough to derail this train. He has only accumulated 254 passing yards in the first two games. Dallas' defense will throw many different looks at Grossman to force him into uncomfortable situations and when things go wrong, Grossman usually costs his team big.

While not as concerning as having a wildly erratic quarterback, the Cowboys have more than their share of questions on the defensive side of the ball. NT Jason Ferguson is lost for the year and his ability to eat space in the middle of the defense will be sorely missed. His backup, Jeremiah Ratliff, was very effective last week, but that was against an awful Dolphins' offensive line. This week he will have to line up against one of the best centers in the league in Olin Kreutz. Chicago will pound RB Cedric Benson between the tackles and test the interior of Dallas' defense. OLB Greg Ellis and star CB Terence Newman have yet to see the field this season because of injuries that very well could hamper them all year long. This will be a big problem for Dallas, because the depth behind Newman is suspect. Chicago will test the Cowboys' cornerbacks on many occasions this week and could be particularly effective off play-action if Benson is able to establish himself as an interior power runner.

What kind of impact can Tommie Harris have in this game?
It could be argued that Harris is the best player on either team. He is the best upfield, one-gap defensive tackle in the game today. He looks as explosive as ever after recovering from last year's serious hamstring injury. The Bears were very wise to bring him along slowly during the preseason. He anticipated snap counts and showed rare quickness in Week 1 as he disrupted the Chargers' offense on a consistent basis and last week against the Chiefs, he had two sacks. Harris is more important to the Bears' defense than any other player, including the great LB Brian Urlacher. Chicago's Cover-2 scheme is predicated on getting penetration against the run and a consistent pass-rush from its defensive linemen. Many teams run a version of the Cover 2, but none have a three-technique tackle in Harris' class, because true upfield defensive tackles are very difficult to find.

As the three technique, he usually lines up on the outside shoulder of the strongside guard and uses his extreme athleticism to beat a far inferior athlete off the snap. The Cowboys do not have anyone on their offensive line who can handle Harris one-on-one with any degree of consistency. The double teams and added attention that he will surely garner only makes Urlacher and the rest of Chicago's defensive players that much better. Dallas will have to be aware of Harris on every snap and he has the potential to completely disrupt a very good Cowboys' offense.

Under any circumstance, should the Cowboys punt to Devin Hester?
Mat McBriar is one of the best punters in the league, but the answer to this question is very easy. NO! Hester's return ability is one of the few things that Chicago has been able to rely on to score points, as he did against the Chiefs last week. By no means is putting the football in his hands a good idea. Not only is he fast, explosive and quick, but he is also tough and fearless as a punt-catcher. He doesn't shy away from contact and runs with conviction, but is so elusive that he rarely takes big shots. His best asset may be his field vision and he seems to see things a few moves ahead of normal speed and he is extremely confident in his immense abilities.

Bears special teams coach Dave Toub has done a fantastic job with Chicago's special teams in all facets. The Bears certainly deserve the special teams edge in this game and that holds true against any opponent they face. Their specialists are solid and reliable. Plus, their coverage teams are very strong and of course, their returner is simply elite. There is absolutely no reason not to concede a little bit of field position with a shorter punt out of bounds instead of letting Hester field it.

Scouts' Edge

The Scouts Inc. Position Advantage
QB RB WR OL DL LB DB ST Coach

D D D C C C C C C



This game has much more to it than the Scouts Inc. Advantage would lead you to believe. Dallas' offense and Chicago's defense are outstanding, but each team has questions on the other side of the ball.

If Newman is fully healthy, which is unlikely, Dallas might match him up on WR Bernard Berrian. This would favor Newman, but if he isn't 100 percent the Cowboys' defense will play a lot more zone-coverage and will be far less aggressive.

The Bears' offense has already turned the ball over six times this season and if that trend continues, their defense and special teams will not be able to bail them out against Dallas' outstanding offense. We don't trust Grossman to make good decisions in a game under the national spotlight, so we take the Cowboys on the road. This has all the makings of an outstanding football game.


Prediction: Cowboys 21, Bears 17

[TLWisfoine]

Bears wonder if numbers lie with Romo

BY GENE CHAMERLAIN
Chicago Sun Times Staff writer


The numbers say Tony Romo is the second-best quarterback in the NFL.

The Bears aren't so sure about the undrafted former Eastern Illinois star.

"I don't know," defensive end Adewale Ogunleye said. "I just know that he's the guy we're facing this week. I think we're going to try to do what we do best. He is a good quarterback, he does things well, but he has some weapons that make him look really, really good with T.O. (Terrell Owens) and those running backs and the tight end and, too, when they get Terry Glenn back. He has some weapons with him that make him look really good."

Romo's passer rating of 119.3 this season is second only to New England's Tom Brady (134.2) among quarterbacks with at least 25 pass attempts. Romo is tops in the NFC.

"I'm not trying to take anything away from him, but if you say (the Colts') Peyton Manning's a star and you say Romo's a star, I don't agree with you on that," Bears defensive end Alex Brown said. "I don't think they're in the same class. But no doubt he's good."

It's Romo's mobility and ability to make plays throwing outside the pocket that separate him from other quarterbacks.

"He kind of reminds me of a young Brett Favre, just in the way he creates plays and he makes things happen," Bears cornerback Charles Tillman said. "And he definitely can sling it in the hole. He makes some incredible throws that most quarterbacks probably wouldn't do. He's done it. He's a daredevil. So far, he's been good at it, so you definitely have to respect what he can do and what kind of throws he can make."

The Bears point out they match up well with mobile quarterbacks, and have had success in recent years against Favre, Michael Vick, Alex Smith and Daunte Culpepper (prior to Culpepper's knee injury).

"We've got 11 guys on defense who can pretty much run with anyone in this league, I think, especially a quarterback," middle linebacker Brian Urlacher said. "We've got a lot of guys who are pretty athletic, take good angles and get to the football. We swarm; we get so many guys to the football."

The idea would be to keep Romo from feeling comfortable with a heavy pass rush. Romo has played extensively in just 14 NFL games.

"Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Carson Palmer -I think they're viewed as the best in the league and they can get rattled from time to time," Brown said. "Anybody can be rattled."

http://www.dailysouthtown.com/sports/568143,092107bearsnb.article

[Trainwreck2100]

Simple formula don't kick it to Hester, let Rex be the Cowboys MVP.

[O-Factor]

Bears wonder if numbers lie with Romo

BY GENE CHAMERLAIN
Chicago Sun Times Staff writer


The numbers say Tony Romo is the second-best quarterback in the NFL.

The Bears aren't so sure about the undrafted former Eastern Illinois star.

"I don't know," defensive end Adewale Ogunleye said. "I just know that he's the guy we're facing this week. I think we're going to try to do what we do best. He is a good quarterback, he does things well, but he has some weapons that make him look really, really good with T.O. (Terrell Owens) and those running backs and the tight end and, too, when they get Terry Glenn back. He has some weapons with him that make him look really good."

Romo's passer rating of 119.3 this season is second only to New England's Tom Brady (134.2) among quarterbacks with at least 25 pass attempts. Romo is tops in the NFC.

