Cowboys Team Report

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INSIDE SLANT

The Cowboys don’t want to hear it. They don’t want to talk about it.

They would love to be able to ignore it.

But they can’t escape their failures in December, which are too real and too relevant, no matter what coach Wade Phillips said.

Sunday’s 31-24 loss to the Giants was just the next chapter in horrifying book that began in 1996, the last year the Cowboys won a playoff game.

The Cowboys are 19-32 in December ever since. They are 5-10 in December since 2006.

“Well, the facts are that we’re 8-4 (this year),” Phillips said. “It’s crushing when you lose a ballgame, but you’ve got to bounce back from those things. It’s a 16-game season, the results from the 16 games determine where you are.”

The results support the fact that the Cowboys crumble in crucial moments, that they don’t get it done when it matters most.

“I think we have a winning team,” Phillips said. “If you have a bunch of winners, I think you’re going to bounce back from losses. I think also they do take it one game at a time, and that’s what we need to continue to do.”

The Cowboys remain in first place in the NFC East, tied with the Eagles. But the Giants are one game back. Dallas has a rigorous four-game stretch to end the season, starting Sunday against the Giants.

If the Cowboys are to make the playoffs, they are going to have to find a way to reverse their December fortunes.

“Until we win, I know we’re going to hear about (December),” linebacker Bradie James(notes) said. “No matter how bad it can be, we’ve got to figure out a way to win. We’ve got to fix the mistakes, and we had a couple of them. We still have four games, and guys will respond. We just have to stay together.”

NOTES, QUOTES

—Left tackle Flozell Adams(notes) could be fined or suspended for a personal-foul penalty he received against the Giants. Adams has already been fined three times by the NFL this season for four infractions.

Adams was fined $5,000 after Week 1 for an unnecessary roughness penalty against Tampa Bay. In Week 2 against the Giants, he tripped Justin Tuck(notes) and also kicked Osi Umenyiora(notes). He was fined $12,500 for the two fouls.

And after adding a $7,500 fine for a tripping penalty against Carolina in Week 3, Adams was warned by the league that any other offenses could result in a suspension.

“I have talked to the Cowboys and the league. The league is discussing it, and we will find out (Tuesday),” said Jordan Woy, Adams’ agent. “Flo thought the play was still in action when the hit occurred. There was a lot of confusion on that play. It is unfortunate that it happened.”

• Kicker Nick Folk(notes) is under scrutiny for missing a 42-yard field goal against the Giants. It was his eighth miss of the season. But the Cowboys are not just focusing on Folk, they are examining the whole operation, and they could replace punter Mat McBriar(notes) as the holder. Folk blamed McBriar’s hold for his miss against the Giants.

McBriar has taken the blame for at least two other misses. It’s something the Cowboys are going to look at, although they have few alternatives for a replacement holder. Backup quarterback Jon Kitna(notes) has never done it. Receiver Patrick Crayton(notes) is an option, along with receiver Sam Hurd(notes) and kickoff specialist David Buehler(notes).

None, however, likely would have had enough to time in practice to take the job away from McBriar.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

Player Notes  

• LB DeMarcus Ware(notes) wore a cast on his fractured left wrist against the Giants, but it wasn’t a problem. He had his ninth sack of the season. “In fact, after the game he said he wanted one on the other wrist,” coach Wade Phillips said. “It must’ve felt all right for him.”

• FB Deon Anderson(notes) has a bruised knee. His status for Sunday’s game against the Chargers is uncertain.

• TE Martellus Bennett(notes) missed a few plays against the Giants with a knee injury, but he returned and is considered OK for Sunday’s game against the Chargers.

• FS Ken Hamlin(notes) has missed the past three games with a high ankle sprain. His status for the Chargers game will be determined Wednesday.

• RT Doug Free(notes) was not the problem with the run game against the Giants. “Free played pretty well, I thought,” coach Wade Phillips said. “I think he graded out probably better than any of our offensive linemen this past game. He did a pretty good job.”

Report Card Vs  . GIANTS

Passing Offense:   A—Tony Romo(notes) was darn near perfect, completing 41 of 55 passes for 392 yards, all career highs, and three touchdowns. He didn’t throw any interceptions, and he made Roy Williams relevant with two touchdown receptions. Jason Witten(notes) caught 14 passes for a career high 156 yards, and Miles Austin(notes) had another 100-yard day receiving.

Rushing Offense:   F—The Cowboys averaged just 2 yards a carry and got nothing done on the ground against the Giants, who lined up with eight men in the box for much of the game.

Pass Defense:   D—Eli Manning(notes) didn’t complete many passes, but the ones he did were big plays, particularly a 74-yard touchdown to RB Brandon Jacobs(notes). The Cowboys couldn’t contain Steve Smith, who had six catches for 110 yards.

