Al Bello - Getty Images
Take notes, Jason. Tom Coughlin has the model we need.
Saint Landry, I humbly beseech your forgiveness for the sin of heresy I am about to commit.
It looks like there is an excellent chance for a rematch of the 2007 Super Bowl between the detested New England Patriots and the hated New York Giants. While this is a situation that, for many of us here at BTB, has absolutely nothing pleasurable about it (as so eloquently expressed by our resident podcastmeister KD Drummond), there are some things that can be learned here.
The first (excuse me while I overcome the gagging and retching) is that the New York Giants are now the lead dog in the NFC East. They are clearly the team that the Dallas Cowboys must find a way to beat if they hope to get back to the land of milk and honey, otherwise known as the playoffs. And from watching what they have done in advancing to the NFC Championship game, there are some lessons for Dallas to learn. When you also look at the failure of the two NFC favorites going into the playoffs, the Green Bay Packers and the New Orleans Saints, a path back to success for the Cowboys begins to emerge. One that, in some ways, they have already begun.
But it is a difficult thing to face. One that rends the soul and blasts the mind.
Dallas must strive to become the same team as the New York Giants.
Follow after the jump to see if I was smitten by lightning from the hand of St. Landry.
Well, maybe the good Saint's own background as a Giant has given me some level of absolution. But I digress.
If you are muttering obscene imprecations about me, please let me explain. First, consider the meme that was going around about how the old adage of "offense wins games, but defense wins championships" was dead. Both the Packers and the Saints were supposed to be illustrations of how that was no longer true, as Green Bay rolled to the best record in the NFL and New Orleans looked to be the hottest team in December, both of them rolling with a high powered offense and a rather porous defense. Then they hit the playoffs, and it turned out that maybe defense wasn't so dead after all, particularly in the Green Bay game. Both teams got killed by turnovers. While there is a certain random aspect to that, as has been argued here before, the basic eyeball test said that both the Giants and the San Francisco 49ers were effectively going after the ball and disrupting the quarterbacks, while the supposed favorites in each game failed to do so.
More to the point, the key thing I saw in the Giants victory at Lambeau was how they won the battle at the line of scrimmage, on both sides. The defensive front for NY was in Aaron Rodgers' face all day, and he never looked comfortable. On the flip side, even though I did not watch all the game, the one phrase I swear I heard a dozen times was "Manning has all day to throw". He got hit a lot, but was only sacked once, and I thought several of the knockdowns he took were because he was willing to stand in to give the play time to develop. The big number that jumped out at me was the yards per pass, where the Giants were clearly ahead, 9.8 to 5.2.
And now the Giants are one step away from another Super Bowl appearance. It looks like a model for success to me.
It is also, I think, one the Cowboys have already started trying to emulate.
Consider the ingredients.
Offensively, the Giants have (my fingers want to curl up just typing it) an elite quarterback. He has been supported, at least in the playoffs, by some athletic receivers, effective if not spectacular running backs, and a line that was, as mentioned, giving him a clean pocket to work with. This combination is not something that takes a lot of football genius to figure out as a winning combination. But it does take some work to assemble.
Dallas already has three of the four components in place. Tony Romo is quite equivalent to Eli Manning in his ability. The top four Dallas receivers, if they are healthy, give him a set of weapons that compare nicely with the Giants corps. And if DeMarco Murray comes back from his injury, I would argue advantage Dallas here.
The big difference, of course, is the work in progress that is the Dallas offensive line. Tyron Smith was obviously a huge step in the right direction, but the rest of the Yuglies didn't work out as well as had been hoped, particularly as the season wore on. Bringing Bill Callahan in is one big step in the right direction, and hopefully the team is as interested in Stanford G David DeCastro as everyone wants them to be. The indications from Stephen Jones are certainly that the O line is still a priority.
I don't need to repeat what upgrading the interior line will mean to the offense. Everyone pretty much understands that it would be all good.
However, as the examples of the Packers and Saints clearly proved, even an elite quarterback and a red hot offense cannot carry a team. You have to have a defense. Dallas has big issues there. The Giants do not have a statistically impressive defense themselves. But what they do have, especially with the return of Osi Umenyiora, is a disruptive, penetrating defensive front. The line and the linebackers outplayed the Packers offensive line. It was the battle in the trenches that won the game.
This is where Dallas is facing a bit of a decision. Should the first priority on defense be a pass rusher to compliment DeMarcus Ware, or should it be a corner or safety to shore up the sieve-like back end?
Well, I think going after both is the correct answer. All season long, we watched the rush almost get to the passer, but the receivers were coming open too quickly. As long as the team invests in upgrading both parts of the equation, things should get better. Having defensive backs who actually cover and go after balls will help the pass rush get more sacks, and getting better pressure on the quarterback will keep the secondary from having to cover as long. However, some upgrade in the front seven is definitely a part of the equation, and I find myself leaning towards finding a pass rusher as a slightly higher priority. (I will probably change my mind on that about 94 times between now and the draft.) But if DeCastro is gone before the Cowboys pick, they can opt for a pass rusher like Melvin Ingram, Michael Brockers, or Nick Perry, or they can look at Janoris Jenkins for the secondary (based on the current postioning in BTB's prime draft guru ChiaCrack's Big Board, one of those players is likely to be available at 14).
The main thing is that the Cowboys can become much more like the Giants. (I feel so dirty saying that.) They have shown us how to not only win the East, but how to become a force in the playoffs. And while I feel queasy contemplating the thought, they may show us even more in a couple of weeks. The key to doing that is to get some players to fight it out along the line, much as ScarletO has laid out in his article on how to beat the Giants and Eagles.
It corrupts my soul to write this, but the Cowboys need to head in this direction. They can beat the Giants by imitating the Giants. And they can make major strides in that direction this year.
And when they beat them, I don't think I'll really care how they did it.
4 recs | 211 comments
cannot argue
O line; pass rusher; Secondary
Clear needs.
burmafrd1944 - January 19, 2012
That has been Dallas' needs for the last 10 years.
Still here we we are at 8-8.
football mensa - January 19, 2012
Both lines are key. Protect Tony and pressure the opposing QB. A secondary upgrade is necessary
and since this draft is deep at CB, I’d shore up the lines first and the secondary next, either through FA or the draft.
The FO must seriously look at FA and then devise their draft strategy.
pfloyd1 - January 19, 2012
Corners are 2nd most overrated position on any team
Behind WRs. Unless you have the opportunity to draft the next D. Sanders, stick to the basics and draft in the trenches. If Decastro is avail you take him screw the idiots who say you shouldn’t draft a guard to early. If he will be a starter immediately who can shore up the pass protection but also open the holes for Murray, then take him, remember how pathetic our short yardage game was?