"I'm not trying to take anything away from him, but if you say (the Colts') Peyton Manning's a star and you say Romo's a star, I don't agree with you on that," Bears defensive end Alex Brown said. "I don't think they're in the same class. But no doubt he's good."

It's Romo's mobility and ability to make plays throwing outside the pocket that separate him from other quarterbacks.

"He kind of reminds me of a young Brett Favre, just in the way he creates plays and he makes things happen," Bears cornerback Charles Tillman said. "And he definitely can sling it in the hole. He makes some incredible throws that most quarterbacks probably wouldn't do. He's done it. He's a daredevil. So far, he's been good at it, so you definitely have to respect what he can do and what kind of throws he can make."

The Bears point out they match up well with mobile quarterbacks, and have had success in recent years against Favre, Michael Vick, Alex Smith and Daunte Culpepper (prior to Culpepper's knee injury).

"We've got 11 guys on defense who can pretty much run with anyone in this league, I think, especially a quarterback," middle linebacker Brian Urlacher said. "We've got a lot of guys who are pretty athletic, take good angles and get to the football. We swarm; we get so many guys to the football."

The idea would be to keep Romo from feeling comfortable with a heavy pass rush. Romo has played extensively in just 14 NFL games.

"Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Carson Palmer -I think they're viewed as the best in the league and they can get rattled from time to time," Brown said. "Anybody can be rattled."

http://www.dailysouthtown.com/sports/568143,092107bearsnb.article

Wow, talk about a lack of respect for romo. Excellent material to motivate Romo and the team. Fuck Ogunleye and Brown. I can't wait for this game.

[TLWisfoine]

Wow, talk about a lack of respect for romo. Excellent material to motivate Romo and the team. Fuck Ogunleye and Brown. I can't wait for this game.

100% Agree!!!

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Running back Jackson latest Rams starter to miss time with injury
Associated Press

Updated: September 24, 2007, 7:07 PM ET

ST. LOUIS -- St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson will miss at least one week with a partial tear of his left groin, an injury sustained in the fourth quarter of Sunday's 24-3 loss at Tampa Bay.

Rookie Brian Leonard, a second-round pick from Rutgers, will get his first start Sunday at Dallas. Offensive coordinator Greg Olson was hopeful Jackson would be out only one game.

"He's one of our best players, if not the best player," Olson said. "As we tell our players, anytime someone gets injured the rest of us have to pick up the slack.

"We'll find a way to spread the ball around."

The 0-3 Rams learned they lost Jackson a day after guard Mark Setterstrom was lost for the season with a torn left knee ligament and cartilage damage. Setterstrom is the second lineman the Rams have lost this season, after seven-time Pro Bowl tackle Orlando Pace sustained a season-ending shoulder injury in the opener.

The Rams were in conservative mode against the Buccaneers, intent on protecting quarterback Marc Bulger. Olson disclosed Monday that Bulger was playing with two broken ribs, an injury likely sustained in the opener when he was sacked six times.

Bulger also played Sunday wearing a sleeve to protect a bruised knee.

"We wanted to keep Marc clean and keep him healthy and limit the shots he was taking," Olson said. "Your margin for error is small when you play it that way."

Coach Scott Linehan said Jackson, who had 115 yards on 30 carries, was hurt making a cut. He said Jackson stayed in the game for a while after being hurt but said it was "noticeable" that Jackson was injured.

Last year, Jackson led the NFL with 2,334 yards rushing and receiving. He had been held to 118 yards rushing and four catches for 39 yards the first two weeks, enjoying his first productive day of the year before being hurt.

Leonard made his first four carries of the season on Sunday, gaining 21 yards, and had one reception for 6 yards. He has six catches for 41 yards on the year.

The Rams gave Leonard a lot of playing time in the preseason while conserving Jackson for the regular season. Leonard expanded his duties to fullback after the Rams released Madison Hedgecock before the opener.

"We think he'll be capable of taking over that role in Steven's absence, hopefully for just a game," Olson said.

Setterstrom is the latest loss to a banged-up offensive line. Along with Pace, guard Richie Incognito is still out with a high ankle sprain sustained in the preseason.

Linehan said he thought Incognito would be questionable again this week.

Setterstrom rose through the ranks after being taken in the seventh-round of the 2006 draft, the 242nd overall selection. He was inactive the first nine games before cracking the lineup due to injuries, starting the final six weeks.

Setterstrom was carted off after he was hurt blocking on Jeff Wilkins' 25-yard field goal in the fourth quarter. Linehan said an MRI exam revealed torn cartilage along with the torn ligament.

"He's a young guy and should be able to bounce back from this next season," Linehan said. "We'll be looking at some replacement possibilities in the next 24 to 48 hours."

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3034672

[TLWisfoine]

Running back Jackson latest Rams starter to miss time with injury
Associated Press

Updated: September 24, 2007, 7:07 PM ET

ST. LOUIS -- St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson will miss at least one week with a partial tear of his left groin, an injury sustained in the fourth quarter of Sunday's 24-3 loss at Tampa Bay.

Rookie Brian Leonard, a second-round pick from Rutgers, will get his first start Sunday at Dallas. Offensive coordinator Greg Olson was hopeful Jackson would be out only one game.

"He's one of our best players, if not the best player," Olson said. "As we tell our players, anytime someone gets injured the rest of us have to pick up the slack.

"We'll find a way to spread the ball around."

The 0-3 Rams learned they lost Jackson a day after guard Mark Setterstrom was lost for the season with a torn left knee ligament and cartilage damage. Setterstrom is the second lineman the Rams have lost this season, after seven-time Pro Bowl tackle Orlando Pace sustained a season-ending shoulder injury in the opener.

The Rams were in conservative mode against the Buccaneers, intent on protecting quarterback Marc Bulger. Olson disclosed Monday that Bulger was playing with two broken ribs, an injury likely sustained in the opener when he was sacked six times.

Bulger also played Sunday wearing a sleeve to protect a bruised knee.

"We wanted to keep Marc clean and keep him healthy and limit the shots he was taking," Olson said. "Your margin for error is small when you play it that way."

Coach Scott Linehan said Jackson, who had 115 yards on 30 carries, was hurt making a cut. He said Jackson stayed in the game for a while after being hurt but said it was "noticeable" that Jackson was injured.

Last year, Jackson led the NFL with 2,334 yards rushing and receiving. He had been held to 118 yards rushing and four catches for 39 yards the first two weeks, enjoying his first productive day of the year before being hurt.

Leonard made his first four carries of the season on Sunday, gaining 21 yards, and had one reception for 6 yards. He has six catches for 41 yards on the year.

The Rams gave Leonard a lot of playing time in the preseason while conserving Jackson for the regular season. Leonard expanded his duties to fullback after the Rams released Madison Hedgecock before the opener.

"We think he'll be capable of taking over that role in Steven's absence, hopefully for just a game," Olson said.

Setterstrom is the latest loss to a banged-up offensive line. Along with Pace, guard Richie Incognito is still out with a high ankle sprain sustained in the preseason.

Linehan said he thought Incognito would be questionable again this week.

