NFL GAMEDAY RESOURCES: 2013-2014 Dallas Cowboys vs. Oakland Raiders–Thanksgiving Day 2013
The Dallas Cowboys didn’t have much time to savor their victory over the New York Giants on Sunday. The Thanksgiving showdown with the 4-7 Raiders awaits them. Dallas has a chance to win two consecutive games for only the second time this season. And with a challenging December schedule to navigate the Cowboys know they have to finish November on a positive note. The new-look Raiders, with Matt McGloin starting at quarterback, don’t figure the Cowboys too many problems. But Dallas (6-5) has struggled to rise above .500 in recent seasons. Here is a look at how the Dallas Cowboys and Oakland Raiders match up:
When the Cowboys run
The Cowboys produced a better rushing effort against the Giants, gaining more than 100 yards in a game for only the second time this season. But Dallas’ ground attack is far from reliable and Oakland has one of the best run defenses in the NFL. The Raiders are conceding only 3.76 yards per carry and Andre Brown of the New York Giants is the only player to gain more than 100 rushing yards against them this season.
Edge: Raiders
When the Cowboys pass
Oakland spent the off-season revamping its secondary, drafting DJ Hayden and acquiring Charles Woodson, Tracy Porter as well as ex-Cowboys cornerback Mike Jenkins. But the Raiders are giving up 258.1 passing yards – the eighth-highest average in the NFL. Tony Romo, who rediscovered his connection with Dez Bryant in the victory over the New York Giants, should have no problem dissecting the Raiders’ defense.
Edge: Cowboys
When the Raiders run
The Raiders’ rushing attack changed when Oakland made a switch at quarterback. The decision to replace zone-read specialist Terrelle Pryor with dropback passer Matt McGloin earlier this month gave the offense a new look. Pryor was the second-leading rusher on a team averaging 140.6 yards on the ground – the fourth-highest average in the NFL. Still, Oakland should be able to attack a Cowboys run defense yielding 133.6 yards per game. Only two teams are giving up a higher average.
Edge: Raiders
When the Raiders pass
In his first two NFL starts, Matt McGloin has been solid but unspectacular. While he’s only completed 58 percent of his attempts, he’s avoided mistakes, throwing one interception versus four touchdown passes. McGloin doesn’t have many weapons. Oakland’s top wideout, Rod Streater, is ranked 35th in the NFL in receiving yards. The Cowboys, who have the second-worst pass defense, could author another strong performance after shutting down Eli Manning and Co. on Sunday.
Edge: Cowboys
Special teams
The absence of Dwayne Harris, who has a hamstring injury, will hurt the Cowboys’ return game. Harris, after all, was a threat any time he handled a kickoff or fielded a punt. But Dallas still has Dan Bailey, who established a club record when he made his eighth game-winning field goal in his career last Sunday against the Giants. Bailey, who has converted 90 percent of his tries this season, has the edge over Oakland counterpart Sebastian Janikowski. The veteran Janikowski has the second-lowest field-goal accuracy rate among NFL kickers.
Edge: Cowboys
Intangibles
A big victory over the New York Giants has given the Cowboys a much-needed boost of confidence. Dallas knows it can’t afford to lose the momentum it gained last Sunday, especially with a Monday night showdown with Chicago looming on the schedule. The Cowboys, who haven’t lost two consecutive Thanksgiving Day games since 2000 and 2001, should have the mental edge against the Raiders. Oakland, after all, is recovering from a last-minute loss to Tennessee on Sunday.
Edge: Cowboys
GAMEDAY RESOURCES: Trackers and Scoreboards
View NFL | Dallas Cowboys game stats and scores online while you watch or listen to the game.
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GAMEDAY RESOURCES: Sounds of the game
Listen to the “Voice of the Dallas Cowboys” Brad Sham on KRLD in Dallas.
Click HERE. Don’t live in the Dallas area? Click HERE.
or listen via the Dallas Cowboys Android App on your phone or tablet
GAMEDAY RESOURCES: Watch the game
To watch on network TV, tune to:
KTVT-TV/11 Dallas | KPIX-TV/5 Oakland
Out of market? Click HERE to watch online (NFL Sunday Ticket)
When: Sunday, November 10th, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. (Dallas time)
Where: AT&T Stadium | Arlington, TX
Watch on TV: Local CBS affiliate | DirecTV
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GAMEDAY RESOURCES: Dallas Cowboys pregame/postgame shows
Dallas Cowboys Pre-game/Postgame Show
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Note: The pregame show starts about two hours before kickoff. The postgame show starts approximately 30 minutes after the game is over.
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NFL GAMEDAY RESOURCES: 2013-2014 Dallas Cowboys vs. New Orleans Saints
IRVING, Texas – The Dallas Cowboys have yet to get away from the .500 mark this year, failing on their last three chances to get two games over. 500 this year. Here comes their fourth opportunity but it’ll likely be the toughest challenge to date as they travel to New Orleans to face Drew Brees and the Saints.
Here are the gut feelings for writers Nick Eatman, David Helman and Rowan Kavner.
David Helman: I feel so much better about this game than I did when the week started. The Saints look vulnerable to a good pass rush, and DeMarcus Ware is back in the lineup with intent to disrupt Drew Brees. I also think the Cowboys offense will be able to move the ball against Rob Ryan’s group, which is good but maybe not as good as advertised. Unfortunately, I think the combination of Brees and Jimmy Graham will be too much to contain. I think Ware gets himself back in the sack column, but I also think Graham will bring in a touchdown or two. Much like the Denver game, the Cowboys offense will find a way to get going, but the Saints win a shootout – something like 38-28. I think a big part of that will be because the Cowboys won’t notch a turnover this week, which would be just the second time this season they haven’t produced at least one.
Rowan Kavner: I don’t expect a blowout for either side here, but the Cowboys better make sure they don’t get down in bunches early. The problem for the Cowboys in this one is that the Saints seem to do everything well that the Cowboys have had trouble with. In San Diego, the defense had trouble against Antonio Gates and Danny Woodhead, and the combination of Jimmy Graham and Darren Sproles in the passing game is probably even more lethal. Despite the Saints’ improved defense under Rob Ryan, I see both teams still trading points in this one, but the Cowboys don’t have an answer for Graham or the slot threats of the Saints. I think Bruce Carter is active in this one and makes amends for the struggles he had against Woodhead earlier this year, while Jeff Heath gets an interception. Offensively, Cole Beasley ends up with more catches than Terrance Williams and Lance Dunbar finally gets involved in his hometown and has a 20-plus yard play. Eventually, the Saints’ offense is just too much, and they’re the first and last to 30 points.
Nick Eatman: Judging by the pattern of recent history, the Cowboys have a good shot here. Dating back to that 2009 game, these two teams play the opposite of what is expected. Even last year, the Cowboys were supposed to win but couldn’t stop the Saints at the end. So this year, maybe the Cowboys really do have a good shot of going to New Orleans and grabbing a win. I wish I could see it, but I don’t. Beating the Saints to improve to 6-4 heading into the bye week would be just too good for this team. Nothing comes easy for this team, especially in the Big Easy. I see the Cowboys staying with the Saints for a while, but eventually one team runs out of bullets. I think the Saints will win 38-30. I see a big game for Cole Beasley, maybe something like a double-digit catch game. I’m calling for a first career interception by Jeff Heath. But in the end, I see a flight home with a 5-5 team with two weeks to try and figure it out.
GAMEDAY RESOURCES: Trackers and Scoreboards
View NFL|Dallas Cowboys game stats and scores online while you watch or listen to the game.
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GAMEDAY RESOURCES: Sounds of the game
Listen to the “Voice of the Dallas Cowboys” Brad Sham on KRLD in Dallas.