Then you focus on the front seven of the defense with defensive line a huge need. Pressure on the QB will make an average secondary a good secondary, lack of pressure will make an average QB a good QB. This isn’t rocket science. Stop over thinking this draft.
kfell - January 19, 2012
Too bad we already have a great GM,
you would have made a pretty good one yourself.
Mikellie - January 19, 2012
kfel----GET OUT OF MY HEAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GunsUp - January 19, 2012
Money
dunkman - January 19, 2012
Average Secondary?
While I agree that it’s easy to overrate corners, I don’t think we have an average secondary that increased pressure will make into a good secondary. I think we have a poor secondary that makes good pressure look average.
I’m fine with prioritizing d-line over secondary but we have to do something to upgrade the secondary, or I don’t think we’ll get the results we’re expecting.
jrduncans - January 19, 2012
"Corners are 2nd most overrated position"
I doubt any football man worth a sh!t agrees with you.
DIRE WOLF - January 19, 2012
You can never have enough good corners.
WRs, too. Does that make them overvalued? No. It makes them valuable.
CotySaxman - January 19, 2012 via mobile
I think that's a subset
Of ‘build from the inside out.’ We’ve seen average CB play more than offset by Above Average S play on several elite teams.
There are multiple issues with our Defensive backfield:
1) No playmakers
2) Average, Below Avg with Past its Expiry Date talent
3) After the 2012 season and Jenkins entering FA – exactly 1 CB under contract
In a draft deep in corners, we must pick one up, as much by necessity as by choice..
tdships - January 20, 2012
Remember the Giants had a patchwork CB corps early in season...
I am a big proponent of winning in the trenches.
BlueNSilverBlood - January 19, 2012
If we improve the front 7 and keep the secondary the same...
we’ll be 8-8 again.
DIRE WOLF - January 19, 2012
might be worse than that
Archie Barberio - January 19, 2012
Yeah,
Remember in ’10 our D-line looked pretty good at times, but secondary was SO bad that year…
BlueNSilverBlood - January 19, 2012
Alot of people don't realize
But you don’t even stay the same if your roster doesn’t change. Often, you get worse. If we get one fresh body, our secondary might stay the same, performance-wise, as last year. Two new guys, and we might have something.
CotySaxman - January 19, 2012 via mobile
And if we improve the secondary while neglecting the lines
we’ll have Romo on IR, no pass rush, AND be easy to run on. Balance is what’s needed. Get some good players in each area and scheme to cover the holes.
Silverblue - January 19, 2012
but the Giants have talent in that secondary
Rolle-1st rounder
Phillips-1st rounder
Webster-I believe a 2nd or 3rd rounder
Ross-1st rounder
Princess-1st rounder
now compare that to Dallas
Elam- what UDFA or late rounder
Sensabaugh-3rd rounder I think
Newman-1st rounder
Jenkins-1st rounder
Scandrick-5th rounder
Ball-cant remember if he was a 7th rounder or UDFA
Archie Barberio - January 19, 2012
Ball = Overpaid!!
Im all for the front 7, as I believe we need guys in the trenches, but if our corners give 10 yd cushions (i.e. Newman) and always seem a step late, slip, hold, anything else (Ball) then we get burnt there.. I really hope we address the corner or DL postions in the draft as well as FA..
AmericasTeamm - January 19, 2012
retaining ball was one of the worse decisions ever made
i never understood that, i told it, josh thomas had upside, he still has but he’s gonna show up for other team
ratware - January 19, 2012
I miss peanut head Josh Thomas
I really liked that kid man
Archie Barberio - January 19, 2012
He had heart in college highlights,
I’d like to see how he develops…
BlueNSilverBlood - January 19, 2012
What about keeping Nate Jones over Matt Moore ?
football mensa - January 19, 2012
i don't know if i should laugh or cry
i guess laugh haha, nate jones
ratware - January 19, 2012
that's what i kept saying
that’s why i couldn’t understand why it took them so long to gel.
wilddre22 - January 20, 2012
If you believed defenses don't win Championships then
you didn’t watch the Saints and Packers win championships.
I’m not talking about the writer. I’m talking about the so called TV guys.
The Saints defense led the league in TO’s. So did the Packers.
Both defenses scored a TD in the Superbowl but it was like it never happened.
The Packers came up with three TO’s in that playoff run that ended the games.
Sharksbreath - January 19, 2012
Where is the DOOMSDAY defense when you need it.
Even the Cowboys of the 90’s won with great play from their offensive line. I remember the commentators going on and on about how far down the offensive lines pants the sweat had soaked. I remember not having one star on the defensive line (outside of Lett), but a bunch of guys gunning for whoever had the ball.
GunsUp - January 19, 2012
that 90s defense was a bit odd.
They were ranked #1 in 1992, but I don’t think they sent a single person to the pro bowl on defense.
ScottB1985 - January 19, 2012
More proof pro bowl selections mean nothing.
DIRE WOLF - January 19, 2012
The 1992 and 1993 Cowboys defenses
had the equivalent of two starting defensive lines (all 8 of their guys could have started on other teams).
That was a big reason they were able to hand the Bills vaunted no-huddle offense in those SBs, they just made substitutions at the start of the drive.
Rohpuri - January 19, 2012 via mobile
The Miller Lite argument.
Tastes Great. Less Filling.
Pass Rush. Pass Coverage.
It’s both. It’s like mixing hot and cold water to get the right temperature. The two play off one another. Good coverage gives the rush more time to be effective and a good rush keeps the coverage from having to cover as long. The secret is finding the perfect blend of an effective line rush with tight coverage. This will give the DC options to throw linebackers (an occasionally linemen) into exotic coverage or rush options to disrupt the QB reads and blocking schemes.
To accomplish this perfect temperature you have to have the right tools. That is why Wade became successful in Houston. He had a defense with the right tools for his scheme. Rob doesn’t have the tools yet. Here’s hoping that while plugging the offensive line holes we get him a toolbox full.
50yrcowboy - January 19, 2012
Robs tool box is lacking
He has a few Starrett tools – Ware Rat Lee But for the most part either OK Craftmans or cheap swap meet tools! I am really curious who Rob wants. But I think he get more than wish filled.
meisternance - January 19, 2012
nice you must be machinist or work with metal.
i havent seen Starrett tools in over 8 years & dont miss oneday working inside a shop all day. my mind would get crampped after 14 hour days but the $ was great.
DCNation73 - January 19, 2012
Good Eye for quality!