Setterstrom rose through the ranks after being taken in the seventh-round of the 2006 draft, the 242nd overall selection. He was inactive the first nine games before cracking the lineup due to injuries, starting the final six weeks.

Setterstrom was carted off after he was hurt blocking on Jeff Wilkins' 25-yard field goal in the fourth quarter. Linehan said an MRI exam revealed torn cartilage along with the torn ligament.

"He's a young guy and should be able to bounce back from this next season," Linehan said. "We'll be looking at some replacement possibilities in the next 24 to 48 hours."

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3034672

Just made this next game all the more easier. Oh and get well Steve

[TheZackAttack!]

Wish the Rams were'nt so banged up. Its going to make for a VERY lopsided game. Looks like we won't have another competitive game till the Pats come to town.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Bears-Cowboys Game Highest Rated TV Program Since 'Idol' Finale
26th September, 2007 - 11:26 am
Chicago Tribune -
High marks
"NBC Sunday Night Football," featuring the Bears-Cowboys matchup, was the top prime-time program for the third consecutive week.

That's the first time in Nielsen People Meter history, since September 1987, that the NFL's premier prime-time game has been the top show for three straight weeks.

The game was also the top-rated television broadcast since May's "American Idol" finale.

http://www.realgmfootball.com/src_wiretap_archives/5900/20070926/bears_cowboys_game_highest_rated_tv_program_since_ idol_finale/

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Take Your Pick
Henry Leading Charge In Interception Outbreak

Nick Eatman
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
September 26, 2007 5:58 PM

IRVING, Texas - Three games, eight interceptions.

That's quite a feat for any team, considering no other defensive unit in the NFL has more than six so far this season.

But it's even more surprising from the Cowboys, who were sitting with eight picks last year through the first eight games and needed seven games in 2005 before grabbing that eighth interception.

Half of them this year have gone to one player - cornerback Anthony Henry, who leads the NFL with four interceptions, including two more last Sunday against the Bears, one of which was returned for a touchdown. And all of it earned him NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.

And to think, the Cowboys are doing all of this without their best cornerback in the starting lineup.

Or is "best" even accurate anymore? Even Terence Newman, who missed the first two games with a partially torn plantar fascia and returned last week in limited action on the dime package, made a bold statement while he playfully interrupted an interview Henry was doing this week.

"Anthony Henry - best cornerback in the league," Newman said. "The best cornerback in the league. Not (just) on the team, but in the league."

Statistically speaking, that is accurate. No other player has more interceptions than Henry, who also has eight pass deflections this year, including four against Chicago.

Through three games, the veteran cornerback has already doubled his interception total from last season. Henry had a team-high 23 pass deflections last year but is already on a pace to exceed that.

So what's the difference?

"I don't really know if it's one thing specifically," Henry said. "I think I've come in more focused this year on some of the little things like technique and footwork. But I'm feeling much better this year. I think I'm really healthy right now. Just playing with a lot of confidence. But that's something, as a cornerback, you've always got to have that."

But not too much confidence.

While it's been said all the good cornerbacks have a bad memory, able to block out bad plays and focus on making the next great play, Henry said the same thing applies when things are looking good.

"It works both ways - you have to forget about those good plays, too," Henry said. "Because if you start thinking you're playing well, then you start relaxing. And when you do that, you'll get beat. So you have to just play hard on every play and not get overconfident."

Henry can't help but overflow with confidence these days. And that should only increase once Newman finally returns to the starting lineup. However, Newman practiced with the second-team defense on Wednesday and head coach Wade Phillips said he's not sure Newman will be ready to start against the Rams and their usually potent offense Sunday at Texas Stadium (noon, CDT).

If Newman is again relegated to just the slot corner in the dime package, Henry said it won't change his approach to the game. But he did say having to play the first three games without Newman on the other side has helped him refocus in his preparation.

"I'm always going to step up to the challenge," Henry said. "I think for the most part, all of us looked at that and wanted to step up. We knew one of our top guys was out. Jacques (Reeves) had done a great job and for the most part, we haven't missed a beat. But to get Terence back is going to set us higher and put us in a better situation to succeed."

Not that Henry has been hurting for success. But he just might be the one who benefits the most when Newman comes back at full speed.

The Cowboys have often used Newman to not only follow the opponent's top receiver, but at times, play in single coverage while Henry and the rest of the secondary has been in more of a zone look.

"When (Newman) he comes back, we'll be able to do a few more things with our coverages," Henry said. "We won't do that many things different. But it'll be some new stuff, just because Terence is one of the best cornerbacks in the league."

But remember, that's what Newman is saying about Henry.

Either way, the Cowboys will probably need two, if not three good cornerbacks for Sunday's game against the Rams. While St. Louis enters the game with an 0-3 mark, that's about the only blemish Henry said he sees from the offense on film.

"They've got a really good offense over there and really strong passing game," Henry said of the Rams. "You've got guys like (Marc) Bulger and Torry Holt and (Isaac) Bruce. They've got some good weapons. I know they haven't won a game yet, but they've got some players."

And more than that, Henry said they've got "smart players," which can make for even longer preparation during the week.

"You've got to be ready for these guys," Henry said. "I would say, aside from the Colts, this team is up there, in terms of their route-running and their precision on offense. Their receivers run really good routes and their quarterback does a good job of getting the ball out on time. They have a lot of timing routes. So you have to be on your game with them."

But that won't be anything different for Henry, who became just the second player in Cowboys history to record consecutive multiple-interception games, and the first since Everson Walls in 1981.

"He's just taking advantage of his opportunities," said Phillips, who added that Henry's instincts and preparation in the film room is also helping him succeed. "He's a real smart player, too. I think he does a real good job of knowing where the help is and knowing when he can go. He learns well from experience in the game. And if they run the same routes over and over he's going to get one."

Or in Henry's case based on the last two weeks, he just might get two.

http://dallascowboys.com/news.cfm?id=440CB7AB-F433-11C4-4E33B27AE3555A14

[StylisticS]

that the NFL's premier prime-time game has been the top show for three straight weeks.

And two of those games involved America's Team.

[peewee's lovechild]

And two of those games involved America's Team.

America's Team, baby!!!!!!!!!!!!

[TLWisfoine]

Newman Now Dealing With Knee Tendinitis

Mark Norris - Email
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
September 27, 2007 6:55 PM

IRVING, Texas - Cowboys cornerback Terence Newman practiced again Thursday on a limited basis, and appears poised once again to contribute at least in the nickel package as the slot corner in Sunday's game against the St. Louis Rams.

But interestingly enough, Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips said Newman's problematic plantar fascia, the one with the slight tear in the right heel he's been nursing for more than a month, seems less of a problem these days than the patella tendinitis he has in developed in one of his knees.

"He does have some tendinitis, and that's what is holding him back more than anything," Phillips said. "I think we've gotten pretty close to getting the foot OK and then he's come up with his knee bothering him a little bit."

Phillips still didn't seem keen on starting Newman against the Rams, still wanting to ease him back onto the field. Newman held down the slot on the team's nickel defense Sunday at Chicago, getting in about 20 plays without any noticeable problems in his first appearance of the season. While Newman did say he could feel a little pain in his foot, there he was late in the game asking the head coach if he could return a punt.

