Upset in Big D My 5 Points

My 5 Points: Cowboys vs. Redskins
by William C. Walker Jr.

Louis DeLuca/Staff Photographer

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) is crunched by Washington Redskins inside linebacker Keenan Robinson (52) and is injured in the third quarter during the Washington Redskins vs. the Dallas Cowboys NFL football game at AT&T Stadium on Monday, October 27, 2014. (Louis DeLuca/The Dallas Morning News)

October 28, 2014

While my initial following the results of Monday night's game between the Cowboys and Redskins was an all consuming rage.  I had to take a breath calm down and look at the big picture.  If you had told me at the start of the season at Week 8 these Dallas Cowboys would be sitting in first place in the NFC East with a record of 6-2, I would've thought you were crazy and over-joyed.  After finishing 8-8 for 3 straight years with a chance to win the division on the final game, and coming up short. This team got off to a blistering 6-1 start, while that was shocking it was still shocking that Dallas was beaten by Washington.  So here's my 5 points from the Cowboys vs Redskins.

5. Taste of their own medicine: Washington's game plan was the same one that's been utilized by Dallas during their 6 game winning streak.  Control the time of possession keep your defense rested and win on 3rd down.  Washington led by 3rd string Colt McCoy played keep away, and while they may not have generated a ton of points, they owned the ball.  Dallas was beat in the TOP by 10 minutes.  That's what Dallas did to their opponents, and while the defense held serve in terms of their season average of giving up only 20 points per game, their failure to get the offense the ball, led to their limited amount of scoring opportunities.

4. Romo's Back: Tony Romo is a better QB than Brandon Weeden.  That's not up for debate, but I don't think I'm crazy when I say Weeden could've closed that game out better than Romo.  For one I was terrified that Romo could've been lost for the season.  It was just last year when Romo was injured against these Redskins, opted to finish the game only to find out he needed season ending surgery to repair a herniated disk.  So as Romo writhed on the ground for 4 minutes following a Washington sack. My thought was live to fight another day, besides it's not like Weeden stunk up the joint.  He actually led the Cowboys to two consecutive scoring drives more than what Romo did all night.  I also tend to think that maybe with Weeden in play they would've stuck with riding DeMarco Murray in the end, as opposed to asking Romo to do it all and save the day.

3. Boys lose on 3rd Down:  All year Dallas has been dominant on 3rd downs.  Going into the game Dallas was on pace that if the season ended to set an NFL record 3rd down conversion rate at 57.5%. Like I touched on earlier their were beat at their own game.  Neither on offense or defense did the Cowboys win on 3rd down.  Dallas went 5 for 17 on 3rd down a far cry from their dominance.  Washington brought the blitz all night especially on 3rd down, and Garrett & Co had no answer.

2. Trust Murray: I get it Murray has been fumbling. That's 5 fumbles all which have been lost by your star running-back.  But that's just it Murray is your star!  During the first 7 games the Cowboys have easily established that they're a power running team.  For some reason in Monday Night's OT when you have to score, the Cowboys forgot this fact.  You currently have the number 1 leading rusher on pace to set an all-time franchise record potentially NFL record.  You're running behind one of the best offensive lines in the game right now.  On first down in OT you get an 8 yard run.  There is no rush, you've got 10 minutes and at least 3 downs to pick up 2 yards.  Now everyone complains why didn't you run it on 2nd down?  I agree, but okay so you tried play-action on 2nd and lost a yard.  On 3rd & 3 why didn't you just RUN THE BALL!?  I think I CAN TRUST A BACK AVERAGING 7 YARDS A CARRY TO PICK UP 3 YARDS IN TWO PLAYS!