Click HERE. Don’t live in the Dallas area? Click HERE.
or listen via the Dallas Cowboys Android App on your phone or tablet
GAMEDAY RESOURCES: Watch the game
To watch on network TV, tune to:
KXAS-TV 5 Dallas | WDSU-TV 6 New Orleans
Out of market? Click HERE to watch online (NFL Sunday Ticket)
When: Sunday, November 10th, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. (Dallas time)
Where: Superdome | New Orleans, LA
Watch on TV: Local NBC affiliate | DirecTV
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GAMEDAY RESOURCES: Dallas Cowboys pregame/postgame shows
Dallas Cowboys Pre-game/Postgame Show
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Note: The pregame show starts about two hours before kickoff. The postgame show starts approximately 30 minutes after the game is over.
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NFL GAMEDAY RESOURCES: 2013-2014 Dallas Cowboys vs. Minnesota Vikings
Following a crushing defeat to Detroit, the Cowboys return home to face Minnesota on Sunday. The Vikings are bad. They are 1-6, having been victimized by poor quarterback play and a porous pass defense. Not even Adrian Peterson, the league’s best running back, has been able to put a charge in the listless Vikings. As a result, Vegas has the 4-4 Cowboys as 10 ½-point favorites in this game. Dallas can’t afford to lose this with a game against New Orleans looming. Here is a look at how the Cowboys and Vikings match up:
When the Cowboys run
DeMarco Murray appears ready to return to action. He’s listed as probable. But at this point it’s hard to invest any faith in the Cowboys’ running game. Dallas produced only 62 rushing yards last week in a loss to Detroit, a team that was surrendering the highest average yards per carry before Week 7. The Cowboys feature the sixth-worst ground attack in the NFL and the loss of guard Brian Waters won’t help their effort to improve.
Edge: Vikings
When the Cowboys pass
Since throwing for 506 yards against Denver, Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo has played average football. In the last three games, he has completed just 56.1 percent of his attempts and posted a 79.7 passer rating. The Cowboys need better production out of Romo and they could get it this week against a Minnesota defense giving up an average of 287.9 yards per game through the air.
Edge: Cowboys
When the Vikings run
The Vikings have Adrian Peterson, one of the best runners the NFL has ever seen. But the Vikings’ ground attack is producing 103.3 yards per game, the 18th-highest average in the league. Early deficits and the absence of a legitimate passing game have conspired against Peterson, who is still the fifth-leading rusher in the NFL. This will be a tough test for the Cowboys after Detroit averaged 4.9 yards per carry against Dallas last Sunday.
Edge: Vikings
When the Vikings pass
No team this season has given up more yards through the air than the Cowboys. But they should be able to limit Minnesota’s unimpressive passing offense. Christian Ponder, who will start Sunday, has been unimpressive, throwing two touchdown passes and five interceptions this season. While the Vikings feature a playmaking receiver, Greg Jennings, they don’t pose the type of threat that Denver, Detroit, San Diego and the New York Giants do. All of those teams roasted the Cowboys. It’s not expected Minnesota will do the same.
Edge: Cowboys
Special teams
The battle that could develop between Dwayne Harris and Cordarrelle Patterson could be an interesting one. Patterson, a rookie, has become one of the most dynamic specialists in the game. This season, he’s scored twice on kick returns, including one of 109 yards that resulted in a touchdown last week against Green Bay. Harris, meanwhile, is second in the league in kick return average, just behind Patterson. But unlike Patterson he’s one of the NFL’s best punt returners, too.
Edge: Cowboys
Intangibles
The Cowboys suffered a crushing defeat last Sunday and it’s uncertain if the team has gotten over it. Now they face the Vikings, who have won seven of the last eight games they’ve played against Dallas. While Minnesota is 1-6 this season, the Vikings still have Adrian Peterson, the Texas native who should be motivated in his return to his home state. He could do damage to a Dallas team still smarting from its loss to Detroit.
Edge: Vikings
GAMEDAY RESOURCES: Trackers and Scoreboards
View NFL|Dallas Cowboys game stats and scores online while you watch or listen to the game.
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GAMEDAY RESOURCES: Sounds of the game
Listen to the “Voice of the Dallas Cowboys” Brad Sham on KRLD in Dallas.
Click HERE. Don’t live in the Dallas area? Click HERE.
or listen via the Dallas Cowboys Android App on your phone or tablet
GAMEDAY RESOURCES: Watch the game
To watch on network TV, tune to:
KDFW-TV/FOX 4 Dallas | KMSP-TV/FOX 9 Minneapolis
Out of market? Click HERE to watch online (NFL Sunday Ticket)
When: Sunday, November 3rd, 2013 at high noon (Dallas time)
Where: AT&T Stadium | Arlington, TX
Watch on TV: Local FOX affiliate | DirecTV
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GAMEDAY RESOURCES: Dallas Cowboys pregame/postgame shows
Dallas Cowboys Pre-game/Postgame Show
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Note: The pregame show starts about two hours before kickoff. The postgame show starts approximately 30 minutes after the game is over.
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NFL GAMEDAY RESOURCES: 2013-2014 Dallas Cowboys vs. Detroit Lions
After victories over Washington and Philadelphia in consecutive games, the Dallas Cowboys head to Detroit alone in first place in the NFC East. A victory over the Lions on Sunday will give Dallas its first winning record at the midpoint of the season since 2009, which also happens to be the last time the Cowboys made a run to the playoffs. This game will be appointment viewing because of the receiver battle that will take place between Detroit’s Calvin Johnson and Dallas’ Dez Bryant. Here is a look at how both teams match up:
When the Cowboys run
It’s been a long time since the Cowboys have had a reliable rushing offense. Lineup changes and a wavering commitment to the run have prevented Dallas from consistently producing yards on the ground. The knee injury suffered by DeMarco Murray and the promotion of rookie Joseph Randle to a starting role hasn’t helped. But Murray, who is listed as questionable, could be back. And if he is he will face a Detroit defense allowing 5.13 yards per carry, the highest average in the NFL.
Edge: Cowboys
When the Cowboys pass
Since throwing for 506 yards against Denver, Tony Romo’s combined output in victories over Philadelphia and Washington has fallen short of that single-game total. But if he can stay upright against Detroit’s strong front, he should be able to pick apart the Lions’ pass defense that is surrendering 282 yards per game, the fifth-highest average in the NFL.
Edge: Cowboys
When the Lions run
Reggie Bush was one of the key acquisitions the Lions made this off-season. But the running back has rushed for more than 100 yards in game just once in 2013. Injuries along the offensive line and the Lions’ pass-heavy philosophy have hindered Detroit’s ground game. The Lions will have their work cut out for them if the Dallas Cowboys’ defense can duplicate their performance against Philadelphia, when it held the Eagles’ potent rushing attack to 84 yards on the ground.
Edge: Cowboys
When the Lions pass
Through Week 7, no player had attempted more passes this season than Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford. The Highland Park (Dallas) alum has thrown for 2,129 yards and 15 touchdowns. He has also been sacked only nine times. The Lions will move the ball through the air. After all, they have the league’s premier receiver, Calvin Johnson. The Dallas Cowboys’ defense, which has looked shaky against accomplished passers, will be challenged to stop Stafford and his favorite target.
Edge: Lions
Special teams
Dwayne Harris has established himself as one of the premier returners in the NFL this season. He is second in the league in both punt and kick return average. Harris is a weapon and he gives the Dallas Cowboys an advantage against the Lions, who haven’t given up much yardage when they’ve had to punt. In a game in which kickers Dan Bailey and David Akers are evenly matched, Harris may make the difference on special teams.
Edge: Cowboys
Intangibles
The Dallas Cowboys are riding high after defeating two divisional opponents in consecutive weeks. Another victory this weekend will ensure Dallas a winning record in the first half of the season. The Cowboys can make a statement if they go on the road and beat Detroit, a quality team with a potent passing attack. Dallas will be motivated to get the job done.
Edge: Cowboys
GAMEDAY RESOURCES: Trackers and Scoreboards
View NFL|Dallas Cowboys game stats and scores online while you watch or listen to the game.