That means Jacques Reeves should start his fourth game at left corner, a position he will eventually assume on the nickel defense once Newman moves back into the starting lineup. Reeves was projected to take over those responsibilities when the Cowboys decided to release veteran Aaron Glenn, who was the team's nickel back the past two seasons.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news.cfm?id=4967265D-0432-C632-A55902795748A2C7

[TheZackAttack!]

Isaac "The" Bruce guaranteed a Rams victory this weekend. If people were wondering about us not being motivated, no need to worry now.

http://rams.scout.com/2/684069.html

[peewee's lovechild]

Isaac "The" Bruce guaranteed a Rams victory this weekend. If people were wondering about us not being motivated, no need to worry now.

http://rams.scout.com/2/684069.html

So Isaac Bruce = Fillmoe??

Damn, who would've known.

[O-Factor]

So Isaac Bruce = Fillmoe??

Damn, who would've known.

Nah, he's gotta be Maurice clarett. Dumb as fuck.

[Walter Craparita]

Why not rest Newman during these two weeks of scrub teams.

[O-Factor]

After hearing that he has knee tendinitis, that would be a good ideal. We can win by outscoring these next 2 opponents, but on the other hand I'd like to see Newman take shot to numb the pain and get in game shape for when the pats come to town.

[peewee's lovechild]

After hearing that he has knee tendinitis, that would be a good ideal. We can win by outscoring these next 2 opponents, but on the other hand I'd like to see Newman take shot to numb the pain and get in game shape for when the pats come to town.

God damn, we're going to need him for that Pats game.

I think easing him into game shape is not a bad idea. Phillips has it planned out well.

[TLWisfoine]

Phillips says Ellis' chance to play Sunday is 50-50

Phillips rates chance to play 50-50, but linebacker isn't so sure

By ALBERT BREER / The Dallas Morning News


IRVING – Before Thursday's practice, Cowboys outside linebacker Greg Ellis sounded less than optimistic on the condition of aching left heel saying, "I've still got problems with it. I'm not there yet."

Less than four hours later, coach Wade Phillips issued a revision to that statement.

"I think you need to talk to him again," said Phillips when apprised of Ellis' comments. "He practiced, and he seemed to be confident after practice. We'll see how he does tomorrow. It's 50-50, but I feel better about it."

Ellis went through full team drills and played in the dime defense for the first time, a day after going through his first full-contact work since the start of training camp. The coach emphasized several times, by flipping an imaginary coin, that Ellis' status is very much up in the air.

If Ellis returns Sunday against the Rams, he'll probably be worked back into the lineup the way cornerback Terence Newman was in Chicago, with playing time coming on passing downs.

"It's made a lot of progress," Ellis said of his heel. "It's a year deal. From when I first started having the problems in training camp to now, it's a huge difference on the positive side. But still, it's not all the way there."

http://cowboys.beloblog.com/

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Quick Hits: Ellis, Newman Game-time Decisions

Nick Eatman
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
September 28, 2007 7:03 PM

IRVING, Texas - While the Cowboys will have a pair of game-time decisions to make Sunday morning on the injury front with Greg Ellis and Terence Newman, they already know a few players who will be out of the lineup against the Rams (noon, CDT) at Texas Stadium.

Backup safety Keith Davis, arguably the team's most valuable special teams player, has been ruled out of the game with the sprained shoulder he suffered last week in Chicago. And his safety backup, rookie Courtney Brown, will now miss what would have been his NFL debut with a biceps injury he suffered in practice this week.

The Cowboys will have to rely on starters Roy Williams and Ken Hamlin, along with Pat Watkins at safety in this game. Cornerback Nate Jones has taken some reps at safety, and could be used in an emergency situation.

The Cowboys don't seem to be counting on fullback Oliver Hoyte, who has been limited in practice this week with a neck injury and is listed as doubtful on the injury report. Also, wide receiver Terry Glenn will miss his fourth straight game, still recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery on Sept. 13.

But the real question marks for Sunday's game involve Ellis and Newman.

Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips said both players will be "game-time decisions" after being limited in practice this week and listed as questionable on the official injury report.

Ellis, who suffered the torn Achilles injury last November, participated in more practice this week than he has since the week leading up to last year's Nov. 12 game against Arizona when he suffered his injury. The veteran outside linebacker is considered 50-50 to play, and if he does, Phillips said he likely would be in the nickel defense as a spot pass-rusher.

And even though Newman eased back onto the field last Sunday after missing the first two games with a partially torn plantar fascia in his right foot, he also is being listed as questionable for Sunday. Phillips said the fifth-year corner now has developed some knee tendinitis which has become more bothersome than his foot.

Newman played for the first time this season against the Bears, working only in the nickel as the slot cornerback. Newman has continued to practice with the second-team defense this week, and according to Phillips, likely will have the same role against the Rams.

Phillips said Newman asked to return a punt in the fourth quarter against the Bears. While he was denied then, the head coach expects Newman to return punts in the near future.

But punt returns won't be the only part of special teams affected by injuries.

Without Davis, Phillips said he'll likely need "three or four" players to replace him.

Davis is the up-back on the punt team and is expected to be replaced there by wide receiver Patrick Crayton, who also will still be returning punts. Phillips said cornerback Evan Oglesby, inactive last Sunday, would help on the kickoff coverage team.

"Different guys will have to move around," Phillips said. "I don't know if it's one specific guy because we have about three different guys that play his position."

Cowboys linebacker Bobby Carpenter, another valuable special teams member, is listed as probable with a partially torn quad tendon. He missed practice on Wednesday and has been limited the past two days in practice but is expected to play against the Rams.

With Carpenter hobbled and Ellis a game-time decision, the Cowboys will likely have rookie Justin Rogers ready to play outside linebacker, backing up starters DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Terence Newman: Game-time decision
Greg Ellis: Game-time decision
Keith Davis: out
Terry Glenn: out
Courtney Brown(Davis backup): out
Oliver Hoyte: doubtful
Bobby Carpenter: probable

[TheZackAttack!]

Locking Up Romo Long Term No Issue To Jones

Mickey Spagnola - Email
DallasCowboys.com Columnist
September 30, 2007 7:19 PM



IRVING, Texas - On a Sunday he became the bottom line in the Dallas Cowboys' 35-7 victory over the St. Louis Rams, here is the absolute bottom line on the future of Tony Romo:

He's going to be the Cowboys' quarterback for the rest of this year. He's going to be the Cowboys' quarterback next year. And if he keeps up what he has done for the first four games of the team's so-far undefeated 2007 season (4-0), he will be a Cowboys quarterback until the day he retires.

Do not worry about any hysterical dot-com reports, or the fact Romo is in the final year of his two-year extension or that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has not knocked out a long-term extension during this season.

Romo is not going anywhere.

"I'm not trying to be impolite about it and trite, and I don't want to be insensitive to anybody, but we certainly all need to be possibly thinking about this after the season is over," Jones said after Romo put up his third, 300-yard passing performance in the first four games of this season. "It's not an issue of whether he's going to be our quarterback of the future.

