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2007 SCHEDULE
PRE-SEASON
Thu Aug 9 INDIANAPOLIS
(FOX) 7:00 pm
Sat Aug 18 DENVER (BSM)
7:00 pm
Sat Aug 25 @ Houston
(BSM) 7:00 pm
Thu Aug 30 @ Minnesota
(BSM) 7:00 pm
REGULAR SEASON
1. Sun, Sept. 9 NY GIANTS
(NBC) 7:15 pm
2. Sun, Sept. 16 @ Miami
(FOX) 3:05 pm
3. Sun, Sept. 23 @
Chicago (NBC) 7:15 pm
4. Sun, Sept. 30 ST. LOUIS
(FOX) Noon
5. Mon, Oct. 8 @ Buffalo
(ESPN) 7:30 pm
6. Sun, Oct. 14 NEW
ENGLAND (CBS) 3:15 pm
7. Sun, Oct. 21
MINNESOTA (FOX) Noon
8. Sun, Oct. 28 BYE WEEK
9. Sun, Nov 4 @
Philadelphia (NBC) 7:15
pm
10. Sun, Nov. 11 @ NY
Giants (FOX) 3:15 pm
11. Sun, Nov. 18
WASHINGTON (FOX) Noon
12. Thu, Nov. 22 NY JETS
(CBS) 3:15 pm
13. Thu, Nov. 29 GREEN
BAY (NFL) 7:15 pm
14. Sun, Dec. 9 @ Detroit
(FOX) Noon
15. Sun, Dec. 16 PHILLY
(FOX) 3:15 pm
16. Sat, Dec. 22 @
Carolina (NFL) 7:15 pm
17. Sun, Dec. 30 @
Washington (FOX) Noon
PRE-SEASON
Thu Aug 9 INDIANAPOLIS
(FOX) 7:00 pm
Sat Aug 18 DENVER (BSM)
7:00 pm
Sat Aug 25 @ Houston
(BSM) 7:00 pm
Thu Aug 30 @ Minnesota
(BSM) 7:00 pm
REGULAR SEASON
1. Sun, Sept. 9 NY GIANTS
(NBC) 7:15 pm
2. Sun, Sept. 16 @ Miami
(FOX) 3:05 pm
3. Sun, Sept. 23 @
Chicago (NBC) 7:15 pm
4. Sun, Sept. 30 ST. LOUIS
(FOX) Noon
5. Mon, Oct. 8 @ Buffalo
(ESPN) 7:30 pm
6. Sun, Oct. 14 NEW
ENGLAND (CBS) 3:15 pm
7. Sun, Oct. 21
MINNESOTA (FOX) Noon
8. Sun, Oct. 28 BYE WEEK
9. Sun, Nov 4 @
Philadelphia (NBC) 7:15
pm
10. Sun, Nov. 11 @ NY
Giants (FOX) 3:15 pm
11. Sun, Nov. 18
WASHINGTON (FOX) Noon
12. Thu, Nov. 22 NY JETS
(CBS) 3:15 pm
13. Thu, Nov. 29 GREEN
BAY (NFL) 7:15 pm
14. Sun, Dec. 9 @ Detroit
(FOX) Noon
15. Sun, Dec. 16 PHILLY
(FOX) 3:15 pm
16. Sat, Dec. 22 @
Carolina (NFL) 7:15 pm
17. Sun, Dec. 30 @
Washington (FOX) Noon
| Cowboy's Trivia Question of the Week! Who is the oldest player on the Cowboys' roster? Last Week's Answer: Danny White |
Tim's Talk: Week 8
1. Before I get into the past game, let me say something about what
Wade Phillips said last week for his strategy against the Patriots.
Phillips said that he would stop the run and have Tom Brady beat
them with the pass. Excuse me? What have you been smoking
Wade? I know that was the strategy you used last year in the
playoff loss to the Chargers and you did pick them off 3 times and if
were not for some mistakes, you would have won the game. But that
was a different time. Reche Caldwell was the Patriots number 1
receiver. Now Randy Moss, Donte Stallworth, Wes Welker are his 3
options. If he had admitted it was a mistake, it would have been a
little better received but refusing to admit that was a mistake and
saying you would not change anything? If that is the way you
strategize, I hate to see if it comes down to a close moment or what.