After I got out of the Army I went to gunsmith school in Colorado. Even though I havent worked in the trade for years, I still have an eye for fine mechanics.
meisternance - January 20, 2012
i agree its a taste great less filling argument but look at the Jets with one of the best secondarys in the NFL.
the pressure starts up front & forcing QBs to make thorws they dont want. you acomplish that then you would be amazaed how good your secodary is.
football is always built from the trenches outward. 300+ big men are way harder to find & finding the ones with speed or athletic ability makes them even more rare.
DCNation73 - January 19, 2012
The key to Giants success is their aility to get pressure
with only 4 down linemen, and because they can do that without blitzing, they can put 7 guys into coverage which makes it very difficult for qbs to find passing lanes and open receivers.
That being said, I also think the Giants are being a little overrated by the media right now as well because IMO their victory had a lot more to do with the Packers mistakes and beating themselves. Giants defense had nothing to do with those 8 dropped passes.
Terry - January 19, 2012
Depends on when they were dropped.
Did they drop all 8 on third down?
GunsUp - January 19, 2012
From what I witnessed, many would have resulted in big plays and one TD
Terry - January 19, 2012
Remember that one pass to Finley?
Rodgers had Finley wide open for a possible TD but threw it way out of Finley’s reach.
Antonio S - January 19, 2012
Yeah, if Romo would have done that
the haters would be pounding him for weeks. Just proves that Rodgers isn’t as accurate as many on here have claimed.
Terry - January 19, 2012
He sure enough had a bad game, but all QBs do.
DIRE WOLF - January 19, 2012
exactly, a lot of Cowboys fans seem to forget that fact quite often
Terry - January 19, 2012
Rodgers is better than Romo.
Dropped passes is no reflection on Rodgers.
Giants capitalized on the Packer mistakes. Dallas doesn’t do that.
football mensa - January 19, 2012
I agree there
10 dropped passes, Jennings dropped a TD pass
Rodgers was a little off, 2 weeks is a long layoff
we never capitalize on mistakes, the Giants were handing us that game week 17 and we cant even pick up a fumble
Archie Barberio - January 19, 2012
Rodgers isn't that much better than Romo
and that particular pass to Finley wasn’t a dropped pass, it was a poor pass.
Terry - January 19, 2012
False
some of those dropped passes were contested by us, or affected by us in some way(hit on receiver)
wilddre22 - January 20, 2012
And if the Boys beat the Giants the last game, would you honestly be writing this post?
I want nothing to do with that team. It’s funny just a week before they beat the Jets, every NY’er wanted to run Coughlin out of town…and now he has the model to follow? It’s called “on any given Sunday”. And to call Eli elite is preposterous. His stats prove he is nothing but a middle of the pack QB whose receivers bail him out most of the time.
TheCowboyFan - January 19, 2012
Otherwise I loved the post...;-)
TheCowboyFan - January 19, 2012
you only make your comments look ignorant calling Eli being elite preposterous.
even when the Giants defense isnt doing well they can win big games with just Eli’s arm. i’m no Giants fan but it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see Eli steps up in big games or on big stages.
also which Manning brother do expect to have the most rings when they retire?
DCNation73 - January 19, 2012
Much easier to do with great protection
I rarely have seen him do it running for his life like Romo does have the time.
And to answer your question one a piece.
Terry - January 19, 2012
It will be 2 in about 3 weeks.
Mikellie - January 19, 2012
disagree, Niners are going to the SB this year
Terry - January 19, 2012
Disagree. Giants beat the Patriots.
Mikellie - January 19, 2012
Eli couldn't even throw twice as many TD as INT's this season. How is that elite?
And how many times has he thrown passes up for grabs off his back foot only to have his WR’s catch them? Most of the season. If Romo were on the Giants, he would still have a better season than Eli and the Giants might just be playing at home for this game.
TheCowboyFan - January 19, 2012
you seem in denial. his stats were very efficient if not amazing, though he did get nearly 5,000 yards.
but it’s not even about that. look what the guy does in the playoffs and try to to tell me with a bold font that you’re not a little jealous, or even begrudgingly respectful of his abilities.
i don’t think he’s elite, though. that’s reserved for three, maybe four guys. eli is pretty clearly NOT a brady, brees, or rodgers, and people like john clayton who have ten or eleven elite qb’s are abusing the term to where it loses its meaning.
johnnypocket - January 19, 2012
I'm not since Romo is much better
Terry - January 19, 2012
Interceptions are deceptive stats.
Tipped passes and receivers not getting to their spots cause a lot of interceptions that are not the QB’s fault.
Mikellie - January 19, 2012
It's not denial at all
Eli is having a careeer season, but his best season isn’t as good as Romo’s average. His team is more solid than Dallas’ and he’s a beneficiary of that. I think Romo is better, but they are in the same grouping, that level just below P Manning (if he ever plays again), Brees, Brady and Rodgers.
The argument of “doing it in the playoffs” is not supported by analysis. Players remain consistent while teams rise and fall according to overall talent level. Eli with Dallas’ O-line is sharing a hospital suite with his brother comparing notes on mom’s lasagna.
dunkman - January 19, 2012
LMAO!!!
Thats priceless dunk, simply priceless
Terry - January 19, 2012
Post of the thread
oldtimer - January 19, 2012
needs more recs
I am Ironman!!! - January 19, 2012
Yeah, I'll rec this.
Fernie67 - January 19, 2012
The Giant's O-line was/is worst than Dallas' this year
Eli would find a way to work even with 5 of us blocking
Willgfass - January 26, 2012
I'm sorry I didn't realize
eli played w/ fractured ribs, punctured lung & swollen hand this season, gtfo w/ that.. To his credit tho eli has played outstanding since that last skins game the guy has been pretty much money.
DarkKnight88 - January 26, 2012
they will both only have 1
Hate to say it but go 49ers this week! Can’t stomach the giants winning 2 super bowls before we even get one more.
cjs.93 - January 19, 2012 via mobile
Nah, man. I'm an NFC East fan. I will pull for the Gmen over the stinking '9ers.
BlueNSilverBlood - January 19, 2012
rec this man
wilddre22 - January 20, 2012
ha, thx
BlueNSilverBlood - January 23, 2012
Ultimate irony.
Eli retires early, Payton stays in, Eli beats his big bro to the HOF.
It could happen.
Tom Ryle - January 19, 2012
That will never happen
Terry - January 19, 2012
so you want 49ers to get possible 6th ring ?
IRONRAVEN - January 19, 2012
eli will of coarse, if for no ther reason than his older brother is prob done .