"Again, the detail of whether we're moving or not moving on all of that, that would distort what's happening. What's happening is we're just sitting here playing football, not doing a thing and we've got each other for a long time.

"We're just fine the way we're operating. I know he is and we are, too."

To his credit, Romo has said little about signing an extension or possibly a long-term deal after the season has been completed. He seems more preoccupied with winning than with guaranteed millions. And he's certainly not playing as if there is this intense pressure to perform in a contract-drive season.

It's almost as if Romo has this sixth sense, just as he does when he's avoiding oncoming pass rushers in the pocket, that this contract thing will take care of itself in due time.

So after the game when asked about the contract, about guaranteed money - there was an Internet report claiming his agent Tom Condon is asking for $30 million in guaranteed money - Romo seemed embarrassed and deftly deflected any such conversation.

"That is so out of the realm of realism," Romo said. "I don't know what you'd do with more than $3- or $4-million."

Romo understands Jones has never shortchanged a franchise quarterback, and he can hold up Troy Aikman's bank account as Exhibit A, B and C. He also understands that if for some reason the two sides can't come to terms on a long-term deal, the Cowboys can franchise him, which would mean he would be guaranteed in the vicinity of $13 million.

Even though that does not include a signing bonus, just think what that must mean to a kid who entered the league on a $10,000 signing bonus and who had never taken an NFL snap of consequence until 53 weeks ago.

As Jones likes to say, there just isn't an issue here.

"There's no tension anywhere and wasn't going to be and isn't going to be," Jones said. "The facts are we'll get something done.

"There's no doubt in my mind that ultimately we'll get something done long term, but I don't think anyone should worry about whether or not he's going to be the quarterback of the future here."

Of course, though, everyone wants to be the first one on the block to know when the deal gets done. But neither side seems to be giving any hints, Jones normally refusing to talk about this issue and Romo also smiling through the uncomfortable questions.

Jones obviously doesn't want to make a public display of negotiations, whether they might be going on behind closed doors now or don't heat up until after this season. Because in Jones' mind, he's not looking for a good deal - he's just looking for a smart one, wanting all the information he can get before locking up Romo for like seven to 10 years.

"There's just nothing to report one way or the other," Jones said. "That's not to say you're not talking every day. That's not to say you've visited since training camp.

"It wouldn't be cast right if you said, 'Oh they're supposed to meet here.' It's just not an issue."

Bottom line.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news.cfm?id=58E1B3AA-E665-830E-FD90BC2AE31519C4






We need to do something about keeping Garrett also...

[samikeyp]

I'm not worried. Jerry is not afraid to open up his wallet to keep talent. Romo will get taken care of.


We need to do something about keeping Garrett also...

Agreed.

[TheZackAttack!]

Garrett makes me forget all about Sean Payton.

[TLWisfoine]

I'm not worried. Jerry is not afraid to open up his wallet to keep talent. Romo will get taken care of.



Agreed.

If there's one thing Jerry knows how to do right it's opening his wallet for a sure fire talent.

[peewee's lovechild]

We need to do something about keeping Garrett also...

Garrett is the Head Coach in waiting.

He'll be a Cowboy for a long time to come.

[Whisky Dog]

The Cowboys won't be able to lock up Garrett and would be foolish to try to keep him from advancing his career. I'm sure his dream is to be a head coach, and if this kind of offensive production and winning keep up there will be someone out there looking to make Garrett their HC. At that point you just basically let him go, wish him well, and look to see if he's the next great HC or the next Norv Turner.

[O-Factor]

The Cowboys won't be able to lock up Garrett and would be foolish to try to keep him from advancing his career. I'm sure his dream is to be a head coach, and if this kind of offensive production and winning keep up there will be someone out there looking to make Garrett their HC. At that point you just basically let him go, wish him well, and look to see if he's the next great HC or the next Norv Turner.


I tell you what, I'd rather keep Garrett than Wade. No offense to Wade, but the offense with Garrett and our personell is something special. I'd like to see Garrett advance his career in Dallas.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Garrett makes me forget all about Sean Payton.
:tu :smokin

[possessed]

Cowboys nation... :lol

Any other slogans you wish to steal from other NFL teams?

Howabout this one...

"Commitment to Excellence" :clap

[peewee's lovechild]

"Play like a champion today"

[TheZackAttack!]

Da 'Boys

[TheZackAttack!]

C-o-w-b-o-y-s, Cowboys, Cowboys, Cowboys

[TheZackAttack!]

Its not really stealing when you own this league.

[TLWisfoine]

Cowboys nation... :lol

Any other slogans you wish to steal from other NFL teams?

Howabout this one...

"Commitment to Excellence" :clap

"Just Win Baby"

[O-Factor]

Romo on Rome today. Below are your local Texas affiliates.




Tony Romo and Mario Williams on the Jim Rome radio show "The Jungle" today. Show is between 11am-2pm. If interested in hearing the interviews today check your local affiliate below

TEXAS

ALICE KOPY-AM 1070

AMARILLO KPUR-AM 1440

AUSTIN KVET-AM 1300

BEAUMONT-PORT ARTHUR KBPO-AM 1150

COLLEGE STATION KZNE-AM 1150

CORPUS CHRISTI KSIX-AM 1230

DALLAS KHFX-AM 1460

EL PASO KHEY-AM 690

HOUSTON KILT-AM 610

SAN ANTONIO KTKR-AM 760

WACO KRZI-AM 1580

WICHITA FALLS KWFS-AM 1290

US

US-AT LARGE KROM-WW JIMROME.COM

UT

PROVO KOVO-AM 960

SALT LAKE CITY KALL-AM 700

SALT LAKE CITY KZNS-AM 1280

ST. GEORGE KZNU-AM 1450

[O-Factor]

Romo on Rome was a hit. It was a really great interview and Rome keeps prasing the guy. Rome is shocked at how many emails he's gotten from listeners on the interview, praising the guy. There are guys writing in saying "I hate the Cowboys with every fiber of my being, but am ready to strap on a helmet and block for Tony" or "I hate the Cowboys but how can you NOT pull for this guy."
The most impressive thing Romo said was about the botched snap last year in Seattle. He said, and I quote..."I knew I'd be okay, but I felt really bad about letting my teammates down. And if the worst thing that has happened to me, happens in a sporting event, then I've lived a pretty good life." Awesome interview and great for sports fans all across the nation to hear Tony and praise him.

[Ginobili's Gal]

Good answer to the botched snap....I knew I liked that guy! It's only going to get better!

[tlongII]

I can't wait to see him botch another snap in Seattle! :lmao

[mardigan]

I can't wait to see him botch another snap in Seattle! :lmao
Dont know how that would happen now that he isnt the holder

[tlongII]

You don't have to be the holder to botch snaps.

[O-Factor]

You don't have to be the holder to botch snaps.

But you clearly made reference to botching a snap while being a holder when you said "can't wait for Romo to botch ANOTHER SNAP IN SEATTLE" Besides, that was so last year. We are on fire now after Romo got a year under his belt. Don't you have bigger worries after the Blazers drafted Sam Bowie Jr. Get the fuck out of here douche bag.