Well Brady did beat you and pretty much shredded you. The
Patriots number 1 back was not even playing and you still went with
that strategy. God help us.
2. If Phillips was still on the same mindset against the Vikings, I
worried he would go into the game saying, we dare them to beat us
with Adrian Peterson and stop the pass. But fortunately, Vikings
coach Brad Childress stopped Peterson for us. Other than that long
scoring drive early in the game, the Vikings offense was abysmal
and I was surprised they abandoned the running game. And by the
looks on the sideline, all is not well in Vikings land with all the
sideline clashes. That said with all that went bad with the Vikings the
Cowboys should have beaten them up. But again stupid mistakes
killed us. Romo and Craytons fumbled killed all the momentum and
the Vikings defense could not stop us. If the Cowboys are going to
contend with the Patriots and Colts of the league, they need to beat
up on these bad teams.
3. Again the Cowboys need to start Marion Barber in the games
because he gives the Cowboys more momentum in getting to score
in the first quarter. I know he still gets more carries than Jones but
we need to start getting some yards.
4. Wow was that Roy Williams actually blocking a pass in coverage
and not getting beat deep? The world must be coming to an end!
5. Wade Phillips needs to not be so gung ho on these challenges.
Granted he won one but the other was a waste and in the first half.
We are just lucky we did not need that challenge later. I still say
adopt the college replay system and it will be much simpler.
6. The way Romo played this game should have been a blowout.
The Boys should not have to be running out the clock in the fourth
quarter to try to keep the Vikings from getting the ball. We need to
finish plays and stop this gung ho reckless play that will ultimately
kill us at the end.
7. The bye comes at a great time because the Boys need to rest up
on some injuries particularly Tony Romo who strained a hamstring
and needs the rest plus this is usually the time of year where all the
small aches and pains can be rested. The schedule after this is not
easy with the Eagles and Giants on the road and then the Redskins
at home and short weeks with the Jets and Packers at home and
then closing out with 3 of the final 4 games on the road. Now we will
see what these guys are capable of.
8. That said I believe the Boys are the class of the NFC. That is not
really much to go by because the NFC is that bad. About 4 AFC
teams I feel are better and the road to the Super Bowl will be easier
this way but the Boys need to beat up on some good teams to
prove they belong among the elites.
1. Before I get into the past game, let me say something about what
Wade Phillips said last week for his strategy against the Patriots.
Phillips said that he would stop the run and have Tom Brady beat
them with the pass. Excuse me? What have you been smoking
Wade? I know that was the strategy you used last year in the
playoff loss to the Chargers and you did pick them off 3 times and if
were not for some mistakes, you would have won the game. But that
was a different time. Reche Caldwell was the Patriots number 1
receiver. Now Randy Moss, Donte Stallworth, Wes Welker are his 3
options. If he had admitted it was a mistake, it would have been a
little better received but refusing to admit that was a mistake and
saying you would not change anything? If that is the way you
strategize, I hate to see if it comes down to a close moment or what.
Well Brady did beat you and pretty much shredded you. The
Patriots number 1 back was not even playing and you still went with
that strategy. God help us.
2. If Phillips was still on the same mindset against the Vikings, I
worried he would go into the game saying, we dare them to beat us
with Adrian Peterson and stop the pass. But fortunately, Vikings
coach Brad Childress stopped Peterson for us. Other than that long
scoring drive early in the game, the Vikings offense was abysmal
and I was surprised they abandoned the running game. And by the
looks on the sideline, all is not well in Vikings land with all the
sideline clashes. That said with all that went bad with the Vikings the
Cowboys should have beaten them up. But again stupid mistakes
killed us. Romo and Craytons fumbled killed all the momentum and
the Vikings defense could not stop us. If the Cowboys are going to
contend with the Patriots and Colts of the league, they need to beat
up on these bad teams.
3. Again the Cowboys need to start Marion Barber in the games
because he gives the Cowboys more momentum in getting to score
in the first quarter. I know he still gets more carries than Jones but
we need to start getting some yards.
4. Wow was that Roy Williams actually blocking a pass in coverage
and not getting beat deep? The world must be coming to an end!
5. Wade Phillips needs to not be so gung ho on these challenges.
Granted he won one but the other was a waste and in the first half.