IRONRAVEN - January 19, 2012
Plus. 1000
I don’t think we will see the 60 – 70 yd missed tackle td s on a continued basis.
oldtimer - January 19, 2012
Whether or not Eli's overall body of work is elite is still TBD
He’s certainly had an elite year, so call him elite-ish with the trend line pointing up
tdships - January 20, 2012
Liked the article
But please tell us emulate any other team. Not the stinkin’ Gnats.
Mattattack - January 19, 2012
We could suck real bad like Detroit and Cincinnati did for years,
get lot’s of top draft picks, and then maybe make a run for it? That’s really not how you do it. You do it like teams that have been pretty consistent. Hate to say it but the Giants are one of those teams along with New England and Pitttsburgh. We may hate the Giants, but until we can figure out how to beat them, we have to suffer through watching them succeed.
Mikellie - January 19, 2012
It was being on the cusp of the Super Bowl again that gave me the idea.
Tom Ryle - January 19, 2012
In all those close losses
the D would let the opponent move down the field and score.
Everyone knew they had to pass the ball and we couldn’t stop them.There was little pressure on the QB ,except from Ware, so our secondary got picked to pieces.
It seemed that Ryan doesn’t have the players he needs to run his defensive schemes.We need a shut down CB.One who doesn’t need safety help.It doesn’t seem like we will be able to draft one in our present draft slot.One thing we know is that we need to draft BPA (RKG) as this team has so many needs.
I hate to say it but our whole D with the exception of Rat,Ware and Lee are a bunch of JAGs.I just don’t see us improving this D to the level of the Giants in one draft especially with our track record under the great GM Jerry Jones.
TCB Orange Dino - January 19, 2012
Defense Wins Championships?
Really? I’m shocked (that was total sarcasm, as this is just what I’ve been screaming for several years now!) I’d like to see them draft the pas rusher from Ware’s Alma Mater and THEN go after DB’s. Move Spencer inside with Lee to help with the the run or drop into coverage (which is what he HAS been doing from the outside spot.)
Oh, and I do agree with TCF that Tony is MUCH better than Fleapie (who has journeyman skills and gret WR’s AGAIN!)
Howleyesque - January 19, 2012
Spencer wont help this defense playing ILB.
DCNation73 - January 19, 2012
Really?
Well, maybe you’d better take a look at what Ryan’s had him doing from the OLB spot! I say agian, let him do THAT from ILB and and get another passing rushing OLB to help Ware.
Howleyesque - January 19, 2012
::sniffle:: ::sniffle:: beautiful.
Bravo, Tom, bravo. This post gets a rec from me.
BigBlueIntervention - January 19, 2012
Go ahead, kick a guy when he's down.
Tom Ryle - January 19, 2012
:)
BigBlueIntervention - January 19, 2012
Agreed
Great post. one question tho…how long did your finger linger over the enter button when it came time to make this officially a post?
wilddre22 - January 20, 2012
Not long.
I had already gone through the five stages of grief by then.
Tom Ryle - January 20, 2012
I don't know that you can reach any sweeping conlusions about whether it's offense
or defense that “wins” games. I do think having one overwhelmingly good unit increases the odds you can beat other teams, but only if the other units aren’t seriously flawed. As much as this season was a disappointment, Dallas beat one of the final four and could have beaten two of the others. The margin of defeat was very small, so that tells me that the difference in talent between Dallas and NE/SF/NYG isn’t huge. So no, Dallas doesn’t need 8 new defensive players or 5 new offensive players. They probably need 2-3 difference makers on the D and perhaps 1 or 2 lineman on offense and they are immediately competitive next season.
I am a proponent of building from the inside out, as I think Garrett is, but I don’t think the task is as monumental as people are making it out to be.
dunkman - January 19, 2012
Probably maybe 3 or four players away.
Get help on both lines, and a good safety/corner. We have most of the peices, it is just one or two tweaks away from beating those teams. I just want to know how NY keeps finding the Tucks, Osis and Pierre-Pauls for their defense?
GunsUp - January 19, 2012
If we can find replacements for Coleman, Elam, Spencer and Newman
who are upgrades, our defense should be significantly better.
Terry - January 19, 2012
They keep acquiring and acquiring
Remember how people made fun of them for “over loading” on the defensive line? Doesn’t look so silly now. I like their emphasis on the foundational positions, and you see the results. Eli isn’t as good as Brady, P Manning, Brees or Rodgers, but really good offensive line play makes him just as effective. Their LBs and secondary aren’t the best in football, but their front four makes those other units more than capable of winning.
dunkman - January 19, 2012
Yeah drafting JPP looks genius now.
thebigham - January 19, 2012
Jerry Reese man
I would rather have that Jerry
Archie Barberio - January 19, 2012
Reese was taking a lot of grief
as the Gnats struggled throughout the season. As a matter of fact, Dan Graziano specifically took him to task around mid-year stating the criticism being directed at Coughlin really belonged with Reese.
Winning is the ultimate antiseptic.
tdships - January 20, 2012
yeah but i don't think that grief was earned
the two big “misses” attributed to JR this offseason was Steve Smith and Kevin Boss. well, the boss one was easy – Al Davis being Al Davis said money is no object and overpaid for an slightly above average TE. JR saw that and said no thank you.
SS was a slightly different story. SS was apparently upset that the Giants were dragging there feet on signing him, but it was due to what JR and co. perceived as a question of health. SS got antsy, and jumped at a slightly bigger offer down I-95. it was perceived as the final coup by the birdbrains. of course, as the season progressed, JR was proven right about SS not being ready to start the season(even tho he did, he was a shell of himself) and also proven right that Bossman wasn’t worth what he got paid out in Oaktown. but of course the media needs to create stories, and thus jumped to an early conclusion that JR was asleep at the switch.
so basically, being taken to task by some writer who’s never set foot in a real FO war room, means next to nothing, as most fans realized that he’s been doing a spectacular job.
wilddre22 - January 20, 2012
As Winning is the wholepoint of playing the game, it truly is the ultimate antiseptic
Seanrude - January 21, 2012
I don't think Eli has a better line necessarily than Romo does
How many Pro Bowlers or All Pros or great rookies do the Giants have on their line? Snee is pretty good but their line was pretty banged up this year. Romo is sacked at roughly the same rate as Eli.
Recall the 37-34 game, where Manning was not sacked once, but was hit many times just after he threw the ball. Can we finally just admit that he has a quick release and can avoid sacks and that gasp he’s a winner?
It’s really unseemly that so many people on this site refuse to give Eli Manning any credit.