1. Blitzed: Romo was 9 for 19 last night against the blitz.  This is the 4th straight year Garrett and Romo have faced a Jim Haslett coached Redskin defense.  However they didn't seem to remember or realize that Haslett was going to call sellout blitzes.  No hot routes were called, no quick slants, check downs or even screens!  Romo looked like a deer in headlights with no concept of what to do when blitzed.  After Weeden led you on 2 straight scoring drives Romo comes back into the game even in spite of the fact he spent the majority of the 2nd half in the locker room.  Once again on the blitz he's sacked and fumbles.  On 3rd and short at the end of regulation he draws an intentional grounding call throwing to no-one to avoid the blitz. Washington blitzed so much to when it was 3rd and 3 in the OT when they faked the blitz Romo completely ignores a BUTT NAKED Dez Bryant waving for the ball at the sideline, because his man was 10 yards off of him.  Romo is so sure they're blitzing he fires a quick pass to Witten that's well covered.  So of course on 4th and 3 Romo is blitzed steps up and instead of picking up the first with his legs he throws an incomplete pass.  Dallas for whatever the reason never adjusted to beat the blitz and in the end the blitz beat them.

Sweet 6! Cowboys win their 6th in a row! My 5 Points

My 5 points: Cowboys vs. Giants
by William C. Walker Jr.

October 20, 2014

Like most fans typically at the beginning of the season I'll take a look at Dallas' schedule and map out what their record maybe.  Usually I can find myself sliding towards the end of optimistic, but I can honestly say my hopes were not high.  At no point in time did I see this team having a record of 6-1.  I haven't this fired up about my boys since 2007 the year they went 13-3.  Without further adieu here are my 5 points from the Cowboys/Giants game.

5. Blind Refs: Now this turned out to be minor in the grand scheme of things, seeing how the Cowboys still won.  But their was a play when Cowboys defensive tackle Terrell McClain bust through the center of the line.  He met Giants rookie running back Andre Williams head on, and proceeding to strip the ball.  Now when the whistle was blown McClain had the ball, but the refs had said he had stopped Williams forward progress.  Anyone that saw the replay clearly saw the ball coming loose as soon as McClain hit Williams.  Since the refs called forward progress the play couldn't be reviewed and Dallas lost on a takeaway.  I only bring it up because this is the 4th game I've seen with the Cowboys were they could've had a huge play with a turnover but the refs waved it off.  I think it's beyond stupid the refs are so premature when turnover are automatically reviewed anyway. So what's the harm in reviewing it and making the change if necessary.

4. No Sacks (Right Now) No Problem: Okay so in 7 games the Cowboys defensive line has 7 sacks.  I'll be honest a 1 sack per game average is not very good.  Make no mistake Dallas doesn't have an elite defense, but they do have a solid defense.  Defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli has them playing complete fly to the ball team defense!  So while the fact they're not getting sacks isn't hurting them now this team is making stops, and getting pressure on the quarterback.  During the Giants first series in the 2nd half on a crucial 3rd and long, the line didn't sack quarterback Eli Manning.  They did however put enough pressure on him to cause him to overthrow a wide-open Rueben Randle that would've led to at least 3 points.  Dallas' defensive has continually made plays like this, and it's a large part of this winning streak.  Hopefully with the arrival of 2nd round draft pick DeMarcus Lawrence can help with the pass rush.

3. Move Over Jim Brown: For the 7th straight game DeMarco Murray rushed for over 100 yards.  Murray added another 28 carries for 128yds and 1 touchdown to his already impressive totals.  With the performance he broke Jim Browns record of rushing for over 100yds in 6 straight games a record that stood for 56 years. Murray has been a man on a mission running like a man possessed.  A lot has been made of Murray's workload a midst this run he's been on.  With a history of injury it's understandable, but if it's something that's worrying Murray you'd be hard-pressed to see it. He's flat out determined, and the Cowboys are determined to stick to the game-plan.  This couldn't have been more evident thin late in the 4th quarter the Cowboys are driving after the Giants have just scored to cut the lead to 7.  Dallas faced a 3 and long 1 the Giants put 9 in the box, Dallas of last year would've tried to be cute and passed for the 1st down.  But Dallas trusted Murray and he bulldozed his way through the line to pick up 5 yards.  There's nothing more demoralizing to a defense to know what a team is going to do, they know you know what they're going to do, and they still run the ball down your throat.  Murray is playing at an MVP level right now and as long as he's doing so the Cowboys wins like Murray's record breaking performances should continue to stack up.

