Doug Pensinger / Getty ImagesIRVING, Texas - The Dallas Cowboys(8-4) used a stifling defensive effort and another superb performance from Tony Romo and the rejuvenated offense to carve up the woeful Seattle Seahawks (2-10) 34-9 in the last Thanksgiving Day game played at famed Texas Stadium. The win is their third consecutive victory since Tony Romo returned from a pinkie injury on his throwing hand.
Without their starting quarterback they had only mustered a poor 2-4 record and many had begun to write them off. However, today's dominating win over a hapless and beat up Seahawks team, coupled with last week's victory over the upstart 49ers's and their victory over the hated Redskins, collectively seem to suggest that they are back on track and ready to re-claim their position as the favorite to hoist the Lombardi trophy at the end of the season.
"We have a lot of options in this offense," Romo said. "When you've got that, and your offensive line gives you time, you can just wait a little longer (in the play) for something to develop. I think we did that." (Dallas Cowboys.com)
The stingy Dallas defense was surely up to the challenge of playing on the main stage before the national TV audience on Thanksgiving. And with the entire country watching they turned in one of their best efforts so far this season by not allowing an offense touchdown all day and forcing two turnovers (fumble and interception). "We get a lot of hits on the quarterback. It's something that you have to do, I think, to be able to win. Our pass rush was really good. Hasselbeck had not been sacked that much (12 times). Their team overall had, but he hadn't. I thought we really got after him and got after the passing game." Linebacker DeMarcus Ware had an awesome three sack performance while Bradie James (2), Tank Johnson (1) and Greg Ellis (1) also contributed to the seven sack barrage.
Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, center, is sacked by Dallas linebacker Bradie James, left, during the second quarter.
(November 27, 2008) Associated Press
Ware and the rest of the Cowboys still recognize that they face some very real challenges ahead in December if they are going to realize their goal of reaching the Superbowl. First, things first, they have to get into the playoffs.
"Obviously, this helps out a lot but I think somebody in the locker room said last week, if the season ended today, we're still left out (of the playoffs)," Witten said. "You've got to have that mentality and understand the challenges that are ahead. It's still going to be even tougher as December rolls around." (AP)
But, are they really ready for December? Really? If history is any indication, the answer to that question is a resounding, "NO!!" The Cowboys have not had a winning record in December since the 2001 season. Their brutal upcoming schedule will not be easy. It includes games against the tough Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3) on the road, back to back home tilts against the defending champion New York Giants (10-1) and the Ray Lewis led Baltimore Ravens (7-4) before the season finale in Philadelphia against the Eagles (5-6-1). But these Cowboys are up to the challenge and seeking to write a different chapter to their December season this year.
"We've still got to go forward and keep putting together wins to get in the playoffs, "said Tony Romo. "Our confidence level is that on any given Sunday we can compete with the best of anybody. It'll be interesting to see how we do going forward."
Next year my Hawks are going to give up their NFL status and instead play against a series of Junior High teams. That way we might have a chance to actually win a couple of games.
ReplyDeleteThanks for "following" my blog, One Pissed Off Veteran, and since I see that you are also a vet, welcome home, brother.
--The F Man
Roger that F Man. I appreciate your support as well. Thanks for the comment. Next year shouldn't be that bad for the Hawks that new quarterback was awesome this past Sunday against the Pats before the fumble. They will be contending again before you know it.
ReplyDelete