[tlongII]

But you clearly made reference to botching a snap while being a holder when you said "can't wait for Romo to botch ANOTHER SNAP IN SEATTLE" Besides, that was so last year. We are on fire now after Romo got a year under his belt. Don't you have bigger worries after the Blazers drafted Sam Bowie Jr. Get the fuck out of here douche bag.


Better call a WAAAAAHmbulance!

[Dirk Nowitzki]

Better call a WAAAAAHmbulance!


You will need Romo to fuck up on a snap like that again, have Glenn fumble deep in their own territory, and bring back Parcells to escape with another victory. That is sadly the best chance the Seacocks have at beating the cowboys this time around. You will need that many fuckups to barley escape with another victory.

[Obstructed_View]

I can't wait to see him botch another snap in Seattle! :lmao
Since it's the only chance the Seahawks would have, I'm not surprised.

[Chris]

:dont

[Obstructed_View]

Sorry, but I don't want TlongII to starve. He ain't having a good year.

[BeerIsGood!]

Better call a WAAAAAHmbulance!


Greg Oden :lmao

[Cry Havoc]

Better call a WAAAAAHmbulance!

Hey tlong, how'd that super-talented Seahawks team do today? You still got them going undefeated the rest of the way and outscoring other teams 467-0 in the playoffs? :lol

[peewee's lovechild]

Hey tlong, how'd that super-talented Seahawks team do today? You still got them going undefeated the rest of the way and outscoring other teams 467-0 in the playoffs? :lol

That Shehawk Defense looked spectacular yesterday!!!

[mardigan]

After watching yesterdays games, I think the Browns might be better than the Hawks

[O-Factor]

Browns are pissing me off. They need to go on a losing streak right about now.

[O-Factor]

Romo Grinds Through Rough Night

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news.cfm?id=8437C899-90E8-3EA5-1DEE77F5746D9880

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. - His old coach once said a quarterback's mettle is truly tested once he gets hit in the mouth.

Tony Romo took several shots to the chin Monday night. Six, in fact, when considering his five interceptions and lost fumble that gravely jeopardized the Cowboys' first 5-0 start in 24 years.

But based on Bill Parcells' adage, Romo proved something new to himself and his teammates in the Cowboys' dramatic 25-24 win over Buffalo.

"He was a fighter, man," tight end Jason Witten said. "That just shows what kind of character he has, the competitor he is. Really a leader for this team."

Romo hadn't dealt with this much adversity since the infamous dropped field-goal snap in the Cowboys' wild-card loss to Seattle this past January. He responded in the first four games this season by earning NFC Offensive Player of the Month honors with a conference-best 112.9 passer rating.

That rating was shattered in the first half by an unthinkable four interceptions. Romo threw a fifth pick in the fourth quarter with the offense driving towards a potential game-tying touchdown and two-point conversion, all leaving him with a season-low 49.9 QB rating for this game.

"I just kept telling him in his ear, 'It's not going to be easy,'" wide receiver Terrell Owens said. "'We're going to get everyone's best.'"

Said Witten: "I tried to say something to him just because we're buddies and everything, but he doesn't need that. He's got confidence in what he is and what he does. I think that shows at the end of the game. As bad as he may have played, without him we're not in that thing at the end."

Romo ultimately put his team in position to win. He threw a touchdown pass to Patrick Crayton to cut Buffalo's lead to 24-22, then got Nick Folk in position for his game-winning field goal following an onside kick.

Not pretty, but effective when it counted most.

And his teammates noticed.

"He already had the respect of this team," Witten said, "but I think this team really respects the way he played tonight and the way he fought."

[Bigzax]

How many of you turned off your tv early?

It's disgusting here at work.

People wearing cowboy jerseys like they watched the whole game...

[O-Factor]

Don't confuse Cowboys fans with foreskin fans. We don't turn our T.V.s off early.

[leemajors]

How many of you turned off your tv early?

It's disgusting here at work.

People wearing cowboy jerseys like they watched the whole game...
i watched dora with my daughter halfway through the third quarter, than watched the rest of the game. i can't expect her to sit through a full game, though. i would have watched it at halftime but she needed her bath. :angel

[peewee's lovechild]

i watched dora with my daughter halfway through the third quarter, than watched the rest of the game. i can't expect her to sit through a full game, though. i would have watched it at halftime but she needed her bath. :angel

Shame.

Shame!!!!

You need to teach her at an early age to be a Cowboy fan.
You disappointment me.

[Poopshark86]

i watched dora with my daughter

hahahaha ur daugter is an explorer. Wheres digeo! :lol

[O-Factor]

Collision Course
Cowboys Riding Emotional Win With Patriots Up Next

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news.cfm?id=8759C14E-0BBE-87F3-8582B7A0D1F76F28

IRVING, Texas - The fifth battle of 5-0 teams (or better) in NFL history was hardly in question.

All it took was a touchdown pass with 20 seconds left, an improbable onside kick following a failed two-point conversion, two short passes for 12 yards and a 53-yard game-winning field goal as time expired from a rookie kicker who hadn't attempted 50-yarder in his first four games.

No sweat.

By the end of perhaps the wildest Monday Night Football game ever played, the Cowboys held their end of the bargain with a scintillating 25-24 victory over Buffalo. CBS network now gets its dream match-up of two 5-0 teams Sunday (3:15 p.m. CDT) when the New England Patriots visit Texas Stadium.

"You guys are right again - barely," Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips told reporters in his Tuesday news conference, fully aware the Patriots' impending arrival has been hyped more than the previous two opponents over the last two weeks.

The Cowboys avoided potential traps against the Rams and Bills, who have a single win between them. New England is a completely different animal, however - a team some consider the class of the league, not just because of their recent dynasty.

The Patriots own the league's second-ranked defense and offense, trailing only Dallas in total yardage with 427.8 per game. They've scored at least 34 points and won all five contests by 17 or better, most recently beating Cleveland 34-17 on Sunday.

"They've been better than the first five teams they've played," Phillips said. "That's the only thing they've done that I can say for sure. We still haven't played a third of the season yet."

The Cowboys, meanwhile, simply survived at Ralph Wilson Stadium. They trailed from the opening kickoff until Nick Folk officially drilled his first game-winning field goal as a professional. He initially connected from the same distance, but Buffalo called timeout just before the snap in attempt to ice the guy Phillips calls an "icy" rookie.

No matter the teams' paths to perfection, something has to give Sunday between two of the league's three remaining undefeated teams.

"Both of us are 5-0 - I don't care what the situation is," wide receiver Terrell Owens said. "We're going to be ready on Sunday, period. We're going to play like we've been playing. Nothing's going to change, and nobody's going to come in here and dictate how we're going to play."

The Cowboys beat their first four opponents by an average of 19.75 points, but Sunday provided their first close encounter of the season. Several players said it was the most dramatic game they'd ever played, having overcome six turnovers to erase an eight-point deficit in the final 24 seconds.

"I haven't been a part of anything close to this, and that's what makes it so special," defensive end Chris Canty said.

"I've never even seen anything like this," tight end Jason Witten said. "Not only we played so bad, it was so emotional. To be able to come back and fight at the end like that and come away with the win, it's just a total team effort."

