December Woes Continue

Another week in December passes with the Cowboys organization left scratching their heads.  They failed to come up with big plays on offense and once again were scrambling for answers after the game.  This was a devastating loss for the Cowboys, who are now faced with a must-win against a 13-0 Saints team.

To make matters even worse, the Cowboys all-world linebacker, DeMarcus Ware, was carted off the field in the second half.  The initial thought was that Ware could be facing a serious neck related injury.  To the relief of the organization, it appears he only suffered a neck strain, and he is questionable for Saturday’s game.

With the time table for excuses beginning to dwindle, the time is now for this team to beat the demons that are haunting this once proud franchise in December.  Leaders have to emerge, coaches have to inject confidence and plays have to be made for the Cowboys to get back into the playoffs.  The season is well within their grasp — if they want it.

Offensive Observations

Tony Romo has not thrown an interception in three straight games.  He continues to show great maturity as the signal-caller, and the losing streak does and should not fall on his shoulders.  Did he miss some throws the past two weeks?  Of course.  However, he continues to put his team offensively in good positions to score, it just has not been there yet for the Cowboys.

The running game was solid against the Chargers with the exception of the goal-line travesty.  How do you not score on four carries inside the five yard line (three from the one)?  Around the league many are beginning to questions the toughness and effectiveness of Marion Barber.  It might be time for the Cowboys to let Felix Jones and Tashard Choice handle the bulk of the carries.  Maybe Marion Barber is best used in small doses at the end of the game.  It is a thought that must be pondered.

The offensive line was below average on Sunday.  They failed to move the Chargers goal-line defense, and subjected Romo to numerous hits.  Much was made of the Cowboys behemoth offensive line heading into this season.  It is safe to say they have been underwhelming for most of the year.  Fatigue and age probably are beginning to slow this once heralded group down.

Defensive Observations

Once again the defense played below its expected level.  Rivers completed numerous big plays down the field to Vincent Jackson, which demoralized the Cowboys defense.  Losing Ware hurt the pass rush in the second half.  To Rivers credit he was squeezing some passes into microscopic windows.

I thought for the most part the Cowboys corners played pretty well.  It was nice to see Newman get involved with an INT and a few pass breakups.  Also, Jenkins was in good position most of the game but he just got beat a few times by perfect throws.  That will happen in the NFL against good QB’s.

What happened to Jay Ratliff Sunday?  It was the only game this year where I did not here his name called once.  I noticed he got pushed off the line of scrimmage numerous times, and was invisible as a pass rusher.  For the Cowboys to win, he has to control the middle.  He did not on Sunday and the defense suffered for it.

Final Analysis

For the second straight week the Cowboys win the turnover battle and the total yards battle, but lose the game.  This has become a disturbing trend lately for this team.  It shows that points are being left on the field and that is inexcusable.  A big step forward for the Cowboys can occur on Saturday when they face the undefeated Saints on the road.   This is their most difficult test yet.  On the road in New Orleans is arguably the toughest environment to play football in the NFL.  If the Cowboys  can escape victorious, then they might gain the confidence they need to finish the season.  How it all develops should make for some great drama so stay tuned!!

Tags: Dallas Cowboys, DeMarcus Ware, Felix Jones, Jay Ratliff, Jerry Jones, Marion Barber, NFL, Patrick Crayton, Philip Rivers, Roy Williams, Tony Romo, Vincent Jackson, Wade Phillips