We are just lucky we did not need that challenge later. I still say
adopt the college replay system and it will be much simpler.
6. The way Romo played this game should have been a blowout.
The Boys should not have to be running out the clock in the fourth
quarter to try to keep the Vikings from getting the ball. We need to
finish plays and stop this gung ho reckless play that will ultimately
kill us at the end.
7. The bye comes at a great time because the Boys need to rest up
on some injuries particularly Tony Romo who strained a hamstring
and needs the rest plus this is usually the time of year where all the
small aches and pains can be rested. The schedule after this is not
easy with the Eagles and Giants on the road and then the Redskins
at home and short weeks with the Jets and Packers at home and
then closing out with 3 of the final 4 games on the road. Now we will
see what these guys are capable of.
8. That said I believe the Boys are the class of the NFC. That is not
really much to go by because the NFC is that bad. About 4 AFC
teams I feel are better and the road to the Super Bowl will be easier
this way but the Boys need to beat up on some good teams to
prove they belong among the elites.
Almost Halfway Offensive Evaluation
After seven games, I think it is pretty safe to say I have a good idea
of what this team is and what it isn’t. It is a team with an offense
that causes every opponent problems. It is a team with a defense
is very good at stopping most offenses. It is a team with reliable
kickers and average at best coverage and return teams.
Our offense pounds defenses with inferior talent. You need some
playmakers on defense if you want to slow down Romo and all of
his weapons. We might self-destruct for a quarter or two against
you, but we will eventually get going and move the ball all over
you. We are the 2nd best offense in the NFL. We feature a
powerful offensive line and running that when paired with all our
passing weapons is downright scary. Leading this strong cast of
players is the young, energetic Tony Romo, who is the best
quarterback in the NFC this season.
Here are the offensive grades for the almost halfway point of the
season.
Tony Romo – A-
You’ve got to be pretty impressed with Romo. He is on pace to
shatter every single season passing record for the franchise. He
has only had one bad game, and he brought us back to win. He is
still learning and he is a bit streaky, but he is the best quarterback
we’ve had in nearly a decade.
Julius Jones – B
I have actually been impressed with Julius this season. He is
running with a burst I haven’t seen since his rookie year. His stats
aren’t very good, but that is because he isn’t getting any holes.
When he gets some daylight, he is getting some solid yardage.
Marion Barber – B+
Barber runs with a passion unlike any other running back I’ve ever
seen. He isn’t the most talented guy in the world, but he runs with
an attitude. This guy is my favorite football player without a doubt.
He may lack breakaway speed, but he has the power and
elusiveness to be a very effective runner.
Deon Anderson – A
This guy has been a very pleasant surprise. He is so much better
than Lousaka Polite ever was. Oliver Hoyte hasn’t played in over a
month and this guy has stepped in and played really well. I don’t
know what more you could ask from this guy as a rookie. He is a
good run blocker and he does a good job of catching the football
and getting a few yards after the catch which is something Hoyte
can’t do. He isn’t the dominating blocker Hoyte is, but Hoyte can’t
stay healthy. I will tell you right now this guy is going to be our
fullback three or four years from now.
Terrell Owens – A-
Owens has done a very good job this season. He has put up good
numbers, but his impact on the game is immeasurable whether he
catches ten passes or two. He is on pace to put up similar
numbers to what he did last season and he hasn’t been a
distraction at all. He has dropped a few passes, but that has
always been a part of his game. Patrick Crayton should give about
half of his receiving yards to Owens because Crayton wouldn’t be
doing a whole lot if he wasn’t facing single coverage all the time.
Patrick Crayton – B
Crayton started a little slow, but he has come on of late. He isn’t
putting up monster numbers, but he is doing a good job of getting
open underneath and taking advantage of single coverage. He is
on pace for a 1000 yard receiving season which is all you can ask
for from your 3rd receiver. I hope he doesn’t reach that milestone
though as it likely means Terry Glenn doesn’t make a successful
return.
Jason Witten – A+
This guy will be first team All-Pro if he keeps his season up. He is
on pace for over 1000 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns. He is
Tony Romo’s go to guy. He leads the team in receptions and hasn’
t dropped a pass. His blocking is also a lot better which is
impressive considering he was already a good blocker. He is the
best all-around tight end in the NFL.