Rush Defense:   B—The Giants rushed 23 times for just 100 yards, and the Cowboys forced a fumble. The one play the Cowboys want back is a 29-yard run by Ahmad Bradshaw(notes) in which they missed several tackles, setting up a score.

Special Teams:   F—The Cowboys missed a 42-yard field goal and gave up a 79-yard punt return for a touchdown.

Coaching:   D—The Cowboys are now 19-32 in December since 1996. They still didn’t get it done when it mattered late in the season.

Updated Dec 8, 2:54 am EST
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298 Comments

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  1. legomyego
    298. Posted by legomyego Tue Dec 8 3:28pm EST

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    Wade must go-but JJ is loyal to his drinking buddies.
    Romo is a good QB, but now that Jessica Simpson is gone-
    what can we blame the season on?
    I feel bad for Romo-he has to live up to Roger Staubach, Danny White, Troy Aikman-
    and all of those great offenses that played in the 70s and 80s and 90s.
    Hopefully what happened in Seattle-won't happen again.
    At least Roy seems to have found a place to be Roy again.
    I miss T.O.- I never thought I would actually say that...
    GO COWBOYS!
  2. mwfontan
    297. Posted by mwfontan Tue Dec 8 12:08pm EST

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    I just love it when people want it both ways. First they say that the Cowboys legacy of championships matters little to the team playing today, then they say losses in December dating back to 1996 somehow are affecting the team of today.

    The fact of the matter is that even this year's team is substantially different from last years, and should be given a chance to prove themselves on the field in December. One loss, and all the haters (as well as "fans" who are never happy unless they are miserable) want to fire the coach, the QB, the OC, the WR, and every other two-syllable abbreviation...
  3. david c.
    296. Posted by david c. Tue Dec 8 7:47am EST

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    Do not compare Romo to Danny White or Craig Morton, least they won in December and in the playoffs.....I could careless but Danny white at least took Dallas to the NFC championship game 3 times in a row before he left, Romo has done @#$%! 2 big plays where we could have taken it and won the game, he over throws Roy Williams (roy would have probably dropped the ball) and Choice on the screen, I mean come on you don't think your running back is going to run up field, these are things that Romo dosn't see or can't see, which is why he is not a championship QB. Now that loss was not his fault, he did play good, one of his best days.

    The blame herein lies with the COACH, who just dosn't get it, that you have to win in December and the playoffs to be considered a winner in this league, and Garrett...what kinda plays are you calling? do you even know how to read a defense or prepare your offense? do you know how to make adjustments at 1/2 time? The run game is all wrong, Choice is the complete back, I love Barber, but he is a north/south runner and should be used as such not on screens, thats what Feliz Jones's speed is for. I beleive Jones should be a our primary back, or choice, period.

    OH and unless they get someone in that can take Romo's job, his lackadasical demeanor will continue, he knows his job is secure.

    Dallas will lose the next 2 games to the Chargers and Saints, eagles will take over division, and the giants will return to a playoof contendor, I am sorry but noway dallas is beating the saints, they just don't have the mental fortitude. December is here and our playoff hopes falter....once again...THANKS ALOT JERRY JONES YOU HEARTLESS BASTARD
  4. Dean P
    295. Posted by Dean P Tue Dec 8 5:03am EST

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    post 290 gary. didn't Roethlisberger win as a rookie or 1st year player? as a cowboy fan i too feel hard done by with some of the play calling but Romo is the best we've had since Aikman and he is still in the top 7 in the league and he is a winner. i'm happy with that i think that when the whole team comes together it'll be something to watch
  5. Cody H
    294. Posted by Cody H Fri Dec 4 9:33pm EST

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    To post 282 I could not agree with you more. Romo will eventually be a superbowl champion, now i'm not going to say that it is going to be this year but you can only hope. Lets just hope that it is with the Cowboys and not another team
    GO COWBOYS!!!
  6. DEN
    293. Posted by DEN Mon Nov 30 4:53pm EST

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    Romo also has, and has had big time Talent around him put him in Detroit or Cleveland and see what he does LOL. Dont blow Sunshine up Romo's KOOTCH to me he sits back there with all day to pass you want to see a QB that can and will be great (once he gets a line and a running game) watch Matt Stafford if he was in BIG D he would be rookie of the year easy Dont get me wrong Dallas is my second favorite team But Romo and Phillips have got to go! My third Favorite is who ever is playing S$!ttsburg
  7. Ralegas
    292. Posted by Ralegas Mon Nov 30 3:23pm EST

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    Unless and until Tony Romo leads the Cowboys to a Super Bowl win he will always be consigned to Danny White/Craig Morton status as very good Cowboys qb but not a championship qb. Both fans and detractors make much of his play but in football it is all or nothing, championships or obscurity.
  8. Texas John T.
    291. Posted by Texas John T. Sun Nov 29 1:13am EST

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    Post # 279, you call these folks wannabe coaches, and turn around and make stupid statements that basically says you are the wannabe !