DavidH22 - January 19, 2012
dude I dont think we hit Eli once that game
they have good guards and a real good center
Archie Barberio - January 19, 2012
Their OL is so much better than ours is not even funny
Terry - January 19, 2012
yeah they have the better OL no question
Archie Barberio - January 19, 2012
Well they have actually drafted o linemen instead of bying them through free agency.
Look, this pretty simple. The Giants are a better run team than Dallas. The Giants have a real gm and Dallas has pr man playing gm.
football mensa - January 19, 2012
nah Chia
David Baas has been a bust in year one. and Diehl is a good nothing. guard or tackle.
wilddre22 - January 20, 2012
Eli obviously has a much better OL than Romo
You don’t judge talent or ability by pro bowl recognition, thats just silly. Watch the games and anyone that isn’t blind can clearly see the Giants OL blocked significantly better than the Cowboy’s OL…not even close.
BTW, Romo has a much quicker release than Eli, so nice try but no cigar.
Terry - January 19, 2012
or.. was it a case of say.....
our def just couldnt put extra pressure from another position to threaten them ?
IRONRAVEN - January 19, 2012
Dunno about you, but I watched those games. Manning had far better
protection than Romo. Manning had a nice, healthy season with, in the games I watched, at least, nice healthy pockets around him.
“Unseemly”? Why, because some disagree with you? I don’t know that anyone isn’t giving Manning a measure of credit. It’s how much credit some are giving him that I and others take exception with. He didn’t win a single game on his own because no QB does. He had great protection up front, and, by the end of the season, elite play from the D. It’s hardly a coincidence that the Giants resurgence came as the D play jelled.
Fernie67 - January 19, 2012
Again, our line was very porous this season
our LT play was good; everyone else after that had down years. Diehl was consistently rated negative by PFF and rated negative by every Giant fan with eyes, for those who don’t believe in PFF; Baas was a bust in year one; Snee had a down year, going from perennial all pro to just good to alright; and Kareem Mackenzie dropped way off the radar, going from a top RT in 2010 to a liability in ’11.
they’ve gelled a bit now at the end of the season, but please stop with this misnomer that the Giants line played great this year. it’s just patently false.
wilddre22 - January 20, 2012
That line has played phenomenally well during the playoffs. They have more than gelled.
Seanrude - January 21, 2012
You just have to watch the games to see the difference
Eli has time, gets very little pressure or pocket collapse from the interior and doesn’t have to move out of the pocket much. He does at times get outside pressure, but we all know that doesn’t dirupt the passing game nearly as much.
dunkman - January 19, 2012
Minnesota tried that also.
Didn’t quite work out the same.
Mikellie - January 19, 2012
+1
Fernie67 - January 19, 2012
i think you guys are overstating the success of our o-line a little bit
truth be told, we have a lot of holes on our line still, and they need to be looked at in the offseason. Eli still has to shuffle alot behind them, they still aren’t consistently opening holes up for our RBs, and it’s pretty patchwork at this point(starting LG is now our starting LT, C is banged up almost every third week). so to say that Eli is as good as his line allows him is really not the case. i’d actually say the opposite is truer.
wilddre22 - January 20, 2012
My recollection is that they were shaky early in the season. During the playoffs, Eli has had time to prepare and eat a sandwich back there while he waits for Cruz, Nicks et al to get themselves open
Seanrude - January 21, 2012
that's true for the most part
but i’d put that more on the defenses we’ve faced. GB was content with sending 3 and 4 and dropping guys like Clay Matthews into coverage. SF will give this line a test it hasn’t had prolly since the last time we played you guys.
wilddre22 - January 21, 2012
they draft DL pass rushers every year
DCNation73 - January 19, 2012
very well said dunk as usual
Terry - January 19, 2012
I'll argue that special teams wins games.
Give me great punters, kickers, punt returners, and kickoff returners. They can change field position and a games momentum in one play real quick. Your opponent scores, kicks off, and our guy returns it 60 yards, the momentum and field position is back in our favor. How about a 60 yd. punt inside the 5? Or a 54 yd. field goal to win the game? Yeah, give me those guys.
Mikellie - January 19, 2012
I hope the first step is in place
with the hireing of the new coaches.
Garett will get things organized and will have productive off season.
TCB Orange Dino - January 19, 2012
I'm confident Garrett will add 5-6 new starters
who will be better players than the ones they are replacing. If that happens, we’re definitely contenders in 2012.
Terry - January 19, 2012
you have no clue what Garrett will do and don't pretend like you do
I thought it was always going to be Jerry who made the decisions anyway and he would never have that Wellington Mara moment and give up control of the team. You said that right?
Seanrude - January 20, 2012
I know what you mean
I feel your pain brother!
meisternance - January 19, 2012
It's more like the giants D line is like our 90's disruptive group
They built to beat us, and we didn’t keep pace
oldtimer - January 19, 2012
Hmm I don't think its one way or the other
The big bad SF D generated 5 turnovers and still needed TWO miracle drives by their offense!
thebigham - January 19, 2012
This is what cracks me up about these games
Saints and Packers practically gave these games to the Giants and Niners, not saying they didn’t deserve to win, but if these teams played each other 10 times, Packers and Saints win 9 out of 10 times.
Terry - January 19, 2012
question though
was it that thoses teams played badly? or were they forsec to play badly due to the play of the Defense?
Chicken or egg, Pass rush or secondary…..Coin flip…..
I am Ironman!!! - January 19, 2012
*forced
should have previewed….
I am Ironman!!! - January 19, 2012
I think the Packers just played poorly
I think your argument about the defenses forcing the bad play was shown more in the Niners game early on.
Terry - January 19, 2012
Disagree.
The Giants pass rush has been pretty good over the past month. Rogers didn’t feel that comfortable.
Mikellie - January 19, 2012
Rodgers still played well enough for the Packers to win
It’s the rest of the team that played like crap…those dropped 8 passes had nothing to do with the Giants pass rush.
Terry - January 19, 2012
Rodgers didn't look all that comfortable in the pocket, but his receivers didn't
do him any favors either.
Fernie67 - January 19, 2012
Rodgers also turned the ball over twice
that had something to do with it too.
wilddre22 - January 20, 2012
The Giant's D played well, but the Pack lost the game themselves
Too many miscues.
pfloyd1 - January 19, 2012
The Giants D played well, but no one made the Packers receivers drop those
passes. The Packers came out and sleepwalked through that game.
Fernie67 - January 19, 2012
exactly
Packers reminded me a lot of the Cowboys in 2007 in that game
Terry - January 19, 2012
i'd venture to say we're closer to the Packers than you think
First game, it took them to the end of the game to beat us, and it was only by a FG. last week, even with the clear assist of the refs, we still stomped them out by 17 points. so in a head to head with the packers, i think we break even there. sometimes some teams just have the other ones number.
now the Saints, that’s a whole nother animal. i would agree with your 9 out of 10 assessment there.
wilddre22 - January 20, 2012
Just eyeball testing here.