Click HERE to choose from a list of popular online game trackers.
GAMEDAY RESOURCES: Sounds of the game
Listen to the “Voice of the Dallas Cowboys” Brad Sham on KRLD in Dallas.
Click HERE. Don’t live in the Dallas area? Click HERE.
or listen via the Dallas Cowboys Android App on your phone or tablet
GAMEDAY RESOURCES: Watch the game
To watch on network TV, tune to:
KDFW-TV/FOX 4 Dallas | WJBK-TV/FOX 2 Detroit
Out of market? Click HERE to watch online (NFL Sunday Ticket)
When: Sunday, October 27th, 2013 at high noon (Dallas time)
Where: Ford Field | Detroit, MI
Watch on TV: Local FOX affiliate | DirecTV
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GAMEDAY RESOURCES: Dallas Cowboys pregame/postgame shows
Dallas Cowboys Pre-game/Postgame Show
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Note: The pregame show starts about two hours before kickoff. The postgame show starts approximately 30 minutes after the game is over.
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NFL GAMEDAY RESOURCES: 2013-2014 Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles
When the dust settles this afternoon at Lincoln Financial Field, one team will have sole possession of first place in the NFC East and an undefeated record in the division. Will it be the Cowboys or Eagles? Dallas heads into this high-stakes game aiming to slow down the Eagles’ potent offense, which is averaging more points than all but one team. If the Cowboys can do that, they’ll stand a good chance of prevailing because Tony Romo and Co. are capable of shredding the Eagles’ vulnerable secondary. Here is a look at how both teams match up:
When the Cowboys run
DeMarco Murray is injured again and he’s listed as doubtful on the team’s injury report. He’s dealing with a sprained MCL in his left knee. And his backup Lance Dunbar won’t play because of a strained right hamstring. The Cowboys are expected to turn to rookie Joseph Randle, who gained 17 yards on 11 carries in a 31-16 victory over Washington. But Dallas, which is averaging 84.8 rushing yards per game, isn’t expected to feature Randle in a potential shootout.
Edge: Eagles
When the Cowboys pass
Against Washington, Tony Romo had his worst performance this season from a statistical standpoint. Not surprisingly the Cowboys’ offense sputtered at times against the Redskins. But Romo should get back on track against the Eagles, who are allowing 314.5 passing yards, the second-highest average in the NFL. Expect Cowboys receivers Dez Bryant and Terrance Williams to take advantage of Philadelphia’s mediocre secondary.
Edge: Cowboys
When the Eagles run
Before Chip Kelly arrived as head coach, Philadelphia already had the necessary components for a formidable rushing attack. So it’s no surprise Kelly has taken those pieces and made them better. Led by running back LeSean McCoy, the Eagles own the league’s best ground offense, averaging 178.5 yards per game. The Cowboys, who allowed 216 rushing yards to Washington last Sunday, will be challenged to stop them.
Edge: Eagles
When the Eagles pass
Quarterback Nick Foles is expected to be behind center for the second consecutive game as Michael Vick continues to recover from a pulled hamstring. Last Sunday, in a victory over Tampa Bay, Foles threw for 296 yards and made a case for remaining the starter. The Cowboys, who are ranked 30th against the pass and have a depleted defensive line, will face a tough task trying to stop receiver DeSean Jackson if they can’t pressure Foles.
Edge: Eagles
Special teams
Dwayne Harris has emerged as quite the special teams weapon for the Cowboys. Against the Redskins, he accumulated 222 return yards and ran a punt back for a touchdown. Now Harris faces the Eagles, a team he victimized last season. In a November 2012 victory over Philadelphia, Harris returned a punt 78 yards for a touchdown. The Eagles’ Donnie Jones, whose net punting average of 37.7 yards is 26th best in the NFL, won’t want to give Harris many opportunities to strike.
Edge: Cowboys
Intangibles
When Eagles coach Chip Kelly and Cowboys defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin last faced each other, the offensive wizard won. Kelly’s Oregon team racked up 730 yards in a 62-51 victory over Kiffin’s USC Trojans. That kind of dominance has to inject Kelly with optimism at the same time it raises doubt among Kiffin and his players heading into Sunday. That may give Philadelphia an edge at Lincoln Financial Field, where the Eagles have lost their last eight games.
Edge: Eagles
GAMEDAY RESOURCES: Trackers and Scoreboards
View NFL|Dallas Cowboys game stats and scores online while you watch or listen to the game.
Click HERE to choose from a list of popular online game trackers.
GAMEDAY RESOURCES: Sounds of the game
Listen to the “Voice of the Dallas Cowboys” Brad Sham on KRLD in Dallas.
Click HERE. Don’t live in the Dallas area? Click HERE.
or listen via the Dallas Cowboys Android App on your phone or tablet
GAMEDAY RESOURCES: Watch the game
To watch on TV, tune to:
KDFW-TV/FOX 4 Dallas | WTXF-TV/FOX 29 Philadelphia
Out of market? Click HERE to watch online (NFL Sunday Ticket)
When: Sunday, October 20th, 2013 at high noon (Dallas time)
Where: Lincoln Financial Field | Philadelphia, PA
Watch on TV: Local FOX affiliate | DirecTV
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GAMEDAY RESOURCES: Cowboys vs. Eagles pregame/postgame shows
Dallas Cowboys Pre-game/Postgame Show
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Note: The postgame show starts approximately 30 minutes after the game is over.
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IN THE HEAT OF BATTLE: Jason Garrett likes the passion of the defensive line coach Rod Marinelli
Dallas Cowboys defensive line coach Rod Marinelli apologized moments after getting a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct in Sunday’s game against the Washington Redskins, coach Jason Garrett said.
“He’s a stand-up guy,” Garrett said. “As soon as the flag happened, he turned to me and apologized. But if everybody brings it like Rod Marinelli brings it, we’ve got a really good chance of being a good football team.”
The penalty gave Washington a first down after Jason Hatcher’s sack would have set up second-and-20. Initially, the play was ruled an incompletion, but a replay reversed the call. Marinelli had argued that the quarterback was down.
Garrett described what happened like this:
“He had a short conversation with the official on the play that Hatcher got the sack,” Garrett said. “I think initially, they ruled it that the quarterback had thrown the ball away, and I think we all saw that his knee was down, and I think Rod was just trying to let the official know that, and I guess the official didn’t like how he said it.”
Hatcher laughed about it Monday.
“We got him on a grade sheet. I think he got an F today for that penalty,” he said. “He fought for my sack, so I got a sack. That’s my fifth one of the season. I thank him for that.”
NFL GAMEDAY RESOURCES: 2013-2014 Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Redskins
After a crushing loss to Denver in which their offense played spectacularly, the Dallas Cowboys must regroup as they prepare to face division rival Washington tonight. The Redskins beat Dallas twice last season and could win three straight games against the Cowboys first time since the late-1980s. Washington, at 1-3, hasn’t looked nearly as formidable as it did in 2012 after it beat out the Cowboys for the NFC East title. But a bye week before this game could help the Redskins and their quarterback Robert Griffin III as he continues to recover from reconstructive knee surgery. Here is a look at how both teams match up:
When the Cowboys run
Three of the Cowboys’ five games have been decided by a total of nine points. Yet Dallas has run the ball only 33.9 percent of the time. Dallas has repeatedly shown it isn’t willing to make a strong commitment to its ground game. Last Sunday, the Cowboys had only 14 rush attempts and tailback DeMarco Murray has been a non-factor since he gained 175 yards against St. Louis last month. This would be the week to run the ball, however. Washington is allowing 142.3 rushing yards per game – the second-highest average in the NFL.
Edge: Cowboys
When the Cowboys pass
Regardless of how Tony Romo’s performance ended Sunday, he showed he can be one of the best passers in the league with a 506-yard, five-touchdown effort. Dallas’ air attack looked explosive in the 51-48 loss to Denver as Dez Bryant, Terrance Williams and Jason Witten each posted impressive stat lines. Romo and Co. should do well again this week against Washington’s defense, which is allowing an average of 298.3 passing yards per game. Only four teams are conceding more.