Flozell Adams – B
Flozell is having his typical season. A rash of false start penalties
accompanied by very few sacks from the opponent’s best pass
rusher. He is getting older and the penalties frustrate you, but don’
t forget how vital he is to this team. Need I not remind you about
the 2005 season when we had Torrin Tucker and Rob Petitti
playing tackle. Flozell may not be back next season and that
scares me to say the least.
Kyle Kosier – B
Kosier is having another solid season. He isn’t a dominating
lineman, but he is pretty athletic and he doesn’t make a lot of
mental mistakes. He isn’t the star of this offensive line, but you can’
t have Pro Bowlers or 1st Round picks at every spot, so this guy
and his two million dollar salary fits in nicely.
Andre Gurode – A-
Gurode is having another Pro Bowl caliber season. I don’t know
what took him so long, but he is one of the elite centers in the
game right now. He is a decent athlete, but he is probably the only
center in the NFL that can manhandle an opponent’s nose tackle
on any given play.
Leonard Davis – A-
I was nervous when we signed this guy. It is never a great idea to
give someone a 49 million dollar contract when his old team didn’t
even want him back. He has worked out so far. He can be
dominating at times, but he also seems to be pretty consistent. I
don’t see him get beat very much and he doesn’t make many
mental errors. He is in line for his first Pro Bowl appearance.
Marc Colombo – B
I have a lot of respect for this guy. He has come through major
adversity and ended up being a good right tackle. He can be
overmatched by elite athletes, but he still will win that match up
most of the time through shear effort and grit. This guy is the
perfect example of a mean lineman that doesn’t need great
strength or athletic ability to be successful. He simply outworks his
opponent.
Passing Game – A
We have a pretty potent passing offense. Romo is developing into
an assassin. He has potent weapons at his disposal even without
Terry Glenn. The pass protection is the best I’ve seen in years.
Between Romo’s elusiveness and the line play, no team has been
able to disrupt our passing game with pressure.
Running Game – B+
Our average yards per carry is among the league leaders. We
have a powerful offensive line that really wears down a defense.
By the fourth quarter most defensive fronts don’t have anything
left. I really like how in games this season we have gone on a six or
seven minute drive to finish out the game. The only thing keeping
this grade from an A is our struggles to run the ball early. I know
most teams are crowding the line, but it would help our passing
game get going if we could run a little bit in the 1st quarter.
Overall – A-
Not a whole lot to complain about. We are scoring over thirty
points a game. The only team with more is the New England
Patriots. We have a few two many turnovers, but Romo is a risk
taker so that is going to happen which is fine because he makes
his fair share of big plays.
After seven games, I think it is pretty safe to say I have a good idea
of what this team is and what it isn’t. It is a team with an offense
that causes every opponent problems. It is a team with a defense
is very good at stopping most offenses. It is a team with reliable
kickers and average at best coverage and return teams.
Our offense pounds defenses with inferior talent. You need some
playmakers on defense if you want to slow down Romo and all of
his weapons. We might self-destruct for a quarter or two against
you, but we will eventually get going and move the ball all over
you. We are the 2nd best offense in the NFL. We feature a
powerful offensive line and running that when paired with all our
passing weapons is downright scary. Leading this strong cast of
players is the young, energetic Tony Romo, who is the best
quarterback in the NFC this season.
Here are the offensive grades for the almost halfway point of the
season.
Tony Romo – A-
You’ve got to be pretty impressed with Romo. He is on pace to
shatter every single season passing record for the franchise. He
has only had one bad game, and he brought us back to win. He is
still learning and he is a bit streaky, but he is the best quarterback
we’ve had in nearly a decade.
Julius Jones – B
I have actually been impressed with Julius this season. He is
running with a burst I haven’t seen since his rookie year. His stats
aren’t very good, but that is because he isn’t getting any holes.
When he gets some daylight, he is getting some solid yardage.
Marion Barber – B+
Barber runs with a passion unlike any other running back I’ve ever
seen. He isn’t the most talented guy in the world, but he runs with
an attitude. This guy is my favorite football player without a doubt.
He may lack breakaway speed, but he has the power and
elusiveness to be a very effective runner.
