When The Cowboys Come Marching In …

After two consecutive losses to start December, not many believed the Cowboys could pull an upset in the Superdome.  Tony Romo and the defense proved them wrong.  From the opening series, the Cowboys controlled the game.  Once again Romo did not have an interception.  This is his longest streak (four) without throwing an interception, and it could not have come at a better time. 

The real star of Saturday night, however, was the defense.  For the first time in a few weeks, Wade Phillips out-coached the opposition.  His gameplan for the Saints offense was almost flawless.  He allowed his corners to play man-to-man with safety help over top.  He counted on his outside linebackers to create pressure, and boy did they.

Demarcus Ware showed once again why he is the most fearsome pass rusher in football.  Coming off a neck strain which left him questionable heading into Saturday, he had one his his best games all season.  He sacked Brees twice.  His last coming at the end of the game, which also led to a Cowboys fumble recovery.  Anthony Spencer had a huge game as well.  He had two sacks and numerous pressures.  In his sophomore season, he has really come into his own as a great counterpart to Ware.

Offensive Observations

As stated earlier, Romo was efficient with the football.  He spread the ball around nicely, and when he needed to he got big first downs with his legs.  I am getting the sense that Romo has undergone a maturation process, which now places him as one of the league’s best QB’s.  Decision-making, ball security and leadership are now attributes synonymous with Tony Romo.  He is the unquestioned leader on this team, and I believe he will take them far this year and in years to come. 

What more can you say about the importance the emergence of Miles Austin has had with this offense.  He had another huge game Saturday night.  Although he still struggles with some drop balls, you cannot ignore the explosive run-after-catch ability this man possesses.  It is tough to debate against DeSean Jackson as the NFL’s most dynamic receiver, but you could do much worse than Miles Austin.  He is cementing himself as an elite player.

Now that brings us to Roy Williams.  Even though he has had a down year, I like the guy.  I think he has handled the difficulties he has faced the right way.  That being said, he played poorly on Saturday.  He dropped a huge third down slant, which would have basically put the Saints away.  Also, it is clear the coaching staff is beginning to lessen his snaps.  We saw Kevin Ogletree, Sam Hurd and Patrick Crayton all on the field in two receiver sets.  I do not know if this is a sign of things to come, but Williams is definitely being put on notice. 

Marion Barber and the running game was effective against the Saints.  They ripped the Saints for over 150 yards, and brought balance to an offense that definitively needed it.  It has been a tough season for Barber.  Many, including myself, have questioned Barber’s role.  Most were calling for a decrease in his workload.  He came out an showed his critics that he can still be the team’s workhorse.  The two touchdowns helped his cause as well.

Defensive Observations

Along with the stellar play of the linebackers, the secondary did its job on the Saints dynamic receivers.  For the most part, they played great in coverage throughout the game.  A remarkable stat shows the Cowboys secondary did not allow a pass to be caught down field for over 15 yards.  Drew Brees was 0-8 with an INT in those situations.  To accomplish that against this offense speaks loudly about the job they did.  I have to give the maligned Ken Hamlin credit.  His return strengthened the secondary.  Hopefully, they can continue their dominance the rest of the way.

It is amazing to see the progression Anthony Spencer has gone through this season.  Each week he grows as a player.  The Cowboys are lucky to have two fearsome pass rushers on the outside.  His emergence does not allow teams to double Ware.  It is exciting to watch the 2nd year player blow by offensive tackles.  Next year expect Spencer to challenge Ware for the team leader in sacks.

Final Analysis

I would be remiss to not discuss the meltdown of Nick Folk.  He had a chance to seal the game with a chip shot field goal in the closing minutes.  His downward spiral reminds me of Mike Vanderjagt a few years ago.  I feel for the kid because he has been so effective the past couple years for the Cowboys.  They have no choice but to cut him loose and audition kickers during the week.  For a potential playoff team, this is not the time of year you want to have a kicker controversy.  Hopefully whoever they bring in can solidify the position. 

Beating the undefeated Saints is a big lift for this Cowboys team.  It is important for them to realize that they have to play at that level to succeed late in the year.  They will be facing a tough Redskins team next.  The division rival will not role over for the Cowboys.  On the contrary expect the Skins to pull out all the tricks in order to beat the Cowboys.  Coach Phillips has to make sure his team does not come out flat against the Redskins.  For now the final straw is off the camels back.  Let’s hope it stays off the rest of the season.  Stay Tuned!

Tags: Anthony Spencer, Dallas Cowboys, DeMarcus Ware, Gerald Sensabaugh, Jay Ratliff, Jerry Jones, Ken Hamlin, Kevin Ogletree, Marion Barber, Mike Jenkins, Miles Austin, NFL, Patrick Crayton, Roy Williams, Sam Hurd, Tashard Choice, Terence Newman, Tony Romo, Wade Phillips