Edge: Cowboys
When the Redskins run
What happened to Washington’s running game? That’s a question being asked inside the Beltway. The Redskins’ rushing offense, which led the league in 2012, is ranked 17th. The limitations of Robert Griffin III after knee surgery and early deficits have conspired to weaken one of the Redskins’ strengths. A bye week may have given Washington a chance to sort things out against a Cowboys defense that yielded 200 yards to running back Alfred Morris in a December loss last year.
Edge: Redskins
When the Redskins pass
Robert Griffin III remains the centerpiece of Washington’s offense. But the quarterback is much more likely to attack defenses through the air than on the ground. The Redskins are averaging 284.8 passing yards per game, the eighth-highest average in the NFL, despite having only one receiver – Pierre Garcon — among the top 50 in catches. The Cowboys, who allowed at least 400 passing yards in three games this season, will be tested again.
Edge: Redskins
Special teams
Kai Forbath has experienced more disappointment than excitement since he burst on the scene in 2012 and led the NFL in field goal percentage. Because of a groin injury, Forbath hasn’t played since the opener, when he missed a 40-yard attempt. He expects to be back on the field Sunday. He will be matched up against his old teammate, Dan Bailey, who has made 9 of 11 field goal tries this season.
Edge: Cowboys
Intangibles
The two losses to the Redskins the Cowboys suffered were arguably the most gut-wrenching defeats Dallas endured last season. Rookies Robert Griffin III and Alfred Morris tore up the Cowboys’ defense, prompting Dallas to make changes in the off-season to stop them. But until they prove they can, Griffin, Morris and the Redskins will have the mental edge in this age-old rivalry.
Edge: Redskins
GAMEDAY RESOURCES: Trackers and Scoreboards
View NFL|Dallas Cowboys game stats and scores online while you watch or listen to the game.
Click HERE to choose from a list of popular online game trackers.
GAMEDAY RESOURCES: Sounds of the game
Listen to the “Voice of the Dallas Cowboys” Brad Sham on KRLD in Dallas.
Click HERE. Don’t live in the Dallas area? Click HERE.
or listen via the Dallas Cowboys Android App on your phone or tablet
GAMEDAY RESOURCES: Watch the game
To watch on TV, tune to:
KXAS-TV/NBC 5 Dallas-Ft. Worth | WRC-TV/NBC 4 Washington, DC
Out of market? Click HERE to watch online (NFL Sunday Ticket)
When: Sunday, October 13th, 2013 at 7:30 (Dallas time)
Where: AT&T Stadium | Arlington, TX
Watch on TV: Local NBC affiliate | DirecTV
GAMEDAY RESOURCES: Bookmark The Boys Are Back blog
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GAMEDAY RESOURCES: Cowboys vs. Chargers pregame/postgame shows
Dallas Cowboys Pre-game/Postgame Show
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Note: The postgame show starts approximately 30 minutes after the game is over.
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JASON GARRETT PRESS CONFERENCE: 2013-2014 Dallas Cowboys vs. Denver Broncos–Game tape reviewed
Jason Garrett Press Conference 10/07/2013 (26:02)
Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett speaks to the media after having a chance to review the tape of the Dallas Cowboys loss to the Denver Broncos. Garrett discussed:
- Evaluating the elements of the record-setting game
- Assessing the defense after facing Denver offensive threats
- Addressed defense giving up excessive yardage in recent games
- Dallas’ attack style offense shown in Rams and Broncos games
- Tony Romo getting into a zone
- Romo2Escobar interception in 4th quarter, second option
- Teams confidence in Tony Romo
- Split-second decisions and opportunities by Tony Romo
- The horse-collar tackle
- Consideration of letting Manning score on last drive (clock)
- Hangover after games like this (24-hour rule)
- Preparation for division games coming up against WAS and PHI
- Adjusting to Rivers/Manning success in upcoming games
- Adjusting to favorable matchups on defense
- Linebackers dropping
- All of the different defenses used by Kiffin
- Selvie & Hayden vs. Ratliff & Spencer pass rush
- Addressing quick release quarterbacks
- Aggressive, attack-style offensive game plan
- DeMarcus Ware double-teams
- How are rotations decided defensively
- Addressing Romo’s mistakes head-on evaluation
- Thought process of mistakes; asks what player was thinking
- Making corrections after evaluating mistakes by players
- Terrence Williams aggressiveness and confidence, development
- Playing ‘empty’ advantages (no running back in backfield)
- Receivers becoming a problem for other team defenses
… 
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NFL GAMEDAY RESOURCES: 2013-2014 Dallas Cowboys vs. San Diego Chargers
After a convincing victory over St. Louis at home, the Cowboys head to San Diego to face the Chargers with designs on improving their record to 3-1 for the first time since 2008. Dallas will hope to take advantage of the Chargers’ weak pass defense and beat-up offensive line. Here is a look at how both teams match up:
When the Cowboys run
Before DeMarco Murray rushed for 175 yards – the second-highest total of his career – the Cowboys spent the previous week fending off criticism of their woeful ground attack. Now that it appears their running game has been resuscitated, the Cowboys have to prove their performance in their 31-7 victory over St. Louis wasn’t a fluke. They’ll have a good chance to do that against the Chargers, who are yielding 130 rushing yards per game – the fifth-highest average in the NFL.
Edge: Cowboys
When the Cowboys pass
It seems to have gone largely unnoticed, but Tony Romo is off to a nice start in 2013. Only Peyton Manning has completed a higher percentage of his pass attempts than Romo, who also has thrown one interception. Romo was particularly effective in a 31-7 victory over St. Louis last Sunday, contributing three touchdown passes. The Chargers have conceded 340.7 passing yards per game – the highest average in the league. They have also allowed 16 completions of 20 yards or more.
Edge: Cowboys
When the Chargers run
San Diego’s rushing attack hasn’t been great. The Chargers have gained 102.7 yards per game on the ground – an average that is 18th-best in the NFL. But they have had only four negative running plays – the lowest total in the league. That bodes well for the Chargers against a Dallas defense that has yielded 199 rushing yards – the second-fewest in the NFL this season. Whether San Diego can get any big gains out of its running game remains in doubt. So far, they’ve produced only one carry of 20 yards or more.
Edge: Cowboys
When the Chargers pass
Philip Rivers has looked great the first three weeks of the season. He has avoided the costly mistakes that bit him in years past, throwing eight touchdown passes and only one interception. He’s also completed 70 percent of his passes. Rivers is only as good as his protection is. And the Chargers’ line will have its work cut out against a Cowboys defense that has produced 13 sacks – the second-highest total in the NFL this season.
Edge: Chargers
Special teams
The Cowboys’ special teams reverted to the poor form they showed in the preseason last Sunday in their victory over St. Louis. Dwayne Harris fumbled away a punt and Dan Bailey missed a 35-yard field goal. The coach who presides over these players, Rich Bisaccia, returns to San Diego, where he worked the previous two seasons. He’ll want the Cowboys to have a better showing than the one they had against the Rams. They may be able to take advantage of the Chargers’ Nick Novak, who has produced only one touchback in 17 kickoffs.
Edge: Chargers
Intangibles
The Cowboys seems to like Southern California. It’s a place where they have trained in the preseason. And it’s also one where they’ve won. In San Diego, Dallas is 4-1. In fact the Cowboys haven’t lost there since November 1983. It’s a surprising fact considering the Chargers have the 11th-highest home winning percentage since 2000. But the Cowboys appear to be comfortable in San Diego.
Edge: Cowboys
GAMEDAY RESOURCES: Trackers and Scoreboards
View NFL|Dallas Cowboys game stats and scores online while you watch or listen to the game.
