A Win is a Win is a Win … But This One Was UGLY

What a painful game to watch!  The Cowboys eeked out a 7-6 victory over a hobbling Redskins team. First off give the Redskins credit. They came to Cowboys Stadium with every intention to win. If their coach trusted his quarterback more, then they likely would have won with ease.  Jim Zorn was content with his team kicking field goals, and that is what came back to doom the Skins.

Down 6-0 with six minutes left, Tony Romo led the Cowboys offense down the field for the game-winning score.  The outcome helped mask a poor game by Romo.  He was hit in his lower back early in the game which clearly affected his play.  He was regularly missing high with his throws.  But once again he saves the Cowboys with his play-making ability on the final drive. 

Offensive Notes

The Doug Free watch began yesterday, and he played pretty well.  The Cowboys ran effectively to his side for most of the game.  In pass protection, he had help a majority of the time.  To be fair the Redskins were missing their best defensive player.  Therefore, it is difficult to grade Free against an injury riddled team.  In two weeks at Giants Stadium comes his biggest test. 

The passing game was non-existent until the final drive for the Cowboys.  Roy Williams dropped a couple more balls and finished the day with ZERO receptions.  The problem with Williams is he can only run certain types of routes.  He is ineffective down the field.  He is not a guy who can work the slot.  He is basically a slant and back-shoulder-fade receiver.  The trade has been a bust – simple as that!

Romo was deadly accurate in the touchdown drive.  He connected with Miles Austin three times while not throwing to Williams once.  It is clear that in crunch time Austin is his guy.  We saw it on three occasions: KC, Philly and now Washington.  Although Crayton had the game-winning catch, Austin did all the leg work.   

Marion Barber ran hard yesterday.  Besides the fumble, he played real well.  It was nice to see Jason Garrett commit to the run game.  Fans are concerned with the lack of big play from the Cowboys, but you can’t have it both ways.  If you want the running game to be the staple of the offense, then you are going to have to live with lower scoring games.  The problem with that strategy for the Cowboys is that they are not disciplined enough to incorporate that offensive philosophy.  They take way too many penalties.  It is time to realize what the Cowboys are: A pass balanced offense.

Defensive Notes

The defense has been the strength of this team in recent weeks.  As a unit, they are among the league’s best in scoring defense.  If the offense can gain some sort of rhythm, the Cowboys could be a dangerous team the rest of the way. 

Individually Keith Brooking’s arrival has transformed this defense.  His energy is contagious and Bradie James is having his best year along side him.  He is an underrated blitzer and cover linebacker as well as being a dominate run-stopper.  Also, “Barbie” Carpenter seems to have matured watching Brooking play.  He is having a better year, and he might not be the first round bust we all thought he was.   

I saw something on Sunday that convinced me the Cowboys would win the game.  Trailing 6-0 in the fourth quarter, the cameras cut to DeMarcus Ware on the sideline whispering to Romo.  Ware is not only the best defensive player in the league; he is developing into the Cowboys team leader.  In the past, when the Cowboys got a lead late, you would worry about this defense giving it back.  Not anymore.  With Ware leading the charge, the Cowboys defense is becoming one of the league’s best.

Final Analysis

Nick Folk has to improve.  He is going to have to make big kicks down the stretch and it is clear he is not himself.  Do the Cowboys consider the alternative?  Not yet, but soon they might if he continues to hurt their kicking game. 

With the short week, the Cowboys do not have the luxury of spending time reviewing the game.  Turkey Day is almost here and a matchup between two historic franchises awaits.  For the Cowboys anything short of a dominating win against the Raiders is unacceptable.  Yes the Raiders just beat a very good Bengals team.  Nevertheless, the Cowboys defense should feast on the Raiders.  This also could be a perfect game for the offense to get back on track.  The Cowboys squeaked out a win against the Redskins.  Let’s hope for a better effort this Thursday.  Much more to come so Stay Tuned!

Tags: Bradie James, Dallas Cowboys, DeMarcus Ware, Felix Jones, Jason Campbell, Jason Garrett, Jason Witten, Jerry Jones, Marion Barber, Miles Austin, NFL, Patrick Crayton, Roy Williams, Tony Romo, Wade Phillips