It does seem that three of the four still left in the playoffs seem to have pretty stout defenses.
Jace M - January 19, 2012
Correct.
And great GM’s also.
Mikellie - January 19, 2012
but none of them has as great a GM as Super Genius GM Jerry Mofoing Jones, do they?
Seanrude - January 20, 2012
My point.
Mikellie - January 25, 2012
Here is my big argument against getting a pass rusher this off season.
DeCastro is considered the best interior lineman to come out since Markice Pouncey (who helped Pittsburgh get to the Super Bowl as a rookie). The best pass rushers that could translate to OLB’s in the 3-4 stayed in school: Sam Montgomery (LSU), Barkevious Mingo (LSU), and Jarvis Jones (Georgia).
I expect Dallas to be 8-8 or 7-9 next season and get another top 12 pick in the 2013 NFL draft. I also believe that the three elite pass rushers mentioned above will all declare for next year’s draft (and a few more will probably elevate their game and come out in 2013).
Why pick a decent OLB to play opposite Ware this season when the Cowboys could get great OLB next season? Why bypass the opportunity to get one of the best interior offensive line prospects in the last few drafts to get an above average OLB to fill a need?
It is the mistake Minnesota mad when selecting Ponder. Think they would not rather have JJ Watt or Castonzo and be drafting Robert Griffin III this season?
ScarletO - January 19, 2012
If the Cowboys go 8-8 again
it means that we completely whiffed in FA and the draft….I seriously doubt that happens.
Terry - January 19, 2012
you have no clue what will happen in FA and the draft and don't pretend like you do
Seanrude - January 20, 2012
Pouncey wasnt the reason the Steelers made it to the super bowl
i’m also sure the Vikings expected to farther along with D,McNabb, Peterson & J.Allen but they didn’t know McNabb was washed up or there franchise LT would come into the short offseason 40 lbs over wieght.
in the case of now taking JJ.Watt i think Dallas missed out on a game changer by not drafting him. probably the best Defensive player in last years draft
DCNation73 - January 19, 2012
We don't want a guy named Barkevious anyhow.
Mikellie - January 19, 2012
Pass Rush
is not limited to the SOLB. We could use upgrades to the pass rush on the DL & DL rotation. We can grab some talent there like Fletcher Cox, Malik Jackson, Wolffe. All these guys should be available in the 2nd – 6th rds after we select DeCastro in the 1st. I do agree w/ the premise that we should expect 2013 to be the year we can be contenders should we draft in 2012 & 2013 like we did in 2010 & 2011. I also agree that 2012 might be an 8-8 or 7-9 season due to our schedule being a tad more difficult than in 2011. I have to admit that I am conflicted on who the Cowboys should select at 14 should Coples & DeCastro be available.
99yard_TD_Run - January 19, 2012
20/20......
IRONRAVEN - January 19, 2012
Small Sample Size
Do we really want to change the lessons shown by the records and multi-year sucess of the Packers & Saints based on two games? Decide we should emulate the Giants who got into the playoffs with a poor record that only won the division due to poor play by the Cowboys & Eagles? Would we really not like to be a perennial contender as the Saints have been?
Sure the, 49ers are an example of how a great defense can make up for a limited offense. But I think the Cowboys are pretty far away from matching the front 7 of the 49ers. On the other hand, we’re a few upgrades on the O-line from being capable again of the offensive prowess that could match the Saints, Packers, Patriots (who, by the way, are also still in the playoffs…).
I think we need a few upgrades on both sides to get the Cowboys to be an elite offense and a pretty good defense to be a competitive playoff team.
That doesn’t mean I’m far away from any of the rest of us on how to build this team: try to add top talent on the O-line, D-line, and upgrade the secondary to be at least a C+.
jrduncans - January 19, 2012
^^ This
dunkman - January 19, 2012
I like that as a one line draft approach for this year.
Tom Ryle - January 19, 2012
It is kind of funny...
Early in his career, Brady got his rings because the Patriots had an incredible defense. Now he is knocking on the door with a great offense/no defense.
If you can do something on one side of the ball better than anyone else you will have a chance.
Mojoness - January 19, 2012
I think
Brady won the first super bowls by cheating… Recording ppls practices or something like that.
cjs.93 - January 19, 2012 via mobile
Interesting post.
Fernie67 - January 19, 2012
Defense wins championships
If I talk about a game (any random game) and don’t mention who played in it but say that one team committed 4-5 turnovers, who do you almost automatically assume won that game? Not “Team Turnover”.. right? This would support the old saying “defense wins championships,” but what I saw watching NO v SF and NYG v GB were two teams who have such elite offenses that DESPITE those turnovers were still in a position to win those games down to the end. Think about this, if NO chewed more clock on their last drive, they win and not Alex Smith and the 9ers. Similarly, the NYG weren’t able to effectively put away the GB game until the final 3 minutes or so. An elite offense, which I believe the Cowboys are 1-2 O-linemen away from having, are never truly out of a game until the clock sits at 0. In order to adhere to the defense wins championship mantra I think we need more like 3-5 key cogs so lets shoot for the attainable, which I think gets us at least 1-2 more wins and that sounds playoff worthy to me.
NikkiM - January 19, 2012
yeah and its not like they have to ignore the defense to do that.
FA – C, Draft – DeCastro still money to spend on a top pass rusher or CB and plenty of draft for the rest of the D.
thebigham - January 19, 2012
what are you talking about?
we were up 10 with almost 8 minutes left, and we didn’t look back.
wilddre22 - January 20, 2012
One thing that I would steal from Giants
Every draft the Giants seem to take a OL or a DL in the first three rounds. That is how they continue to hit on linemen and have no dropoff with injuries. That is where I would start my thievery of their organization.
TexasGarcia37 - January 19, 2012
This is what I've said for years.
Between the OL and DL you have a little more then one third of your starters. Not to mention that I strongly believe you build from the inside out. Every year you should be taking one early (first three rounds) and one late.
staubachfan - January 19, 2012
I'll Delurk to make this point.
On the Oline only Snee (2cd), and Diehl (3rd) are higher than 4th round, Baas and McKenzie were high but not drafted by the Giants.
Almost all OLman come out of college as ‘projects", the Giants are very patient. Siebert was out for two years but they kept him on the payroll and he played in a Super Bowl. Every year the Giants pick one in the lower rounds and stash him. Before free-agency someone wrote OL are like mushrooms, stick ’em in dark place and let them grow. I think that’s still the case, blocking is more about technique than athleticism. Continuity and stability baby.