Click HERE to choose from a list of popular online game trackers.
GAMEDAY RESOURCES: Sounds of the game
Listen to the “Voice of the Dallas Cowboys” Brad Sham on KRLD in Dallas.
Click HERE. Don’t live in the Dallas area? Click HERE.
Also on XM/Sirius 85, 137
GAMEDAY RESOURCES: Watch the game
To watch on TV, tune to:
KDFW-TV/FOX 4 Dallas | KSWB-TV/FOX 19 San Diego
Out of market? Click HERE to watch online (NFL Sunday Ticket)
When: Sunday, September 29nd, 2013 at 3:25 (Dallas time)
Where: Qualcomm Stadium San Diego, CA
Watch on TV: FOX and DIRECTV: 709
GAMEDAY RESOURCES: Bookmark The Boys Are Back blog
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GAMEDAY RESOURCES: Cowboys vs. Chargers pregame/postgame shows
Dallas Cowboys Pre-game/Postgame Show
on the
Note: The postgame show starts approximately 30 minutes after the game is over.
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JASON GARRETT PRESS CONFERENCE: 2013-14 Dallas Cowboys vs. San Diego Chargers–Injury and practice update
Jason Garrett Press Conference 9/27/2013 (Duration – 8:15)
Dallas Cowboys coach Jason Garrett speaks to the media from Valley Ranch as his team continues their preparations for the San Diego Chargers. Garrett discussed:
- Miles Austin and Dwayne Harris practice update
- Rookie WR Terrance Williams development and NFL transition
- Preparing for San Diego OL injuries
- WR Cole Beasley plans in SD game
- RB Joseph Randall’s progress
- Blitz pickups for rookies, multiple fronts,
- Barry Church growing reputation
- Thoughts Safety tandem long-term
- Changes with Chargers from last year’s Norv Turner system
- Simms status
- Fake punt sequence vs. St Louis Rams last week
- NY Yankees and Dallas Cowboys connection
- Rod Marinelli’s amusing nicknames for players
…
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JASON GARRETT PRESS CONFERENCE: 2013 Dallas Cowboys vs. San Diego Chargers–Second road trip of season
Jason Garrett Press Conference 9/26/2013 (Duration – 14:46)
Dallas Cowboys coach Jason Garrett speaks to the media from Valley Ranch as his team continues their preparations for the San Diego Chargers.
…
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BEHIND CLOSED DOORS: Inaccurate reports of Jason Hatcher about Tony Romo changing calls
ARLINGTON, Texas – Whatever might have been spoken behind closed doors, there was nothing but love in the Dallas Cowboys’ open locker room Sunday afternoon.
Reports surfaced during the weekend of an altercation between Jason Hatcher and Tony Romo, in which the veteran defensive tackle took the $100 million quarterback to task.
To hear it from Hatcher, it’s really quite the opposite.
“Where is Romo at? Tell him to come over here. I’m going to hug his neck,” Hatcher said. “We ain’t got no issues. Where’d you all get that from? I love Romo – Romo loves me. We are teammates, we are brothers – brotherhood.”
Hatcher’s own words are the most telling, as it was he who had reportedly called out the Cowboys’ quarterback this week for audibling too much and not committing to the run.
Plenty of other voices within the organization begged to differ, however. Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said Hatcher certainly spoke during the Cowboys’ preparation for St. Louis, but it wasn’t merely directed at Romo so much as the whole team.
“I think those reports are inaccurate,” Garrett said. “One of the things we try to do as a football team is empower the people – get everybody invested. Get players invested, get coaches invested and guys to take leadership roles. This is their football team, and leadership manifests itself a lot of different ways. It’s best when it’s just by performance – by what you do, by example. But sometimes you need to step up and say something. I thought Hatcher’s words after practice were directed at our entire football team.”
That message was one of consistency, to hear it from the players. The Cowboys have had a recent inability to string together positive results, highlighted by last week’s ugly loss to Kansas City – something Hatcher said needs to change.
“The main thing I got from Hatcher’s speech was being consistent, being consistent, not being a roller coaster team, not being up and down, winning a big game then going a losing a game,” said DeMarcus Ware. “That’s what we did last week, losing a game that we should have won — not to talk about the past. Now, how consistent can we be playing week in and week out, that’s one thing that Hatch talked about. Let’s be a consistent team. We can be a great team, but the consistent teams are the ones that are going to win.”
Romo himself agreed with that assessment. Asked about it following his postgame press conference, the Cowboys’ quarterback said he hadn’t heard about the report. He did say Hatcher’s words were good for the team and the team’s younger players to hear.
“He wants the guys – young guys – to understand how important this is,” Romo said. “I thought it was a great talk … Guys who have been around – when Witten talks, guys listen. When I talk, when Hatch talks, they listen.”
It remains to be seen how the message resonates going forward. This is the eighth time in 11 years the Cowboys have managed a 2-1 record through three weeks. They failed to improve to 3-1, instead falling to 2-2, on six of those seven previous occasions.
Next week’s game against San Diego will be telling in that regard.
“I love Romo to death, man. I wasn’t getting on Romo – I love Romo to death,” Hatcher said. “He came out and balled out tonight. Did you see that? He balled out. They ran the ball, he threw the ball great – he’s the best quarterback in the league. So I love Romo to death. That’s my brother.”
Editors comment: A lot is said about the ‘start’ of the season with the Dallas Cowboys in the past decade. Some of that ebb and flow is the result of NFL scheduling, some of that is NFL parity … and yes, some of that is finishing 8-8 in consecutive years. I think the emphasis should be on how they finish, not necessarily as much about how they start. It’s an interesting thing to watch, based on this recent history of on-again and off-again peaks and valleys. At this point, we should all hope to see a team mentally balanced … and confident enough to put together some nice long winning streaks. Jimmy Johnson was a master at keeping the players psych up, even during tough stings of games. It’s Jason Garrett’s job to build on the confidence gained during these big wins, not to let it slip away with the next opponent. It’s the players responsibility as well. Kudos to Jason Hatcher and the other leaders on this roster. The St. Louis (and New York Giants) games show the potential of this years’ Dallas Cowboys. If this is the ‘slow start’ … I can’t wait to see how they develop as the year progresses.
NFL GAMEDAY RESOURCES: 2013-2014 Dallas Cowboys vs. St. Louis Rams
After a deflating loss to Kansas City last weekend that killed the momentum they built with their victory in the opener, the Dallas Cowboys face St. Louis today. Two seasons ago, Dallas blasted the Rams, 34-7. But St. Louis has improved considerably since then with a different coach, Jeff Fisher, and better personnel. In 2012, St. Louis went 4-1-1 within an NFC West division that includes San Francisco and Seattle. This year, the Rams are 1-1 and have one of the most productive passing attacks in the NFL. Here is a look at how both teams match up:
When the Cowboys run
After Dallas gained only 37 yards on 16 carries, the Cowboys faced questions about their deficient ground attack. Head coach Jason Garrett said they need to run it more frequently. So did DeMarco Murray, who in his last game against the Rams set a single-game franchise record with 253 rushing yards in a 2011 victory. St. Louis appears much stingier than it was then, conceding an average of 61 yards per game on the ground this season.
Edge: Rams
When the Cowboys pass
Despite the fact that Tony Romo had the fourth-most pass attempts in the league after Week 2, his productivity has left plenty to be desired. Fifteen quarterbacks have thrown for more yards than Romo has. Romo has protected the ball well but only two of his completions have resulted in gains of 25 yards or more. Luckily for Romo, the Rams’ pass defense has been leaky as they’ve conceded 330.5 yards per game.