2. Efficient Romo & Gavin Escobar: Like the Dallas team quarterback Tony Romo has greatly benefited from this running game.  After a rusty start Romo has been on fire and more importantly incredibly efficient.  Last year Romo averaged about 35-40 passing attempts seeing how the Cowboys passed at least 70% of the time.  This year Romo's average has been more around 25-30 pass attempts.  Currently Romo has a blistering 71% completion rate, in the game yesterday Romo only attempted 23 passes.  Completing 17 going 9-9 in the 2nd half, HE ONLY THREW THE BALL 9 TIMES! That is fantastic the least Romo has to do the better.  Romo is a really good quarterback but if he feels like he has to do it all there's more of a chance of him making a mistake.  Also standing out to me in this game was tight-end Gavin Escobar starting to justify that 2nd round draft pick from 2013.  Last year it made absolutely no sense for Dallas to draft another tight-end especially when Witten was still playing at a high level, and you had just drafted a speedy tight-end the year before in Oklahoma's James Hanna.  In the last 2 games Escobar has emerged as a legitimate red-zone threat yesterday picking up 65yds and 2 tds, after Seattle it brings Escobar's total to 3 touchdowns. Standing at 6-6 260 pounds Gavin Escobar is just another offensive weapon this Cowboys offense can use.

1. 2nd coming of the Play-maker: Once Dez Bryant was given the number 88 the expectations were huge.  Michael Irvin for all intents and purposes was the heart and soul of those 90s Cowboys.  He played with fire and passion.  Each year Dez Bryant has grown, and he's starting to seriously emulate the Hall of Fame wide receiver.  During the 2nd quarter their was a play where Dez was on a go route tripped on the turf and it led to a Giant interception.  You could see the look of disappointment on Dez's face, and after a lackluster first half where he caught one pass, Dez exploded in the second.  With each big play that Bryant made you couldn't help but think of the Play-Maker.  Key 3rd down single coverage it was automatic that the ball was coming to Dez.  Despite the coverage the ball was secured by the Cowboys big play wide receiver.  Dez said after the game that he had to just "play like himself again".  He explodes off the snap and his passion seems to be coursing throughout this team.  If Dez could inspire this team half and much as Michael Irvin inspired his team in the 90s the possibilities for this team are limitless.

Victory In Seattle My 5 Points!

My 5 Points: Cowboys vs. Seahawks

by William C Walker Jr.

Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray (29) blows through Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) for the winning touchdown in the fourth quarter at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Sunday, October 12, 2014. he Cowboys won 30-23. (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News)

Photo: Tom Fox/Staff Photographer

October 13, 2014

It's hard to contain my excitement after the Cowboys win in Seattle.  The last time I think the Cowboys won a game that big on the road was 2009.  At that time they beat the Saints in New Orleans when they were 13-0.  That team followed it with a shutout against the Eagles and their first playoff win since 1996.  As gratifying as that win was it pales to the feeling I had watching the Cowboys get the win over the Seahawks.  Here are my 5 points from the Cowboys vs. Seahawks game.

5. No Quit in these Cowboys: You see the '09 team was supposed to be good.  That roster was loaded with talent on both sides of the ball.  The team this year wasn't expected to do much especially on defense.  Yet down by 10 to start the game Dallas didn't quit.  They just dominated the rest of the first half to score 17 unanswered points.  Even being down 3 as the momentum seemed to swing this team didn't back down.  How many Cowboys teams in recent past could we say that about?  Like in St. Louis down 21 the team stuck with their game plan and powered their way to the win.

4. Ignore the Score It Wasn't Close: Take away a blocked punt that led to the first Seattle touchdown.  Then Duane Harris for the 2nd straight week coughing it up on a punt return led to a second Seattle touchdown.  Followed by the very next Cowboys series an early snap led to a fumble recovered by Seattle's defense which led to a field goal.  That's 17 points off of Cowboys turnovers.  Russell Wilson and the Seattle offense was stymied.  And just to see pure dominance just watch how the Cowboys ran the ball on their game winning drive.  The Cowboys dominated Seattle and that was a sight to behold.