And just to annoy ya’ll, Tuck was drafted in the middle of the third round, Osi in the second. On the other hand most of the secondary are 1st or 2cd rounders
The Pale Scot - January 19, 2012
I'm hoping the OL idea is going on with Nagy, Arkin, Kowalski and Parnell.
Plus Callahan coming in.
Great sig, by the way.
Tom Ryle - January 19, 2012
hi ya pale scot... glad you joined us .........
IRONRAVEN - January 19, 2012
Peace
The Pale Scot - January 20, 2012
that's true we do try to stash a few on the bench
we’ve got 2 now that we’re developing(OG Mitch Petrus, OT James Brewer). look for the latter to contend for starting RT next year after we get rid of the dead weight(read: Kareem Mackenzie).
wilddre22 - January 20, 2012
I just said this the other day too, good stuff
Archie Barberio - January 19, 2012
Chia
What do you know about a DE/DT from UCONN? I think his last name is Reyes. Walterfootball has Dallas taking him in the second or third round.
TexasGarcia37 - January 19, 2012
pretty good five tech
long arms, lean body type
really looks like a Dallas type of DL in that Canty/Hatcher mold
Archie Barberio - January 19, 2012
So
Is this doable?
TexasGarcia37 - January 19, 2012
sure its possible
but I think Gilmore is going to continue rising
I like him a lot
right now he is borderline 1st/early 2nd
I bet he goes where Kyle Wilson went or higher
Archie Barberio - January 19, 2012
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!
Gilmore was my second round diamond in the rough. Watched him in his bowl vs. Neb and was impressed with physicality. I was hoping he would fly under the radar and be there for Dallas in the second. Damn you internet!
TexasGarcia37 - January 19, 2012
Ok, Chia
What CBs will be there in the second. Jenkins maybe, the Norman kid from CC tearing up the Shrine Game practices, or Boykin from Georgia. Who else?
TexasGarcia37 - January 19, 2012
Jenkins will not be there in the 2nd, no way
Norman looks like an awesome prospect dude, I love him already and I have never seen him play lol
I would say Jammel Flemming Oklahoma, Chase Minnifield Virginia, Jayron Hosley Virginia Tech, Coryell Judie Texas A&M, Leonard Johnson Iowa State
real deep CB class
I think Boykin is more of a third round guy myself
Archie Barberio - January 19, 2012
really impressed with Leonard Johnson, too
played really physically against Blackmon. also was impressive when my Longhorns played in Ames. Would not be disappointed if Dallas grabbed him in the 2nd.
TexasGarcia37 - January 19, 2012
Montana kid Johnson
seeing him as another second round CB. would you be comfortable Chia picking a guy that raw in the second? I have concerns.
TexasGarcia37 - January 19, 2012
forgot about him
I like him too
the kid that I like the most right now is Coastal Carolina CB Josh Norman, man he sounds awesome
Archie Barberio - January 19, 2012
Mayock loves him too
Falling over himself complimenting his play at practices.
TexasGarcia37 - January 19, 2012
lol
yeah dude he is rising, I have liked him since last year too
Archie Barberio - January 19, 2012
yeah i like gilmore a lot, an yes he's raw, he's just gonna get better
ratware - January 19, 2012
idk if he is that raw
6’1, ball skills, tackles
fits my criteria and I really like him
reminds me a lot of Kyle Wilson from Boise a few years ago
Archie Barberio - January 19, 2012
he has played CB for few years, used to be QB in HS
technique wise he definitively needs to be coached, that’s what i say raw, yeah i like him, i like him more than kirkpatrick, i think he’s smarter and i’m afraid of kirkpatrick i see him as bust candidate
ratware - January 19, 2012
Dre and Gilmore are the 2 cb's who may be better at fs.
Both have fs builds and have a fs type game. Gilmore is more physical at the line of scrimmage.
football mensa - January 19, 2012
Well, you are one of my sources, Chia.
Tom Ryle - January 19, 2012
cool
Archie Barberio - January 19, 2012
I don't even worry about figuring out the draft.
I go about 80% with what you say and get the other 20% from the other posters here. Mel Kiper should do the same.
Tom Ryle - January 19, 2012
instead, we draft Luke Kuechly and I am found twenty miles downstream after jumping off a bridge
suicide note reads: NOT ANOTHER ILB
cops cant figure out what a ILB is
Archie Barberio - January 19, 2012
Agreed!
You can get by with average corner play if you win in the trenches.
However you can have Sanders stepping out of a time machine and Revis… If a decent quarterback has 6 seconds to throw the ball you will fail every time.
If DeCastro isn’t there go pass rusher and hope for gold.
Mojoness - January 19, 2012
Time is everything
Time for Romo to find an open receiver. Time to read the defense. Time to change the playcall at the line. Time to get back in the game. Time to mix the mix up the run with the pass. Time to recover after getting burned. Time to get to the Qb. Time to call a time out. Bad time for an injury. Bad time for a turnover. Good time for a sack. Time for Tony to step into his throw. Time to get a gm plan together. Too much time in the offseason ( for young players to get in trouble). Not enough time to learn a new defense. Time for Jason to get head coaching experience. Time for young players to develope. Time for Jerry to learn how to be an excellent Gm. Am I missing any thing? Oh, yeah, Good good thing we’ve got lots of time to figure this out while we watch the playoffs/superbowl with the other teams who are scratching their heads wondering what went wrong! Ugh!!!
letsgtld - January 19, 2012 via mobile
Cliff Harris question
Do you take Harris, the CB dropped by Oregon, if he is sitting there in the 3rd round? Dude was considered a sure first rounder until he messed up.
TexasGarcia37 - January 19, 2012
guess it depends.
On why he was dropped by oregon
cjs.93 - January 19, 2012 via mobile
I believe he was kicked off for off field troubles
I believe he was caught with pot while driving a car at high speeds that wasn’t his.
TexasGarcia37 - January 19, 2012
We don't need another Pacman Jones
byopp - January 19, 2012
Sure. And maybe we can get Charlie Waters too.
Mikellie - January 19, 2012
Lol! Herb Adderley available as well?
Benthere - January 19, 2012
a lot of character concerns with him
if people think Janoris Jenkins is small, wait to they see Harris weigh in
I loved Cliff Harris in 2010-2011, man he is talented but idk if he warrants a high draft pick
Archie Barberio - January 19, 2012
no
he has off field issues, he’s small, he’s light, he would be useful just again desean jackson and tiny speedy WR’s, any other would eat his lunch
ratware - January 19, 2012
If Browns make a move for RG3
I’d be very interested in a trade with them where some how we get Colt and they get Bennett
thebigham - January 19, 2012
QB
i think casen keenum from houston behind romo a few years will have the next tom brady
cowboy man - January 19, 2012
The idea of grabbing him if he's available at the right time is growing on me.
