Cowboys feast on Seahawks, 34-9 for third straight win!!

Doug Pensinger / Getty Images

IRVING, 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."

REDSKINS SCALP 'BOYS 26-24, close out regular season rivalry at Texas Staduim

Wide receiver James Thrash #83 of the Washington Redskins celebrates his pass reception touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys in the second quarter at Texas Stadium on September 28, 2008 in Irving, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)


IRVING, Texas- The Washington Redskins eked out a solid victory 26-24, against the hated Dallas Cowboys in the final regular season game to be played in this heated rivalry at famed Texas Stadium.

The capacity crowd of over 61,000 was treated to a solid game defensively from Dallas but the their explosive offense was uncharacteristically sluggish and pedestrian scoring less than 27 points for the first time this season. Unfortunately, for Tony Romo seven was not a lucky number today, as he needlessly threw another interception. This time the faux pas came late in the second half with his team driving to take the lead. The turnover ultimately spelled doom for the Cowboys.

Dallas defensive coordinator Brian Stewart and secondary coach Dave Campo had no plan to stop Santana Moss as the Redskins receiver again torched the Dallas secondary for 145 yards. Jason Campbell also had a good game going 20-31 passing for 231 yards and two touchdowns while eluding pressure from the Dallas defensive ends.

However, in heroic fashion Romo would rally the Cowboys back in the final moments to get them within two points of the lead. But, after a failed onside kick attempt floated through the arms of Dallas receiver Sam Hurd on the ensuing kick off, the Redskins only had to assume the victory formation to secure the win as Dallas watched helplessly with no timeouts.

Now, what? Dropped from the ranks of the unbeaten Dallas (3-1) is left to ponder what they have to do to get their swagger back. Rebounding from a tough back of the alley loss in the NFC East is never easy. However, their upcoming schedule of Bengals, Cardinals, and Rams should allow them adequate time to correct their early season offensive mistakes before they face the defending Superbowl champion Giants in New York.

The Dallas Cowboys now have to find a way to re-invent themselves and get back on the right course quickly if they want to end their season in Tampa Bay hoisting the Lombardi trophy.

Dallas thrwarts valiant Eagles with another historic Monday night at Texas Stadium

IRVING, Texas - Whew! What a game! What a game! The Dallas Cowboys prevailed in an early season epic and proved to be tough enough to defeat a feisty Philadelphia Eagles team 41-37 in the 28th and final Monday night game played at Texas Stadium.

This was a game for the ages, that was electrifying from start to finish.


In his post game news conference, Dallas Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips rightfully praised Philadelphia's star quarterback Donovan McNabb. "If anybody thinks Donovan McNabb is too old or can't play anymore then they're absolutely wrong" said Phillips.

Donovan McNabb, now fully recovered from the injuries which plagued him the last two seasons, proved that he is back and better than ever Monday night. When this guy is healthy his value to the Eagles team, is immeasurable. He took on several rushes from the Cowboys defenders and broke tackles like a running back. He remained poised in the pocket and completed precision passes the entire game finishing 25/37 for 281 yards and a touchdown.

The Eagles started the scoring early, kicking a short field goal for 3-0 lead after a good drive stalled at the Dallas 16-yard line with an incompletion. Dallas then countered quickly on their first possession with a 72-yard bomb from Romo to a wide open Terrell Owens. Mr."Get ya popcorn ready" ran untouched past the Eagles secondary and Cris Carter in the record books, for second place all time in touchdown receptions with his 131st career touchdown. The catch was the longest of his career as a Cowboy and gave Dallas a quick 7-3 lead. The Dallas defense stiffened again on the next series, holding Philly to another a short field goal to push the game to 7-6.

Just as the first quarter was winding down, the capacity crowd at Texas Stadium was treated and delighted to a majestic kickoff return of 98 yards by rookie Felix Jones an 8 point lead for Dallas at 14- 6.

A weird sequence of miscues by Tony Romo would cost Dallas 14 points. First, after successfully avoiding a would be tackler, Tony Romo threw a very forgettable interception to Eagles cornerback Asanti Samuel. A phantom pass-interference penalty against Anthony Henry, moved the ball inside the Dallas 10 yard line and
the Eagles capitalized quickly. A short touchdown pass from McNabb to Brian Westbrook made it a 14-13 game.

On the ensuing kickoff, Dallas was hit with an illegal blocking penalty on the return and was backed up inside it's own five yard line. After taking the snap from center, Romo fumbled the hand off to Barber. The football rolled around in the Cowboys' end zone for an eternity before the Eagles recovered for the touchdown to take a surprising lead, 20-14.

Later in second quarter, Tony Romo shook off his earlier mistakes by leading Dallas on a long touchdown scoring drive of 56 yards. The short touchdown pass to Terrell Owens (132) helped the Cowboys retake the lead briefly, 21-20. Donovan McNabb refused let his team fall too far behind the Cowboys. Midway through the second quarter, McNabb avoided a furious Dallas rush and hit rookie wide receiver DeSean Jackson over the middle for a long 61-yard completion and a sure touchdown. Then unexpectedly before, Jackson could cross the goal line, he stupidly threw the ball away behind himself back into the field of play, in a pre-mature touchdown celebration. The play was ruled a touchdown on the field but Dallas smartly challenged. The Cowboys won the challenge because the ball never crossed the goal-line but since the Cowboys didn't pick up the ball, the referee awards the ball to the Eagles at the Dallas one yard line. Thankfully DeSeah, the Eagles score on the next play with short run by Brian Westbrook and they take reclaim the lead, 27-21. The Cowboys and Eagles would trade field goals to wrap up the quarter and end the second highest scoring first half in a Monday night game with a 30-24 score.

The second half stage was set for one of those epic NFC East battles, that hinged on which team blinked first after half-time. When the Dallas offense failed to sustain their opening drive of the half, the Dallas defense stepped up their game. The second half scheme shelved the Philly air and running attacks. The explosive Eagles had scored 24 points in the second quarter, was virtually silent in the third and fourth quarters only scoring seven points.

The Cowboys defense showed a lot moxie tonight. They took all of the Eagles' punches in the first half and then they delivered the final knockout in the second half with stiff hard -nosed championship style defense. They also forced a crucial fumble and turnover on downs to seal the victory. The superb Dallas defense took control of a game that had plenty of ebb and flow until to the end. The Cowboys' fumble recovery of Donovan's only miscue proved to be just what the doctor ordered. On a what looked like a botched reverse play, McNabb short-armed the hand off to Westbrook and Dallas recovered the ball. The late fumble cost the Eagles a sure three points which could have pushed their lead back to six points. Dallas had just cut their lead to only three points after long Nick Folk field goal. The turnover would lead to bruising one yard touchdown run by Marion "the Barbarian" Barber with 4:35 left to play. The pendulum had finally swung to the Cowboys favor, yet the game was far from over. Not until the Cowboys stopped a desperation hook and ladder attempt by the Eagles on 4th 17 with a 1:10 remaining did they have a chance to exhale. Tony Romo salted away clock by taking the victory formation two times. The Cowboys victory moves them to 2-0 on the young season.

Fans were treated to a truly spectacular game Monday night that many will remember for years to come. The win also allowed Dallas to remain even at 2-0 with the defending Superbowl champion New York Giants, in the NFC East division. If these two teams stay healthy, one can only imagine what the final game of the season between these two power houses will be like when they face off for the rematch in Philadelphia.


GO COWBOYS!!