3. They Can Run on Anybody: Dallas is playing the very definition of big boy football.  The Cowboys dominated the line of scrimmage.  Going into the game Seattle had the number 1 rushing defense in the league. Seattle's defense only allowed 62 yards rushing per game.  The Cowboys ran for 162 yards.  Running back DeMarco Murray joins Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown as the only other player to start the season with 6 consecutive games rushing for 100 yards or more.  In a league that has become pass dependent Dallas proved that they can run the ball on anyone.  The sledding doesn't get any tougher than what Dallas faced in Seattle, but Dallas proved they can be successful as long as they stay committed to it.

2. The Defense Continues to Surprise: Every player on this defense has stepped up and made plays in Sunday's win.  Rolando McClain once again gave a solid performance leading this unity of overachievers.  After seeing what Russell Wilson did to the Deadskins defense on Monday night, who thought this defense could contain him?  Beast Mode Marshawn Lynch was held in check outside of his one big run for 32  yards he had a very quiet day.  All around threat Percy Harvin was held to 6 touches for -1 yards.  A quarterback not known for making mistakes or turning the ball over was forced to make bad throws including the game ending interception.  This defense continues to play with a chip on it's shoulder and it shows.

1. Cowboys owned 3rd Down: Going into the game the Cowboys had the best 3rd down conversion rate with 55.6%.  That didn't change after Seattle as the team converted 10 of 17 3rd downs.  Now when you have a running game it's easy to convert 3rd and shorts.  But in this game in the first and second half the Cowboys converted huge 3rd downs.  Twice on the drive to end the first half Romo found back-up running back Lance Dunbar for conversions on 3rd & 9, then 3rd & 14.  Finally Jason Witten's first TD of the season came on 3rd & goal giving the Cowboys' a touchdown lead at the half.  In the second half on the game winning drive Romo hit Dez Bryant on 3rd & 5 against the premiere shutdown corner in the league Richard Sherman.  Then the play of hte game on 3rd & 20 similar to the play last week against Houston.  Romo pulled a Houdini avoided the sack and hit Terrance Williams on a 23 yard completion that rivaled Dez Bryant's catch in OT for catch of the year.  Just for perspective the rest of the NFL this year on 3rd & 20 is converted 3 out of 55.  It's something that's just not done, yet Dallas did in the home of the 12th Man and Super Bowl champs Seattle Seahawks. The Cowboys put the league on notice with their physical win if they can keep this up great things are in store.

HOW BOUT DEM COWBOYS!!!!!!!

It's Not Crazy It's Sports

It's Not Crazy It's Sports
by William C. Walker Jr.

A few years ago ESPN had a commercial about the crazy lengths fans would go to rep their team. Tombstones engraved with team emblems and people buried in jerseys.  Tattoos, haircuts, face paints, and colorful costumes.  The tagline "It's not crazy it's sports" it meant the things that fans do may seem crazy but it's perfectly acceptable and the norm in sports.  It's a phrase I could not agree more with!  Look you'll never catch me rolling to a Cowboys game shirtless body painted silver & blue with a Cowboys star over my belly.  But I'd be lying if I said there weren't some traditions or practices I partake in during the football season.  From the layman or outside spectator they could say I was being crazy.  At least that's the opinion of my fiancee.  The conversation came up as I was thinking about where I was going to watch the Cowboys vs. Seahawks game.  It all comes down to whether or not you believe in jinxes.  Now I'm not a very superstitious person I don't fear black cats, splitting poles, Friday the 13th, or walking under a ladder.  Well okay maybe the last one but that's a safety issue nothing to do with bad luck.  But back to my point I do however believe in jinxes when it comes to my sports teams.  Thus the reason my fiancee thinks I'm crazy when it comes to watching Dallas.  Here are a few of my rules that I've developed over the years, and again it's not crazy it's sports.

RULES FOR VICTORY:
1. I will not answer nor make calls in the midst of the game: Especially when my team is winning, if you call during the game just know you won't get an answer. It's throws negative energy I will give you a call at halftime, so don't take it personal that's just standard.   Now texting is allowed standard rates apply.

2. Some form of team paraphernalia must be worn: Doesn't matter if it's a jersey, t-shirt, hat, towel or blanket.  Something repping your squad needs to be present.  Though I have a few jersey's of players that are no longer with the team I don't like to rock those for game-time unless it's throwbacks. Like Hall of Famers Michael Irvin or Emmitt Smith.