    #272 and 282, you are both 100% correct !


    Den, what are you talking about ? if manning, brees, or brady were on this team they'd be 9-1 or better because of its level of talent.... what ? dont get me wrong , i am a lifelong , neverfailing Cowboys fan, but the talent we have? if any of our receivers were on those teams, they'd be lucky to be the 3rd receiver, our most talented players are Witten, D'Ware and Romo, other than that, who do we have that's a threat, besides F. Jones who still needs to prove he can stay healthy ?
    Gimme a break !

    Get used to it folks, it's unrealistic to expect to go undefeated, only 1 team has done in the superbowl era, and nobody has done since the salary cap era ! Just root for your team, and celebrate the wins they can get , simple rules to being a Fan !
  9. Gary
    290. Posted by Gary Sat Nov 28 9:23pm EST

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    Y'all see my previous comment. Enuff said. QB's don't succeed on every down or every game! In the long run, though, they are GOOD! Romo will be good! Like Favre, Like Staubach, Like Manning, Like Montana, etc. No QB eas successful early on........................but then all of a sudden. BAM!!!!!!!
  10. Gary
    289. Posted by Gary Sat Nov 28 9:17pm EST

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    • QB Tony Romo made his 50th career start against the Raiders. In his 50 starts, he has completed 1,031-of-1,642 passes for 13,233 yards, 95 touchdowns and 50 interceptions. In the Super Bowl era, he has thrown for the third-most touchdowns and the fourth-most yards through his first 50 starts.
  11. DEN
    288. Posted by DEN Thu Nov 26 2:39am EST

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    Most of you would'nt know a good reciever if he came up and bit you on the AAA
  12. DEN
    287. Posted by DEN Thu Nov 26 2:24am EST

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    put Brady brees or manning P Or E on this team and they are 9-1 maybe 10 and 0 Romo is not that good his numbers are good but look whats around him Jamarcus Russel would have good numbers!
  13. DEN
    286. Posted by DEN Thu Nov 26 2:21am EST

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    I'm telling you Phillips has got to go he is ruining an excellent opertunity to get the sixth!!!
  14. El Duderino
    285. Posted by El Duderino Wed Nov 25 12:07pm EST

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    Well said, Isaiah... I couldn't agree with you more. Romo will continued to be doubted, as he will also continue to disprove the haters out there. He has always found a way to come back and have big games after his disappointing ones. If he could just find that consistency factor, then his elite quarterback status will no longer be in question.

    Go Cowboys
  15. Pugsta
    284. Posted by Pugsta Tue Nov 24 6:27pm EST

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    Gruden!!
  16. Isaiah
    283. Posted by Isaiah Tue Nov 24 6:30am EST

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    I'm getting tired of having to defend Romo to other so-called Cowboys fans. His record is 31-15. Since 2006, he's third in passing behind Peyton Manning and Drew Brees. He ALREADY has Cowboys passing records that used to be held by some guy named Aikman (without the receiver talent that Aikman had OR the O-line OR the coach). HE is the reason Dallas has been winning. Not Barber, not Witten. EVEN TROY AIKMAN (who was calling the game against Washington) said, and I quote, "Romo is very talented and the Cowboys need to let him throw the ball downfield. That is their identity." HELLO!!!!!! Is Romo always perfect? Of course not. NO ONE has been. Peyton Manning couldn't win a playoff game for 7 YEARS. Yet Colts fans weren't calling for him to be traded. Drew Brees looked like a bust until his last year in San Diego, now he's on top. TROY AIKMAN, in his first few years liked like hammered @#$%! I wanted him gone and I couldn't believe they traded Steve Walsh instead of him! But then he goes on to win 3 Super Bowls. Choking??? Romo was responsible for the botched field goal in 2006. Since then, what has he choked at? The 2007 Playoffs? If Crayton keeps running his route, it's a touchdown and the Cowboys send the eventual Super Bowl Champion Giants home! The 2008 season? He didn't play in 2 of those loses, which I believe we would have won, making the Boys division champs and in the playoffs. The Eagles just dominated every phase of that final game of 2008. So there's plenty of blame to go around in that one. THE COWBOYS WON ON SUNDAY. It's a @#$% win you dumb@#$%s. Aikmans Cowboys didn't always look good either, but they found ways to win. That's what you do on Sunday. And as the fans, you BACK YOUR @#$% TEAM.
  17. Pattie
    282. Posted by Pattie Sat Nov 21 12:33pm EST