Tom Ryle - January 19, 2012
Bennett is a free agent. You can't trade him. They could just sign him and have both.
football mensa - January 19, 2012
insert any dead weight player
how about newman haha
thebigham - January 19, 2012
One Other Thing the Giants Do Better Than Dallas
They don’t draft players with off the field issues, and if an issue develops, the player is gone (Barber and Shockey) no matter what they bring to the table. The Cowboys bring in trouble (Pacman, TO and hate to say it Bryant) and then wonders why they continue to struggle to be 8-8.
Let’s hope the RHG can get some accountablity and character issues weighed in when deciding who to draft/keep.
byopp - January 19, 2012
bryant hasnt done anything of neg noteworthiness since hes been here, .....
the press loves to dig at anyone for any reason to sell papers or air time. when Dez actually does something stupid to get himself arrested , in jail, prison, kicked off the team for drug offenses and such … then come tell me about it….. till then one would do well not to sound like they swallow everything you see and hear from the press…….. news…… TMZ…… !
IRONRAVEN - January 19, 2012
what do you think chiacrack
get him in the 6th or 7th
cowboy man - January 19, 2012
yeah
we need a QB and I like Keenum
Archie Barberio - January 19, 2012
a developmental QB that is
Archie Barberio - January 19, 2012
an intriguing QB for me
the UT-Chat kid that is tearing up the Shrine Game practices. Big kid with good athleticism and good arm. Decent mechanics but will need NFL coaching. Bunting says he’s getting better and better as the week goes on. Should be there in the 5th-7th rounds.
TexasGarcia37 - January 19, 2012
Got any idea of what kinds of QB talent is likely to be around in rounds 5 - 7?
Or is it too early to be asking that?
Tom Ryle - January 19, 2012
according to NFLDraftScout.com
QBs in rounds 5-7:
Russell Wilson, Wisconsin (5’11/210)
Case Keenum, Houston (6’1/210)
Kellen Moore, Bosie St. (6’0/195)
B.J. Coleman*, UT-Chat (6’4/234)
Darron Thomas, Oregon (6’3/215)
*guy who intrigues me
TexasGarcia37 - January 19, 2012
Coleman is the only guy I bother drafting.
Keenum as an udfa.
football mensa - January 19, 2012
Accountability and Timing
When Eli is hurried he very often throws the ball to where the receiver is suppose to be. By that I mean that he did like Troy and threw to a spot and it was the WR job to get there.
That kind of timing route is VERY hard to cover.
If you evaluate the 2 factors in that: 1. the receiver doing his job, getting to the spot, and catching the ball, 2. the Qb taking his steps setting and firing accurately, then you see the only thing that disrupts that (other than an accident like the receiver slipping) is: A. a jam at the line or in the 1st 5yards, or B. pass rush causing the Qb to have to move (doesn’t even need to be sacked because timing routes are about timing).
In both instances the place to look to have a greater effect on the game for the defense is to have the defensive line be disruptive and the reason is because Every Db has to do the same effective job of disrupting the Wr or One Dlineman gets through to disrupt the Qb.
Now when you add to that argument the running game and the same issue: “get better at Dback or Dline” then you see Dline affects Every running and passing play where as Db much more randomly tackles Rbs (and when you throw in the Qb’s ability to target other receivers than the one covered by the new corner or safety then the choice is clear).
LiveNDieBlue - January 19, 2012
To add to that
If Eli throws a timing route or throws into tight coverage and it is successful he is praised. If Romo does the same he is labeled as Taking Chances.
I see Eli take chances and his receivers MAKE Plays, whereas ours either catch the ball or they don’t. Look at Cruz and the number of catches he caught verses the ones he went up and Made. We see Dez do that, but not as much as Cruz. And yet we also hear Dez does not know the offense so he can’t always be trusted.
We see in games like the 49ers game that Romo had to tell the receivers what they were suppose to run and some (like Ogletree) still wandered around in a void.
So put yourself in this equation… you have to take a ball from under center while watching 5 guys to determine which one has the greatest ability to kill you. While doing that you must also watch the safeties and corners to see what coverage type they are running and how good. Now you must hit your steps, 3, 5, or 7 and within ONLY 3 seconds decide all those things and send the rock down field or else one of the opposing team’s guys is likely to hit you like a UPS truck on a rural road.
Now if your receivers are running their routes with accuracy or enough so to create confidence in you (the Qb) you have to decide whether to let it fly or not. So, as you hear the words “gunslinger” bounce around in your skull and the primal voice screams “throw it you fool, that guy’s about to kill you” , you decide you don’t trust the guy who is Suppose to do his job and you hold it hoping to see a guy come open.
THAT my friend is the difference between Romo and Eli… Romo does not have confidence in his receivers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Eli does.
In the Detroit game when Robinson did not fully cross the face of the corner and Romo was picked off
-everyone said that was Romo’s fault, BS! The receivers JOB is to run and win his route-which is being hotly contested by a guy on the other side of the field whose job it is to stop him no matter what he does. You don’t win and your Qb throws to where you are suppose to be (with single coverage) and it is YOUR fault; you, not your Qb, let down the team and brought about the INT which helped lead to the loss!Jason Garrett —if you MAKE that timing happen and you Make your receivers realize EVERYTHING depends on YOU on this one (and Every) play. Then you will turn it around and Tony will feel the freedom to know his guy will go win that battle and get the ball when he puts it where the route/call says to. Watch Eli and Romo with an eye to what you just read and you will become a believer just like me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LiveNDieBlue - January 19, 2012
Great comments, Live.
Brings up the old suckitude again – Dez needed the offseason. He could improve significantly for this season. And I love the idea of Robinson getting even more in tune with Tony (assuming we keep him, which I really hope we do).
Damn. That Kool Aid jones is hitting me again.
Tom Ryle - January 19, 2012
no apology needed
Check yer history, yung’un, you’ll find Landry played for, and learned his coaching chops (as did Lombardi) in the Giants organization.
mesohomely - January 19, 2012
If you notice, I mentioned that right after the jump.
But he certainly got over that while he was coaching the ’boys.
Tom Ryle - January 20, 2012
Oh, and by the way, the odds are I have a few more miles than you do.
I had to wait for the Cowboys to win their first championship.
Tom Ryle - January 20, 2012
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