Edge: Cowboys
When the Rams run
For the first time in 10 seasons, Steven Jackson isn’t lining up in the backfield for the Rams. He’s now a member of the Atlanta Falcons. His replacement is Daryl Richardson, the second-year player from Vernon who never started an NFL game until this season and has gained only 98 yards in two games. Richardson will have a tough time gaining traction against a Cowboys’ run defense that has allowed 82 yards per game and held Kansas City’s Jamaal Charles to 55 rushing yards last Sunday. (Editors note: Alex Smith also ran for 57 yards on 8 carries)
Edge: Cowboys
When the Rams pass
Sam Bradford looks more comfortable in his fourth NFL season. After two weeks, the Rams quarterback has accounted for the sixth-most passing yards in the league and has developed an instant rapport with rookie Tavon Austin, the speedy receiver who has already made two touchdown receptions. So the Cowboys, who have allowed quarterbacks to produce a healthy 98.9 passer rating against them, will have their work cut out for them.
Edge: Rams
Special teams
This season, the Cowboys’ Dan Bailey and the Rams’ Greg Zuerlein have made all of their field goal attempts. That’s 11 combined. But Bailey’s conversions have been more impressive because he’s connected on two tries of 50 yards or longer. Bailey remains one of the Cowboys’ biggest weapons and he has led a special teams group that managed to block a field goal last Sunday.
Edge: Cowboys
Intangibles
The Cowboys return home smarting from their defeat to Kansas City last Sunday. AT&T Stadium hasn’t exactly been an intimidating environment for opponents, who have won 46 percent of the time there. But while Jerry Jones’ football palace hasn’t given the Cowboys a significant edge, the team seems to perform well there when the game kicks off at noon, winning eight of the previous 12 times they’ve played in that time slot. Dallas should be feeling good about the early start.
Edge: Cowboys
GAMEDAY RESOURCES: Trackers and Scoreboards
View NFL|Dallas Cowboys game stats and scores online while you watch or listen to the game.
Click HERE to choose from a list of popular online game trackers.
GAMEDAY RESOURCES: Sounds of the game
Listen to the “Voice of the Dallas Cowboys” Brad Sham on KRLD in Dallas.
Click HERE. Don’t live in the Dallas area? Click HERE.
Also on XM/Sirius 85, 137
GAMEDAY RESOURCES: Watch the game
To watch on TV, tune to:
KDFW-TV/FOX 4 Dallas | KTVI-TV/FOX 2 St. Louis
Out of market? Click HERE to watch online (NFL Sunday Ticket)
When: Sunday, September 22nd, 2013 at high noon (Dallas time)
Where: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Watch on TV: FOX and DIRECTV: 709
GAMEDAY RESOURCES: Bookmark The Boys Are Back blog
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Check back here for box scores, videos, pictures, highlights, resources, recaps, interesting articles, and Dallas Cowboys information all season long. Signup for email alerts, RSS feeds, or add The Boys Are Back to your favorites.
Enjoy the game!
GAMEDAY RESOURCES: Cowboys vs. Rams postgame coverage
Dallas Cowboys Postgame Show
on the
Note: The show starts approximately 30 minutes after the game is over.
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POSTGAME PRESS CONFERENCE: Jason Garrett and Tony Romo’s reaction to Kansas City Chiefs loss; Dez highlights
First Take – Dallas Cowboys vs. Kansas City Chiefs wrap up
Nick Eatman, Rowan Kavner, and Bryan Broaddus from Kansas City for First Take immediately following the Dallas Cowboys loss to the Chiefs.
… 
Coach Jason Garrett & Tony Romo Postgame Press Conference
Jason Garrett and Tony Romo react following the Dallas Cowboys 17-16 loss at Kansas City.
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Dez Bryant highlights at Kansas City (Must-see video!)
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant finishes finishes with 9 receptions for 141 yards and a touchdown in the team’s 17-16 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
NFL GAMEDAY RESOURCES: 2013-2014 Dallas Cowboys vs. Kansas City Chiefs
After a strong performance in their victory over the New York Giants in the season opener, the Dallas Cowboys head to Kansas City.
Defensive end Anthony Spencer is expected to play. So too is newly-acquired guard Brian Waters. They should help a Cowboys team that will look to move to 2-0 for the first time since 2008. Here is a look at the Cowboys’ keys to victory in their game against the Chiefs:
Protect Romo
Jason Garrett lauded the offensive line’s pass protection the Cowboys’ victory over the Giants last Sunday. But Tony Romo was still sacked twice and hit so hard he suffered bruised ribs that seemed to affect his performance in the second half. Considering Romo will be only seven days removed from the injury, shielding him from further harm is a priority. The Cowboys depend on Romo. He’s their biggest asset and Chiefs outside linebacker Tamba Hali, one of the better pass rushers in the NFL, will be hunting him.
Pressure but don’t blitz
The player with the second-best passer rating last season in the face of blitzes wasn’t Peyton Manning or Tom Brady or even Aaron Rodgers. It was Alex Smith, the Chiefs quarterback who started nine games for San Francisco in 2012. When teams sent at least one extra defender to harass him, Smith completed 50 of 69 attempts for 611 yards and seven touchdowns against only one interception. Only Washington’s Robert Griffin III fared better than Smith when the pressure was cranked up. Smith, who is mobile, must be contained. But he has shown he can beat the blitz.
Contain Jamaal Charles
Kansas City coach Andy Reid has a reputation as a quarterback guru. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t like to run the ball. In 2011, when he was running the show in Philadelphia, the Eagles were fifth in rushing as Reid leaned heavily on LeSean McCoy. It can be argued that Charles is an even more dynamic running back than McCoy is. If the Cowboys can limit Charles, they know they can stymie Reid’s West Coast offense.
Create Takeaways
The Cowboys defensive coaches were beaming after their victory over the New York Giants. From the moment off-season practices began they had been preaching the importance of making interceptions and retrieving fumbles. So what did the Cowboys do? They forced six turnovers, five on defense. Still, the Cowboys beat the Giants by less than a touchdown, and that margin of victory shows how important those takeaways were. The Cowboys need more of them to show their turnover bonanza wasn’t a fluke.
GAMEDAY RESOURCES: Trackers and Scoreboards
View NFL|Dallas Cowboys game stats and scores online while you watch or listen to the game.
Click HERE to choose from a list of popular online game trackers.
GAMEDAY RESOURCES: Sounds of the game
Listen to the “Voice of the Dallas Cowboys” Brad Sham on KRLD in Dallas.
Click HERE. Don’t live in the Dallas area? Click HERE.
GAMEDAY RESOURCES: Watch the game
To watch on TV, tune to:
KDFW-TV/FOX 4 Dallas | WDAF-TV/FOX 4 Kansas City
Out of market? Click HERE to watch online (NFL Sunday Ticket)
When: Sunday, September 15th, 2013 at high noon (Dallas time)
Where: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
Watch on TV: FOX; check local listings
GAMEDAY RESOURCES: Bookmark The Boys Are Back blog
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Check back here for box scores, videos, pictures, highlights, resources, recaps, interesting articles, and Dallas Cowboys information all season long. Signup for email alerts, RSS feeds, or add The Boys Are Back to your favorites.
Enjoy the game!
GAMEDAY RESOURCES: Cowboys vs. Chiefs postgame coverage
Dallas Cowboys Postgame Show
on the
Note: The show starts approximately 30 minutes after the game is over.
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GAMEDAY MATCHUP: Dallas Cowboys and Kansas City Chiefs
After a strong performance in their victory over the New York Giants in the season opener, the Dallas Cowboys head to Kansas City.
Defensive end Anthony Spencer is expected to play. So too is newly-acquired guard Brian Waters. They should help a Cowboys team that will look to move to 2-0 for the first time since 2008. Here is a look at how the Cowboys and Chiefs match up:
When the Cowboys run
The Cowboys’ commitment to their ground game remains in question after they attempted 49 passes and only 23 runs in a 36-31 victory over the New York Giants last Sunday. But at least there seemed to be signs of improvement from last season. DeMarco Murray rushed for 86 yards – a higher total than he produced in all but two games in 2012. Murray will be challenged by the Chiefs, who had three linebackers – Tamba Hali, Derrick Johnson and Justin Houston – selected to the 2012 Pro Bowl.