Phillips has preached that team concept since his arrival in February. He feels emotional wins like Sunday's can only build morale, that staring down adversity can only benefit them against tough teams like New England.

"Every team I've been with has won some games like that," Phillips said. "I've been lucky to win a lot of close games. I think mentally it just helps you fight through things."

"We talk about that every week, being emotionally ready for games. But I don't think we'll have any problem this week."

Not with Tom Brady, Randy Moss and Co. headed to town.

[leemajors]

Shame.

Shame!!!!

You need to teach her at an early age to be a Cowboy fan.
You disappointment me.
she watched most of every game the last 2 seasons, i think that's pretty good. when i watch games at my friend's apartment, she runs around giving high fives when the boys score. i think that's pretty good.

[BeerIsGood!]

How many of you turned off your tv early?

It's disgusting here at work.

People wearing cowboy jerseys like they watched the whole game...

People turn their TV's off early? In an 8 pt game?

[O-Factor]

Here Are The Vikings . . .


http://www.dallascowboys.com/news.cfm?id=AB5F6802-CCD5-6B7F-BB728B5EBB7BD2D4


IRVING, Texas - The respective confidence arrows for the Cowboys (5-1) and Vikings (2-3) might be pointing in opposite directions after Week 6, and the Vikings can't be mistaken for an easy win. Minnesota, which lost three straight after opening the season with a win over Atlanta, got a shot in the arm Sunday when rookie running back Adrian Peterson ran wild on the division rival Bears at Soldier Field.

What's Up?

Plain and simple, Sunday's game, slated for 3:15 p.m. (CDT) is an important one, probably more so than the so-called "Duel in Dallas." While there won't be the same national attention, this game will likely mean more to the Cowboys in terms of playoff positioning than is readily apparent. After next week's bye, the Cowboys play their three division opponents in successive weeks, and knowing how hard division games, particularly those on the road are to win, beating the sneaky-good Vikings would certainly be better than entering that stretch on a two-game slide.

It might be tough, though, considering how well Peterson played against the Bears on Sunday, rushing for a Vikings-record 224 yards and three touchdowns. And since Peterson's a native of Palestine, Texas - not far from Dallas - you can bet he'll come in ready to play against the team he grew up rooting for and in front of a lot of people who have been rooting for him.

Statistical View

Thanks to his big day against the Bears, Peterson leads the NFL in rushing with 607 yards in just five games, 80 yards ahead of LaDainian Tomlinson. Those fresh 22-year-old legs have Peterson averaging an eye-popping 6.3 yards per carry.
The most noticeable strength of Peterson's game is his big-play ability. Against the Bears he scored on runs of 67, 73 and 35, while catching a pass and trucking 60 for a score in the season opener. He also broke a 55-yard run in Week 4 against the Packers.
Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson isn't exactly lighting it up in his second NFL season, completing just 49.4 percent of his passes, while throwing just two touchdowns to five interceptions. He hasn't been the running threat he was billed as either, with just 26 rushing yards on the season to go with his 49.8 QB rating.
While the Vikings have shown themselves to be a turnover-creating defense, they're getting burned through the air, allowing a league-high 288.4 passing yards per contest.
Chalk Talk

As in most games, the Cowboys' defense will be trying to make the opposing offense one-dimensional, but against the Vikings, it will be especially imperative, because as well as Peterson is running, Jackson's throwing may be equally bad. Dallas has shown it can stop the run this season, and they've struggled at times against the pass, so the matchup may play right into the Cowboys' hands. Limiting big runs will be key, as will be third-down defense. The longer the Cowboys' defense is on the field, the more effective Peterson becomes.

Offensively the Cowboys need to run the ball better, earlier. They finished the Patriots game with 15 carries for 97 yards, but weren't effective enough on the ground early to continue grinding it out, particularly since they were forced to play from behind. The Vikings may have the best pair of defensive tackles in the league in Pat Williams and Kevin Williams, so the Cowboys' interior line will have their work cut out for them to make the running game go. Led by those run-stuffing tackles, Minnesota has the second-best run defense in the NFL, surrendering just 66.2 yards per game.

And if none of that works out, why not air it out, as the Cowboys have done so well much of the season. With the Vikes struggling to cover receivers, Tony Romo should be able to make a few plays passing.

Connections

Cowboys backup quarterback Brad Johnson was originally drafted by Minnesota in 1992, and played nine years for the Vikings in two different stints there . . . Cowboys quarterbacks coach Wade Wilson played for Minnesota from 1981-1991 . . . Cowboys wide receivers coach Ray Sherman spent three seasons as the Vikings quarterbacks coach (1995-97) and then came back in 1999 for one more as the offensive coordinator . . . Vikings fullback Tony Richardson entered the NFL in 1994 as a rookie free agent with the Dallas Cowboys and spent the '94 season on their practice squad.

Miscellaneous

The Cowboys hold a narrow edge against the Vikings all-time, leading the series 13-12 . . . The two teams last met for the 2005 season opener, which the Vikings won 35-17, their fifth straight W against the Cowboys . . . The Cowboys have also lost seven straight regular-season home games to Minnesota, never having beaten the Vikings in Texas Stadium except for that 1996 season playoff game, coincidently the last playoff game the Cowboys have won. Other than that, you have to go back to 1968 to find the last time the Cowboys have defeated the Vikings at home, which also includes that 1973 NFC Championship loss, 27-10 . . . . Thanks in large part to Peterson, the Vikes have the league's best running game, averaging 170.2 yards per game.

[mardigan]

Suspended Tank Johnson will practice Friday with Cowboys
Associated Press

Updated: October 18, 2007, 6:02 PM ET


IRVING, Texas -- Suspended defensive tackle Tank Johnson will be allowed to practice starting Friday, which will be his first team session with the Dallas Cowboys since they signed him last month.

Johnson still has two games left on his eight-game NFL suspension for violating probation on a gun charge. Unless the suspension is reduced by commissioner Roger Goodell, Johnson will be eligible to play when the Cowboys play at the New York Giants on Nov. 11.

"It will be good to get him out on the field and get him in the meeting room too," Cowboys coach Wade Phillips said. "All I know is he's going to practice. I don't know when he's going to play, or when he'll be able to play."

Johnson, who was released by the Chicago Bears after his suspension, signed with the Cowboys last month. The Bears let him go after he was picked up for speeding at 3:30 a.m. shortly after he was suspended.

He has been able to work out individually at Valley Ranch and meet with the team's player assistance staff, headed by Calvin Hill. Until now, Johnson hasn't been able to work out with the team or work with the coaching staff.

"He's a gregarious kind of guy," Phillips said. "He's ready to play, wants to play and seems excited about it. He's a pretty personable guy, so it's all positives as far as I'm concerned."

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said Goodell had given Johnson permission to practice because the Cowboys have a bye week next week and won't practice much. Aiello emphasized that the suspension had not yet been lifted officially.

Johnson wasn't in the locker room when it was open to reporters Thursday before practice.

Johnson, a second round pick by the Bears in 2004, started 10 games for Chicago as it went to the Super Bowl last season.

