Saturday, September 8, 2012

Cowboys-Giants Observations


Ehsan Azad

Cowboys Observations

                I would start off with a long and elaborated statement on how Tony Romo continues to prove that he is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, but if you saw the game last Wednesday, then point proven. There are a still ton of observations from the game that will make cowboys fans happy and concerned at the same time.

                First off, let’s look at the defensive side of the ball. Mostly responsible for many of the failures last year and with Jerry Jones spending money in the offseason to upgrade it, this game was a good litmus test.  I will say I am very impressed with the defense as a whole. It is fast, it is gritty, and it has a mental toughness to it I haven’t seen in years. This defense is playing lights out and hungry and ready to prove it is a top ten unit. Lead by perennial pro bowler Demarcus Ware, the Cowboys pass rush is relentless and forced 3 sacks on Eli Manning with Ware having 2 of them. I like the pressure it’s getting on the offensive line, and guys on the d line played pretty will even with their star Jay Ratliff out with an injury.
                The biggest surprise I saw on the defense was the speed it has now. The new additions of Claiborne, Carr, Lee, and Carter bring a quicker attack on the ball. The Giants couldn’t get any of their players out in the open for the big play. This will be a key asset when you face guys like Victor Cruz, Hakeem Nicks, and Desean Jackson in your division. They also can stop the run game very effectively.  Also, speed also helps them gain many more opportunities to make big plays. You are always a better defense when you can actually catch the guy you’re defending.
                On the Offensive side, I will say I am very impressed with the receiving corps. All 4 of the cowboys’ top options at least caught 2 passes in the game, with Kevin Ogeltree having the biggest game in his career snatching two touchdowns. What also helped them was a balanced running attack spearheaded by bruising Running back Demarco Murray. This boy can play. What a steal he was in the draft in the third round. The former sooner running back has a beast mentality when running and wants to have that contact all the time. The key play he had was a potential go ahead run to the end zone. The run started out bad, but with a few juke moves and stiff arms, Murray ran up for over 30 yards before finally being pulled down. If Murray can keep healthy and getting those yards, the Cowboys passing game will open up and cause havoc for opposing defenses.
                The bad part of the game was all on the Offensive Line. Save for Tyron Smith’s touchdown saving horse collar penalty, the Line was terrible. Romo never was safe in the pocket, often relying on moving around and using spin moves to stay alive. They seemed nervous and jumpy the entire night. Now facing one of the best pass rushes in the league can be daunting mind you, but still they need to get their chemistry going. Luckily, they have awhile before their next game to get it right.

                All in all, this was an impressive win for the Cowboys. Going into New York and facing the Defending champions can be hard, but the Cowboys proved they are far capable of pulling out hard wins. Now, if they can keep up this new attitude that is the big question for this team. Cowboy’s nation is waiting.

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