Edge: Chiefs
When the Cowboys pass
Tony Romo’s condition is a concern after he suffered bruised ribs in Dallas’ victory over the Giants last Sunday. Romo, after all, remains the engine of the offense. He threw 49 times against the Giants, accounting for 263 passing yards and two touchdowns. Jason Witten and Miles Austin thrived, making a combined total of 18 catches. But Dez Bryant was held in check and he is dealing with a sprained left foot. Now he’ll face a Chiefs defense that surrendered the fewest passing yards – 107– of any NFL team in Week 1.
Edge: Cowboys
When the Chiefs run
Kansas City received a bit of a scare when Jamaal Charles suffered a bruised quadriceps last Sunday in the Chiefs’ 28-2 victory over Jacksonville. But Charles is expected to play and that is good news for Kansas City. Charles, a two-time Pro Bowler, has three 1,000-yard rushing seasons since being drafted out of Texas in 2008. Dallas, which allowed only 50 rushing yards against the Giants’ weak backfield, will face a stiffer test Sunday.
Edge: Chiefs
When the Chiefs pass
Quarterback Alex Smith’s debut with the Chiefs wasn’t spectacular. But it was efficient as he completed 21 of 34 pass attempts for 173 yards and two touchdowns. Smith did a good job of distributing the ball as nine different Chiefs players made receptions. The Cowboys, who yielded 450 passing yards to Eli Manning but made three interceptions, hope to be stingier than they were against the Giants but just as opportunistic as they were last Sunday.
Edge: Cowboys
Special teams
The Cowboys’ special teams looked much better than they did in the preseason. They recovered a fumble on a punt and Dan Bailey made each of his three field goal attempts. That’s no surprise for Bailey, who was the second-most accurate kicker in the NFL last season. Ryan Succop, Bailey’s counterpart on the Chiefs, wasn’t nearly as good, making only 82.4 percent of his tries in 2012. Of course the Chiefs have Pro Bowl punter Dustin Colquitt, who surprisingly has the worst net average in the NFL through one week.
Edge: Cowboys
Intangibles
Much is made of the supposed home-field advantage Kansas City’s crowd creates for the Chiefs. Arrowhead is regarded as one of the loudest stadiums in the NFL. But visiting teams have had success there. Since 2000, the Chiefs are 54-50 at Arrowhead. Twenty teams, including the Cowboys, have better winning percentages on their home field during the same period. Dallas, which is 2-2 against the Chiefs at Kansas City, shouldn’t be intimidated.
Edge: Cowboys
JASON GARRETT PRESS CONFERENCE: 2013 Dallas Cowboys vs. Kansas City Chiefs–First road trip of season
Jason Garrett Press Conference 9/11/2013 (Duration – 9:04)
Dallas Cowboys coach Jason Garrett speaks to the media for the final time before heading to Kansas City to take on the Chiefs. Garrett discussed:
- State of mind going into a road game after a big win
- Anthony Spencer’s progress
- DeMarcus Ware production draws double-teams
- Brian Waters progress
- Rex Ryan influence on Chiefs DC Bob Sutton (I got Rob Ryan flashback)
- Terrance Williams rebound
- Scandrick versatility inside and outside corner
- Morris Claiborne’s practice harness and limits
- Lance Dunbar’s role vs. Kansas City Chiefs
- Rookie C Travis Frederick vs. NT Poe matchup
- DeMarco Murray touches influenced by Dunbar’s return
- Linebacker Sims status – next man up (Bosworth)
- Activation of 7 or 8 offensive linemen vs. KC Chiefs
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Andy Reid: Monte Kiffin Is Top Notch – Duration 9:04
Kansas City coach Any Reid speaks to the Dallas media about matching up against a familiar opponent in the Dallas Cowboys.
…
Jason Garrett: Bringing In The Right People
Dallas Cowboys coach Jason Garrett speaks with the Kansas City media during his weekly conference call.
…
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JASON GARRETT PRESS CONFERENCE: 2013 Dallas Cowboys vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Jason Garrett Press Conference 9/11/2013 (Duration – 13:35)
Dallas Cowboys coach Jason Garrett speaks to the media as his team continues their preparation for the Kansas City Chiefs. Garrett discussed:
- Practicing at AT&T Stadium
- Condition of three injured starters (Romo, Dez, Claiborne)
- Brian Waters progress
- Thoughts on Selvie and Spencer rotation
- Preparation for Andy Reid and Kansas City Chiefs
- Challenges of Sutton/Reid’s 3rd down defensive schemes
- Evaluating Terrence Williams role on offense
- Importance of reps and timing for new players with Romo
- Competition, grading, and putting best guy on the field
- Harris and Williams make each other better, competition philosophy
- Joseph Randall progress
- Romo’s low yards per pass attributed to working through progressions
- Dez been getting double-coverage since he was a rookie, respected
- Notes on what Garrett says to team from week-to-week (motivation)
- Redzone and balance thoughts from New York Giants game
- Kansas City offensive challenges for Texas 2 defense
- Thoughts on Alex Smith’s west-coast style and past success
- Balance of KC’s offense with Bowe, runners, and Smith’s mobility
- AT&T Stadium tours during practice and security
- NFL fines and effects on some players over time
- Reflection on 2009 game in Kansas City
- Miles Austin example of making best of opportunities
…
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NEW ERA – THE 12th COWPOKE: Rowdy Dallas Cowboys fans create home field advantage at AT&T Stadium (Special Feature)
IRVING, Texas – A Dallas Cowboys team that forced takeaways, held onto an early lead and found its star tight end in the end zone looked almost like an impostor Sunday at AT&T Stadium.
It was another close finish in the opener against the New York Giants, but practically everything leading to the one-score game appeared different from years past. The Dallas Cowboys never trailed Sunday, marking the first time since Week 15 they were tied or led the entire way.
That would be Week 15 of the 2011 season.
The (Texas 2) defense caused turnovers and the Cowboys’ offense only committed one of their own. A Dallas defense that finished with just 16 takeaways last season notched three on its opponents’ first three possessions of the season and finished with six total.
That constant defensive pressure kept the crowd in it throughout. Fans at AT&T Stadium aren’t accustomed to getting an early lead and holding onto it, and they’re also not known for creating an electric atmosphere. That was far from the case Sunday night.
Cowboys towels spiraled and rotated through the wave of fans, most of whom were on their feet, particularly as the game wound down. It wasn’t a smattering of cheers. It was a real home field advantage.
“I just want to say that was as good as I’ve seen our home stadium,” said quarterback Tony Romo. “The crowd was exceptional. They were outstanding from the moment we started until the end of the football game. If they continue to do that, this is going to be a tough place to play. I was just really excited about the way they brought the energy and the noise level that that was throughout he football game. That was awesome to see.”
That’s what happens when the team holds onto a lead against a division opponent. The Cowboys trailed at some point in every game last season. In only took one game in 2013 to stop that trend.
It’s tricky for a team to break out when it’s trailing and needing to mount a comeback. That typically will lead to a .500 finish or worse. The Cowboys staged a 23-point comeback to make it a game and still lost to the Giants when they came to Arlington last year.
But the teams reversed roles entirely to start the 2013-2014 season Sunday.
It’s a much more comfortable position to be leading the whole way and holding on late than hoping for a miraculous finish. Eli Manning and the Giants found out Sunday what the Cowboys’ offense found out so often last season. The Cowboys weren’t used to being in that spot and allowed too many big plays Sunday to let the Giants back in, but past Cowboys teams would have relinquished that lead and folded. This one didn’t.
Few things remained the same as they had throughout the 8-8 seasons of the past. One area that did look similar was in the red zone, where problems were still apparent. The Cowboys can’t expect to go 50 percent when they get inside the 20 and expect to win consistently.