Last December, police searched his suburban Chicago home and found six unregistered firearms, a violation of his probation on a charge stemming from Johnson's 2005 arrest. That came after a Chicago nightclub valet reported seeing Johnson with a handgun in his SUV. He subsequently pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge.

Two days after last December's raid, Willie B. Posey, Johnson's bodyguard, was shot and killed in an early-morning fight while he and Johnson were at a Chicago nightclub.

Johnson was suspended by the Bears for one game for being at the club. But he played in the Super Bowl as the Chicago lost to Indianapolis.

He eventually pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor weapons charge stemming from the December raid as part of a deal with prosecutors that kept him from serving more time in jail. He was ordered to serve 45 days for violating probation, which he served concurrently with the sentence on the guilty plea.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3069433

[O-Factor]

After Romo, Who's Next For Cowboys To Lock Up?

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news.cfm?id=F37DD4F9-9789-E252-AB1A73106286F90B

Nick Eatman - Email
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
October 30, 2007 7:31 PM


IRVING, Texas - Forgive the Cowboys, especially vice president Stephen Jones and his personnel assistants, for kicking up their heels and maybe lighting a cigar or two over the next few days.

Signing Tony Romo was one of the biggest priorities this franchise has had in recent years, and Romo's contract was the largest since inking Troy Aikman to an extension back in 1998.

So getting Romo's deal out of the way is definite cause for a sigh of relief around Valley Ranch.

However, completing Romo's contract means it won't be too long before the Cowboys turn their attention to the next priority.

Stephen Jones wouldn't give a specific name as his top target to sign, but said there are some "obvious guys out there whose contracts are running down" that will be addressed.

"I will say this, we're capable of doing more than one thing at one time," Jones said. "There are some obvious guys we want to look at. You always hate to get things too convoluted during the season. So I would say we probably won't do anything else this year."

Jones said the Cowboys have plenty of cap space to sign other players to long-terms deals. And if they could get a deal in place before the Nov. 5 deadline, they could still put some of the extra money towards this year's salary cap. That's one benefit of getting Romo's contract done now.

So with the quarterback of the future out of the way, who is next?

Romo was expected to be an unrestricted free agent next off-season. Now, the biggest names on that list include left tackle Flozell Adams, running back Julius Jones, wide receiver Patrick Crayton, safety Ken Hamlin and cornerback Jacques Reeves.

Adams signed a five-year, $25 million deal back in 2003, and while he has made the Pro Bowl three of the last four seasons, the Cowboys have two rookie tackles on the roster in James Marten and Doug Free and second-year pro Pat McQuistan waiting in the wings as well.

Crayton's contract situation might depend on what happens with veteran receivers Terrell Owens and Terry Glenn. If both players are back for another year - both still will be under contract - Crayton might at least test the free-agent waters, looking for a deal as a possible No. 2 receiver for another team.

Hamlin signed a one-year deal with the Cowboys this off-season, but after immediately taking over as the starting free safety, it would appear the club would have interest in signing him to a long-term contract.

But the Cowboys' bigger priority would appear to be locking up some of their restricted free agents, despite having the option to match any offer sheets signed with another club or receive draft compensation if needed.

The top player on that list undoubtedly would be running back Marion Barber, who leads the Cowboys in rushing this year with 479 yards and six total touchdowns.

It's likely the Cowboys would tender Barber at the highest level - meaning they would receive a first- and third-round draft pick if he signed with another team.

"Well, he's restricted so we'll have a chance to do something there," Jones said of Barber. "You have a little more flexibility with those guys."

Other restricted free agents next year include defensive end Chris Canty, defensive tackle Jay Ratliff and long-snapper L.P. Ladouceur.

Perhaps the most interesting player on that list is Ratliff, a seventh-round pick in 2005. The Cowboys likely would want to give him more than the original-draft pick tender, meaning they would only get a seventh-round pick as compensation. However, with Tank Johnson in the fold and Jason Ferguson returning from injury next year, the Cowboys might not want to spend too much on Ratliff.

However, don't forget Ratliff is a converted defensive end, and the Cowboys eventually might have to make a decision on signing either Canty or Ratliff to a big deal.

It's not even too early to start thinking further ahead than just next year.

Players such as Owens, Terence Newman and Marc Colombo will enter the last season of their contracts in 2008. DeMarcus Ware's contract runs through 2009.

"You look at all of the guys," Jones said. "You try to get ahead of the game if you can. You don't ever want to get in a situation where you feel like it's too late. So we look at all of our options. And we've got this (Romo deal) out of the way. So we can start looking at the next one."

[Spawn]

Suspended Tank Johnson will practice Friday with Cowboys
Associated Press

Updated: October 18, 2007, 6:02 PM ET


IRVING, Texas -- Suspended defensive tackle Tank Johnson will be allowed to practice starting Friday, which will be his first team session with the Dallas Cowboys since they signed him last month.

Johnson still has two games left on his eight-game NFL suspension for violating probation on a gun charge. Unless the suspension is reduced by commissioner Roger Goodell, Johnson will be eligible to play when the Cowboys play at the New York Giants on Nov. 11.

"It will be good to get him out on the field and get him in the meeting room too," Cowboys coach Wade Phillips said. "All I know is he's going to practice. I don't know when he's going to play, or when he'll be able to play."

Johnson, who was released by the Chicago Bears after his suspension, signed with the Cowboys last month. The Bears let him go after he was picked up for speeding at 3:30 a.m. shortly after he was suspended.

He has been able to work out individually at Valley Ranch and meet with the team's player assistance staff, headed by Calvin Hill. Until now, Johnson hasn't been able to work out with the team or work with the coaching staff.

"He's a gregarious kind of guy," Phillips said. "He's ready to play, wants to play and seems excited about it. He's a pretty personable guy, so it's all positives as far as I'm concerned."

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said Goodell had given Johnson permission to practice because the Cowboys have a bye week next week and won't practice much. Aiello emphasized that the suspension had not yet been lifted officially.

Johnson wasn't in the locker room when it was open to reporters Thursday before practice.

Johnson, a second round pick by the Bears in 2004, started 10 games for Chicago as it went to the Super Bowl last season.

Last December, police searched his suburban Chicago home and found six unregistered firearms, a violation of his probation on a charge stemming from Johnson's 2005 arrest. That came after a Chicago nightclub valet reported seeing Johnson with a handgun in his SUV. He subsequently pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge.

Two days after last December's raid, Willie B. Posey, Johnson's bodyguard, was shot and killed in an early-morning fight while he and Johnson were at a Chicago nightclub.

Johnson was suspended by the Bears for one game for being at the club. But he played in the Super Bowl as the Chicago lost to Indianapolis.

He eventually pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor weapons charge stemming from the December raid as part of a deal with prosecutors that kept him from serving more time in jail. He was ordered to serve 45 days for violating probation, which he served concurrently with the sentence on the guilty plea.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3069433

I wish Tank Johnson all the best, not only because I am one of the few Cowboys fans here in Chicago, but he seems to be a good guy who got caught up in some bad situations and was influenced by some unsavory characters. Plus I would hate to see another successful brother go down. Get em Tank!!!