3. Fingers crossed on Third Downs & Red Zone trips: This is something I've done since I was a kid watching Dallas, and I've never relinquished the practice.  When Dallas needs a third down conversion or a score in the Redzone it's fingers crossed thumbs between the pointer & middle finger. Doesn't have to be done for the whole game just at certain crucial moments.

4. Home-field advantage: Watching the game with my Dad and brother once the season starts where you're sitting is where you stay for the season.  Now this is where my dilemma stems from this year, so I'm going to break away and go into detail.

You see growing up I've always watched games with my brother and my Dad, both Cowboys fans like me.  My other little brother has the misfortune of being a Rams fan.  So even when we got older and moved out we'd come together to watch the Boys.  Made even greater/more possible thanks to Sunday Ticket.  It was 2007 when we found this ultimate recipe for success.  Me, my Dad, and brother Cory would watch the game Dallas started that year off 5-0.  Granted we where together for their first lost against the Patriots but that was the year they went undefeated so there was no stopping that train.  I can't remember if we watched their 2nd loss that season or not, but I know the 3rd loss came at the end of the season and my brother Cory was down in DC watching the game live, and my Dad was out of town with my Mom.  It was the first time that year that the majority of us didn't watch the game together.  Granted Dallas already had home-field advantage wrapped so we chalked it up to mere coincidence.  Then the playoffs came and my brother promised he'd visit his then fiancee's family that weekend in DC, so he wouldn't be able to see the game with me and my Dad.  The rest is history Dallas was upset by the New York Giants, and went on to win the Super Bowl that year.

Eli Manning has always been a lucky quarterback in my opinion, and that year the bum was lucky the alliance had broken for that game.  My Dad still shame stares my brother on that one.  So that brings me to present day.  First game of the season I watch the game with my Dad, and Dallas get's pasted in the first quarter by San Fran.  Like most Cowboys fans who've been inclined to sell their tickets fed up with Jerry Jones mismanagement and years of mediocrity, my Dad didn't feel inclined to drop the large sum of dough for Sunday Ticket, and my brother & I agreed.  So the 2nd game of the season was watched separated, I won't go into detail of how I got to see the game but there's always another way (thanks internet).  Point is Dallas won, and in the midst of this 4 game winning streak I've yet to watch the game with my Dad or brother.  Granted we'll  text during or on halftime give each other a call but we've all been apart, save for last week when my Dad & brother watched the win over the Texans.  So when it comes to this game in Seattle part of me feels why mess with success?  Watch the game separate for when Dallas shocks the world the untethered support by me and my family would be validated as a recipe for success.  But who wouldn't want to be cheering your team to victory throwing high-fives to your little brother and Dad while Dallas makes a statement win?  It's these thoughts that I shared with my fiancee, and the reason she laughed shook her head and said "You're Crazy".

All right let me be serious for a moment I know that for Dallas to get the win in Seattle. It's going to take more than crossed fingers or assigned seats.  It's going to take a defense that's been exceeding expectations to continue to play solid team defense.  To stay discipline  and maintain gap integrity to contain Russell Wilson who's proving with each game he's deserves to be considered one of the best. As well as trying to stop Beast Mode running back Marshawn Lynch, and challenge the Legion of Boom lead by corner back Richard Sherman.  DeMarco Murray is going to have to continue on his MVP level pace, going for a 6th consecutive game for rushing for 100 yards or more.  Quarterback Tony Romo will have to continue to improve and not cost Dallas the game.  All of these things are truly possible, because it's Dallas's commitment to the run game, and actually building a young talented offense line that gives them the best shot.  Anytime your team leads the league in rushing while also being the first in 3rd down efficiency with 55.6% and 8th in scoring defense.  Your team has a chance to win.  With that being said the odds of Dallas beating Seattle in Seattle are astronomical.  The Super Bowl Champ Seahawks have loss a total of 1 game at home in the past 2 seasons including playoffs.  But that's the beauty in football and sports in general all the talk and practices become meaningless once the game starts.  The team that executes and implements a winning plan is the one that comes out on top.  So if and when Dallas wins this game people will say that's crazy unbelievable, I'll just say "It's not crazy it's sports".

LET'S GO DALLAS!!!!!!!!!