On the other side, though, they found a red zone target in Jason Witten they couldn’t find at all last year. That will make teams think twice about doubling Dez Bryant the way the Giants did throughout Sunday’s game.
It’s only one game, and as the Cowboys found out at the beginning of last year, things can change quickly without a repeat performance a week later. But any change from the status quo should be recognized, and it was applauded by a noticeably rowdy crowd at AT&T Stadium on Sunday night.
JASON GARRETT PRESS CONFERENCE: 2013 Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants–preparation week
Jason Garrett Press Conference 9/2/2013 (Duration – 16:11)
Dallas Cowboys coach Jason Garrett speaks to the media as his team begins their preparations for opening night with the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium. Garrett discussed:
- Spencer and Leary’s (injury and) practice update
- How conditioning factors into gameday decisions
- Jones and Bosworth Special Teams, expected impact
- Lissemore trade and appreciation for his contributions
- Aspirations for the post-season
- Transition to regular season from offseason
- Selvie and Spencer rotation
- Doug Free commitment, regardless of role
- Running scheme changes with different linemen
- Decision behind keeping six safeties on roster
- Safeties role on Special Teams, next man up when needed
- Adjusting to all of the changes on offense and defense
- Claiborne decision on playing time
- TE Smith becoming more rounded
- Excitement around 53-man roster and setting practice squad
- New York Giants record at Cowboy Stadium
- Improvement of team over last season during offseason
- Frederick’s quick grasp of center position
- B.W. Webb overcoming ups and downs
- Spencer, committee approach until he’s in condition
- DTs opportunities and expectations of young players
- Motivation and drive of veterans for playoff run
- “Make today important” approach to preparation and winning
…
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COUNTDOWN 2013-2014 NFL SEASON: New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys in race to get healthy for opener
Two big bits of injury news pertaining to the Cowboys’ season opener is grabbing attention.
As many people no doubt saw on Saturday night, the Giants lost safety Stevie Brown for the season during their loss to the New York Jets. Brown made a textbook interception of an awful pass thrown by rookie quarterback Geno Smith, and he tore his ACL while being tackled on the return.
It’s a devastating blow, especially as the Giants were so close to wrapping up their final test of the preseason. However, since the loss of Brown, the team has received several bits of good news in anticipation of the opener against the Dallas Cowboys in 13 days.
Safety Antrel Rolle and cornerback Corey Webster are slated to return to the field this week ahead of New York’s preseason finale against New England. It’s pretty crucial timing, as the Giants were set to take the field without three of their starting four defensive backs.
Rolle rolled his ankle – no pun intended — several weeks ago, but he has been adamant he would be fit for the start of the regular season. Webster has been battling groin and MCL injuries for most of training camp, but Giants coach Tom Coughlin told reporters on Sunday he would return this week, as well.
Perhaps the bigger news coming out of New Jersey on Monday is that injured defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul, whose return from back surgery has dominated Giants training camp headlines, was activated from Physically Unable to Perform list Monday.
Pierre-Paul doubtless has plenty of work to do before he’d be cleared to line up against the Cowboys on Sept. 8, but with 13 days to spare, he can now begin that process.
It’s a bit of the opposite scenario for the Cowboys. Starting cornerback Morris Claiborne returned to practice on Monday, which further solidifies his confidence that he’ll be good to go for the opener. With any luck, the Cowboys just might have four healthy starters in the secondary to start the year.
On the other hand, defensive end Anthony Spencer and defensive tackle Jay Ratliff – particularly Ratliff – don’t look like the locks for Week 1 action that they once were. Neither player has returned to practice, but Spencer said last week he has not yet started running on his convalescing knee.
Dallas Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones has typically been steadfast in his belief that Ratliff would be ready for the Giants game. But Jones didn’t sound so sure when asked about it on Saturday night after the Bengals game.
It’s not quite September yet, so there’s still time for more developments for both teams. But the window of recovery time is closing rapidly.
MESSAGE SENT AND RECEIVED: Jason Garrett impressed with DeMarco Murray response to benching
ARLINGTON, Texas – As his defense continues to force turnovers, Dallas Cowboys coach Jason Garrett has to hope he got his message across about committing them.
Garrett created one of the dominant storylines of Saturday nights’ 24-18 win against Cincinnati when he benched running back DeMarco Murray for fumbling during the Cowboys’ second possession of the night.
“We took DeMarco out in the first half because he put the ball down,” Garrett said. “So we gave Phillip Tanner the chance to play with the ones in the first half.”
It was a nightmare start for Murray, who was slated to see his biggest chunk of playing time this preseason. He had three carries for just five yards when he lost a fumble – which was eventually recovered by right tackle Jermey Parnell – in the first quarter.
When Murray was yanked for Tanner, he had just four carries for six yards.
“I don’t know why De Mo got benched, you know, but we’re a real close family. So when they said another guy go in, that’s what I was going to do,” Tanner said. “De Mo is really supportive, you know, he’s my guy. Everything that I was able to do out there tonight I give all credit to him.”
Murray didn’t speak to reporters, so it’s uncertain to know how he felt as Tanner rumbled for 39 yards on 14 carries to finish out the first half. But whatever his opinion was on the benching, he put it into a torrid third quarter.
Murray lined up behind second-string quarterback Kyle Orton and the starting offensive line after halftime, and he quickly atoned for his problems. He carried eight times on the opening drive of the third quarter, including four in a row to start the possession, tallying 45 yards.
He capped off his return when he evaded three different tacklers en route to a seven-yard touchdown reception from Orton.
“There is no question that we had a little in-house resolve about what we would do if we should turn the ball over, and I think he came back with that resolve,” said Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones. “I still think he had an attitude after he finished that third quarter. I think he still had an attitude when he hid over there, but I think Jason’s making a point.”
Tanner wasn’t the only one who wasn’t sure why Murray left the field. Wide receiver Dez Bryant didn’t know until after the game why Murray had been replaced, but he wasn’t surprised at the response.
“DeMarco is a great back, and he always has that chip on his shoulder. That’s what makes him who he is,” he said.
Murray finished the night with 12 carries for 51 yards – the best average on the team – and two receptions for 14 yards and the touchdown.
It appears as though the message was received, much to Garrett’s satisfaction.
“I thought he did a good job. He’s a pro, and he’s a damn good football player,” Garrett said. “You can’t let not taking care of the football when you’re a running back diminish you as a player. And he’s just not going to do that – he’s not going to put the ball on the ground. I thought he responded well to it.”
COWBOYS 2013 INJURY UPDATE: Anthony Spencer surgery a success, should be ready for start of the season
Defensive end Anthony Spencer had successful surgery on his left knee today (Thursday), according to his agent Jordan Woy.
Spencer will be be sidelined about a month while recovering, likely keep him out the majority of the preseason. He should be ready for the start of the season.
The surgery was necessary after Spencer experienced discomfort in the knee during pre-camp conditioning tests on Saturday. It’s the same knee he hyper-extended during organized team activities in June. A magnetic resonance imaging exam confirmed a bone-bruise in Spencer’s left knee.
The Cowboys felt surgery was the best option and wanted to get this taken care of so it wouldn’t be a lingering issue during the season. Spencer will make $10.6 million after being designated as the team’s franchise player.
RELATED: Cowboys finally got some good news on the injury front
Starting left guard Nate Livings has been given the OK to practice and was removed Friday from the active non-football injury list. He’s expected to practice Friday afternoon after missing the start of camp with a foot problem.
Coach Jason Garrett said several other injured players could be back next week, including tight end James Hanna (hamstring), guard Mackenzy Bernadeau (hamstring) and guard Ron Leary (calf).
Backup right tackle Jermey Parnell (hamstring) probably need another week, Garrett said.
Garrett also said that defensive ends Anthony Spencer (knee) and Tyrone Crawford (Achilles tendon) had successful surgeries in Dallas. Spencer is expected back in camp sidelines this week, while Crawford will remain in Dallas.
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