Deon Anderson – A
This guy has been a very pleasant surprise. He is so much better
than Lousaka Polite ever was. Oliver Hoyte hasn’t played in over a
month and this guy has stepped in and played really well. I don’t
know what more you could ask from this guy as a rookie. He is a
good run blocker and he does a good job of catching the football
and getting a few yards after the catch which is something Hoyte
can’t do. He isn’t the dominating blocker Hoyte is, but Hoyte can’t
stay healthy. I will tell you right now this guy is going to be our
fullback three or four years from now.
Terrell Owens – A-
Owens has done a very good job this season. He has put up good
numbers, but his impact on the game is immeasurable whether he
catches ten passes or two. He is on pace to put up similar
numbers to what he did last season and he hasn’t been a
distraction at all. He has dropped a few passes, but that has
always been a part of his game. Patrick Crayton should give about
half of his receiving yards to Owens because Crayton wouldn’t be
doing a whole lot if he wasn’t facing single coverage all the time.
Patrick Crayton – B
Crayton started a little slow, but he has come on of late. He isn’t
putting up monster numbers, but he is doing a good job of getting
open underneath and taking advantage of single coverage. He is
on pace for a 1000 yard receiving season which is all you can ask
for from your 3rd receiver. I hope he doesn’t reach that milestone
though as it likely means Terry Glenn doesn’t make a successful
return.
Jason Witten – A+
This guy will be first team All-Pro if he keeps his season up. He is
on pace for over 1000 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns. He is
Tony Romo’s go to guy. He leads the team in receptions and hasn’
t dropped a pass. His blocking is also a lot better which is
impressive considering he was already a good blocker. He is the
best all-around tight end in the NFL.
Flozell Adams – B
Flozell is having his typical season. A rash of false start penalties
accompanied by very few sacks from the opponent’s best pass
rusher. He is getting older and the penalties frustrate you, but don’
t forget how vital he is to this team. Need I not remind you about
the 2005 season when we had Torrin Tucker and Rob Petitti
playing tackle. Flozell may not be back next season and that
scares me to say the least.
Kyle Kosier – B
Kosier is having another solid season. He isn’t a dominating
lineman, but he is pretty athletic and he doesn’t make a lot of
mental mistakes. He isn’t the star of this offensive line, but you can’
t have Pro Bowlers or 1st Round picks at every spot, so this guy
and his two million dollar salary fits in nicely.
Andre Gurode – A-
Gurode is having another Pro Bowl caliber season. I don’t know
what took him so long, but he is one of the elite centers in the
game right now. He is a decent athlete, but he is probably the only
center in the NFL that can manhandle an opponent’s nose tackle
on any given play.
Leonard Davis – A-
I was nervous when we signed this guy. It is never a great idea to
give someone a 49 million dollar contract when his old team didn’t
even want him back. He has worked out so far. He can be
dominating at times, but he also seems to be pretty consistent. I
don’t see him get beat very much and he doesn’t make many
mental errors. He is in line for his first Pro Bowl appearance.
Marc Colombo – B
I have a lot of respect for this guy. He has come through major
adversity and ended up being a good right tackle. He can be
overmatched by elite athletes, but he still will win that match up
most of the time through shear effort and grit. This guy is the
perfect example of a mean lineman that doesn’t need great
strength or athletic ability to be successful. He simply outworks his
opponent.
Passing Game – A
We have a pretty potent passing offense. Romo is developing into
an assassin. He has potent weapons at his disposal even without
Terry Glenn. The pass protection is the best I’ve seen in years.
Between Romo’s elusiveness and the line play, no team has been
able to disrupt our passing game with pressure.
Running Game – B+
Our average yards per carry is among the league leaders. We
have a powerful offensive line that really wears down a defense.
By the fourth quarter most defensive fronts don’t have anything
left. I really like how in games this season we have gone on a six or
seven minute drive to finish out the game. The only thing keeping
this grade from an A is our struggles to run the ball early. I know
most teams are crowding the line, but it would help our passing
game get going if we could run a little bit in the 1st quarter.
Overall – A-
Not a whole lot to complain about. We are scoring over thirty
points a game. The only team with more is the New England
Patriots. We have a few two many turnovers, but Romo is a risk
taker so that is going to happen which is fine because he makes
his fair share of big plays.