steve09ru Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8234700c/article/strong-defense-easy-schedule-will-lead-cowboys-to-division-title?module=HP11_cp Did Bucky get moved to ESPN ? Not really sure how you can come up with this? They have 6 games that are up in the air with the only real gimme's against Seattle, Miami and St. Louis. Discuss :munchout: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hitman21ST Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 Cowboys have the best defense in the divisionRob Ryan has quickly crafted an elite defense in Dallas that is capable of carrying the team to the postseason. Led by Demarcus Ware, Jay Ratliff and Sean Lee, the Cowboys rank fifth in total defense and are allowing a league-low 69.6 rushing yards a game. The run defense has been spearheaded by a frontline that is owning the line of scrimmage and allows a group of ultra-aggressive linebackers to flow freely to the ball. As a result, the Cowboys are holding opponents to 3.3 yards per carry. More importantly, that number drops to 3.19 yards per attempt on first down, which allows Ryan to unleash his exotic pressure in long-yardage situations. The blitz-heavy defense has also been effective against the pass. The unit has 16 sacks -- led by Ware's seven -- and forces opposing quarterbacks into errant throws. Although the Cowboys have failed to generate many takeaways with the blitz, the pressure makes opponents settle for quick throws and the unit has done an exceptional job rallying to the ball. Consequently, Dallas has surrendered only 15 plays of 20-plus yards, third-fewest in the league, and not given up easy scores. This was on display against the Patriots. Dallas held the league's most explosive offense to 20 points. While the effort didn't result in a win, it showed the potential of the defense. I guess the Skins have an "elite defense" then also. Jason Garrett will eventually solve the red-zone woesDallas has a star-studded offense, but the unit has struggled in one critical area: The red zone. The Cowboys are near the bottom of the league in red-zone efficiency with only 33.3 percent of those drives resulting in touchdowns. Their ineptitude inside the 20 has been critical in each of their losses. Turnovers, penalties and poor execution have minimized scoring opportunities. Considering the Cowboys have played in 11 straight games decided by four points or fewer, the miscues become even more important. Part of Garrett's problems generating points has been due to the absence of Miles Austin and Dez Bryant. Both receivers have missed time while nursing injuries, and that has prevented Garrett from getting the ball to his best playmakers at critical points of a game. However, Austin and Bryant are almost fully healthy and that will encourage Garrett to take more chances. Rather than using misdirection or deception to finish off scoring chances, the Cowboys can throw back-shoulder fades or combination routes to attack the end zone. By putting their best players in favorable matchups, the red-zone production will certainly improve and result in more wins. You could say the same thing about the Skins. The schedule works in their favorThe Cowboys had a tough opening slate, but the schedule-makers did them a huge favor with several winnable games in the middle of the season. Dallas' next seven opponents have a combined winning percentage of .324, with only the Bills and Redskins currently above .500. NFL RedZone Watching football on Sundays will be a whole new experience with NFL Network's channel, NFL RedZone. Find out why. The Cowboys get three home dates -- St. Louis (10/23), Seattle (10/30) and Buffalo (11/13) -- over the next four weeks, which gives them a chance to gain significant ground on their divisional rivals. While road games against the Eagles and Redskins certainly will be tough, the Cowboys can control their own destiny down the stretch. The Skins have a pretty easy schedule, too. Seahawks, Miami, Jets (at home), NE (at home), Minnesota, Carolina. Pretty much just another fluff piece on the Cowboys. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
schmitty_199 Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 It's not their schedule is full of gimmies, it's just that the teams they are going to play over the next 6 games are considerably weaker then the ones they played the first 6. Dallas arguably played the leagues strongest schedule over the first 6 games. But they are also a team that has shown they can blow any game at any point, so we'll see. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeMarco Murray 29 Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 It's not their schedule is full of gimmies, it's just that the teams they are going to play over the next 6 games are considerably weaker then the ones they played the first 6.Dallas arguably played the leagues strongest schedule over the first 6 games. But they are also a team that has shown they can blow any game at any point, so we'll see. Good post, Schmitty. Very on point. Dallas has a chance with a weaker schedule then the rest of the east, to make up some ground. Have you seen the Giants schedule?!? Brutal. Dallas historically has played either up or down to their opponents. We played up to New England, Detroit etc. Mark my words, the Rams game will be close. Very close. Dallas has played in 11 straight games decided by less then 4 points. Talk about gut wrenching lol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TonyRomoProBowl Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 I guess the Skins have an "elite defense" then also.You could say the same thing about the Skins. The Skins have a pretty easy schedule, too. Seahawks, Miami, Jets (at home), NE (at home), Minnesota, Carolina. Pretty much just another fluff piece on the Cowboys. jets and patriochests are easy games? ...thats a stretch, no matter where the game is played.......... and this article is about Dallas not the the skins, you wanna talk about the skins go to the stadium to do so please ......HAHA...i kid, I kid......... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve09ru Posted October 20, 2011 Author Share Posted October 20, 2011 I guess the Skins have an "elite defense" then also.You could say the same thing about the Skins. Yeah I agree, just another fluff piece. Cowboys have faced the 28th - 49ers (17.7 - allowed 24 ), 29th - Jets (15.5 - allowed 27 ), 17th - Redskins (20.4 - allowed 16), 13th - Detroit (20.3 - allowed 34 ), and 1st - Pats (26.8 - allowed 20) Redskins have faced the 25th - Rams (17.6 - allowed 10), 18th - Cards (18.2 - allowed 20), 12th - Giants (20 - allowed 14), 7th - Dallas (20.8 - allowed 18), and 3rd - Eagles (24.7 - allowed 20) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gibbs Hog Heaven Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 I've spotted the flaw in Brooks argument. He forgot to account for the Romo sits to pee factor, or the Choke Factor to give it, it's more common name. Hail. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ouvan59 Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 Good post, Schmitty. Very on point. Dallas has a chance with a weaker schedule then the rest of the east, to make up some ground. Have you seen the Giants schedule?!? Brutal. The Cowboys remaining schedule (26-34 .43%) is essentially the same as the Eagles (24-28 46%) and the Redskins (27-33 45%). The Skins also have a slight advantage in the fact that they have one fewer true road game than everybody else since they play Buffalo in Toronto. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
In The Barrel Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 The Skins have a pretty easy schedule, too. Seahawks, Miami, Jets (at home), NE (at home), Minnesota, Carolina. Homer Alert! Homer Alert! If you think your team is even close to their level you have not been watching anything but the Skins. You couldn't even beat the Eagles at Home - let alone Tom Brady!!! Pretty much just another fluff piece on the Cowboys. You wont even beat the Cowboys the next time you play them - and if not you will have been swept - so this article could hold so truth by then. Dont want to see it happen - but far from a fluff piece, the guy sees something in this team, just like you somehow see it with your "Star-studded" Offense ( LOL) - all your stars are on defense - no one knows who is on your offense. Hell Donte might be the only well known name outside of Tana. Star - studded..? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Blue Joe Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 The Skins also have a slight advantage in the fact that they have one fewer true road game than everybody else since they play Buffalo in Toronto.Not quite true. The Giants are playing away against the Jets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DM72 Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 Expect the Cowboys to struggle this weekend against the Rams. I believe the Cowboys will win, but I wouldn't be suprised to see the Rams jump out to an early lead. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
schmitty_199 Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 Expect the Cowboys to struggle this weekend against the Rams. I believe the Cowboys will win, but I wouldn't be suprised to see the Rams jump out to an early lead. Wouldn't surprise me. The Rams major weakness is a complete lack of run defense, but on the other hand the Cowboys rushing offense has been pretty weak itself. Now I don't completely disagree with the article at all, but that lack of a rushing offense to this point is one reason I'm still objectively skeptical about their chances. My biggest questionmark with this team is can they put teams away and close out games. But on the other hand, if Bradford plays he's going to be a sitting duck out there with that ankle, the Dallas pass rush could have a pretty solid day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hitman21ST Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 jets and patriochests are easy games? ...thats a stretch, no matter where the game is played.......... Sorry, I included two thoughts in that one sentence: 1) The Skins have a pretty easy schedule, too. Seahawks, Miami, Minnesota, Carolina 2) Two of their tougher games (Jets and Patriots) are at home, making them slightly easier games. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sideshow24 Posted October 21, 2011 Share Posted October 21, 2011 - all your stars are on defense - no one knows who is on your offense. Hell Donte might be the only well known name outside of Tana. Star - studded.. And yet I bet you had Cooley or Davis on your fantasy team. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeadExField Posted October 21, 2011 Share Posted October 21, 2011 I cannot STAND THE YEAR IN YEAR OUT FLUFF OF THIS TEAM! It seriously make me sick, no matter how good or bad they are, they will always be the team to be on the "verge of breaking out" season after season Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger.Staubach Posted October 21, 2011 Share Posted October 21, 2011 And yet I bet you had Cooley or Davis on your fantasy team. Cooley hasn't been on a fantasy team in years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkinsGuy Posted October 21, 2011 Share Posted October 21, 2011 Expect the Cowboys to struggle this weekend against the Rams. I believe the Cowboys will win, but I wouldn't be suprised to see the Rams jump out to an early lead. One thing this article really doesn't take into account is the Cowboys tendancy to collapse in November and December. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stricknine Posted October 23, 2011 Share Posted October 23, 2011 The Cowboys may very well win the division. Its a division full of average teams. I bet the 'Boys dont win either of the away games with the Skins or Eagles. I think the winner of the division will be at best 10 and 6...with 9 and 7 even being a possible division winner. And all 4 teams I bet finish within a game of eachother. This division just isnt very good right now. The Uber talented Eagles just cant consistently play as a team...though I believe they end up winning the division. The Cowboys cant handle prosperity...and Romo sits to pee is a more physically talented Rex Grossmann. The Giants are beat up on D and made a huge mistake with their Oline. And my beloved Skins have 0 passing game. All 4 can hang with anyone. None of the 4 are elite. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
88Comrade2000 Posted November 21, 2011 Share Posted November 21, 2011 This sucks but this could come true. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redskins Life Posted November 21, 2011 Share Posted November 21, 2011 I honestly believe that the Dolphins will win on Thursday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SouthCarolinaSkins Posted November 21, 2011 Share Posted November 21, 2011 I honestly believe that the Dolphins will win on Thursday. I bet most folks thought the Dolphins had no chance to win this game a couple of weeks ago. I'm actually looking forward to a good game on Thanksgiving. Just our luck the 'Fins will resort back to their play from the earlier part of the season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redskins Life Posted November 21, 2011 Share Posted November 21, 2011 I bet most folks thought the Dolphins had no chance to win this game a couple of weeks ago. I'm actually looking forward to a good game on Thanksgiving. Just our luck the 'Fins will resort back to their play from the earlier part of the season. I hope they down resort back to that. They have really looked like a team that is coming together the past few weeks, and Dallas is usually a team that thinks too much of themselves and over looks the "bad teams." Hopefully, it wil be a good game! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
penasquito Posted November 21, 2011 Share Posted November 21, 2011 The weird thing about this Thanksgiving is the first game matters. I haven't seen a Lions team that's relevant at Thanksgiving since I was a kid it seems like. It depends on which Cowboys team shows up. I think Romo sits to pee had some accuracy problems early on Sunday, and the defense looked like they were at about 3/4 speed for parts of the game.. The special teams is anything but special, but that's been pretty consistently bad this year, outside of Dan Bailey. Another wrinkle to this is the Cowboys and Dolphins are really familiar with one another. There's a whole bunch of ex-Cowboys on the Dolphins, including Matt Moore, who started a game against the Cowboys when he was a Panther. I'm definitely not anticipating a blowout. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger.Staubach Posted November 22, 2011 Share Posted November 22, 2011 All three games on Thanksgiving look to be good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
penasquito Posted November 22, 2011 Share Posted November 22, 2011 Speaking of the division, I just want to point out that its possible for the Cowboys to get swept by the Giants and still win the division. The Cowboys have the Dolphins and Cardinals up next. If they take care of business in those games, they'll be 8-4 when they play the Giants in Cowboys Stadium. The Giants next game is at New Orleans on Monday, then they get the Packers. So in all likelihood, they'll be 6-6 coming into the Cowboys game. So even if they win that one, they're still a game behind. After that, if the Cowboys beat the Bucs and the Eagles, they win the division. The last game might matter for seeding, but then again, it might not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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