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    Boo hoo hoo. like all little boys, most of you sound just like them! you are either a dallas cowboy fan no matter how good, bad, or otherwise that they play, or you are not. for those that fit into the boo hoo hoo category, find another team to rag on. the "boys" are not perfect, not now, not in the past, nor will they be in the future, but they are my team, and i will stand behind them come what may.
    so, come sunday, i will be right in front of my tv watching my team take on the washington redskins and my whole neighborhood will hear me, as usual and know that i am supporting my cowboys.
    if you want to say something to me personally, since i will not return to this site, you may reach me at: mspittypat2002@yahoo.com
  18. Derrick R
    281. Posted by Derrick R Fri Nov 20 5:18am EST

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    The skins stink they know it, everybody knows it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  19. Jools90
    280. Posted by Jools90 Wed Nov 18 7:49am EST

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    The reality to you fans and wannabe experts is that the Cowboys are jusy another above average
    team with a below average coach, So get used to it.....they will continue to impress (one week ) and disappoint another week.
  20. Darth Maximus Macleoud
    279. Posted by Darth Maximus Macleoud Wed Nov 18 4:10am EST

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    Typical of the so called fans here, Cowboys Win 4 of 5 and it's like they lost 5 of 6; give it a rest people, Still a lot of games left, let's not throw a 1st place Team under the bus cause they lost 1 game on the road to an opponent that is tough to beat at home, not only that, probably the most evenly matched team the Cowboys have played Thus Far, even in penalties. It was an any Given Sunday type of game, and for all the Pressure on the Cowboys, they are the best Contenders in the Division. I didn't see any Complacency, Green Bay played a better game, and for the first time this season, the 'Boys didn't beat themselves with mistakes and penalties, as they had Less than their opponents in quantity & yardage lost. Hardly a loss to chalk up with serious regret. I still Can't believe people want to Trade up for Romo, it's like a sickness with fans here when he really hasn't been all that bad, He's Getting Better Actually, Have Patience, I know it's thin when it comes to the Cowboys, but It's Happening. Look at the Bigger Picture, Like where they were last year at this time, doing Better this year I would Say, and in much better shape all around. It will get better.
  21. Thius
    278. Posted by Thius Tue Nov 17 11:31pm EST

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    Tony Romo, maybe football is not your game ? I know,lets have a spelling contest.
  22. Jeffrey B
    277. Posted by Jeffrey B Tue Nov 17 11:07am EST

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    Garrett gets in a funk with play calling. He tries to run that spread like New England. Romo is not Tom Brady. So why try to run the New England offense? Run the ball. A running back needs to hit it about 20 to 25 times to get consistant production. If you are doing a running back by comittee, then you have no running game. Barber is good, but his style of play is shortening his career. Nagging injuries are catching up with him. Jones? Is he made of glass? Choice has stepped up when called.You need to pick a go to guy and stick with it. A consitant running wins games (unless your Payton Manning.) Duh! Look what happened with New England in Indy. No running game. No clock control. You don't wear out the defense. Remember a steady diet of Emmitt Smith and punishing the defense into the fourth quarter? Get to garbage time and eat up the clock and the running back ends up with 150 yards. Stop trying to get it all in one play.
    Then on defense, you have a secondary thats lost. A one armed safety. And no headhunter to blast the crossing routes over the middle. No run support.
    Simple? Go back to 4 -3. The 3-4 needs to have something this teams does not have - corners and safeties..
    Oh, and all the stupid penalties? High School teams play better.
  23. Brad
    276. Posted by Brad Fri Nov 13 5:50pm EST

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    #273 . . . If I remember correctly, they won the super bowl in 1992, 1993 and 1995, but lost to the 49ers in the Championship game in 1994. That was where the 49ers went up 21-0 on a bad first 7 minutes of football and held on to win 31-24 or something like that. But yes . . . the article above does have an issue on the way it was worded.
  24. drhortonsuks
    275. Posted by drhortonsuks Fri Nov 13 3:15pm EST

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    #273 The Ikester - Agree completely about their "Superbowl loss to the 49ers"

    Back in the olden days of print, didn't they have a mythical creature called an Editor? I think Yahoo! must have slayed the poor beast.
  25. The Ikester
    274. Posted by The Ikester Thu Nov 12 7:48am EST

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    "They won the Super Bowl in the 1992 season after starting 7-1 and the 1993 season after starting 6-2. They reached the Super Bowl after starting 7-1 in 1995 but lost to the 49ers."

    Huh? Dallas can't have played the 49ers in the Super Bowl, they're both NFC teams....DUH! Dallas lost to them in the NFC Championship game!

    I may be picky, but when someone writes an article full of stats, they need to make sure they get them right! They have the option of double-checking before printing the article!!!
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