Garrett, stick with the run…it’s like a warm blanket in deep winter

Sometimes I wonder if folks understand the basics of this game. I purposely avoided the site this week because I knew everyone would be dogging the Cowboys running attack and the seemingly fruitlessness of it.

Admittedly, I was cursing the TV along with the rest of the Dallas faithful with only one difference….I never forgot about the most important weapon in the history of this great game…a great running attack. And you shouldn’t either.

If you would have told me that the Cowboys racked up 150 rushing yards and didn’t score a point, I would have fell out of my chair in laughter. What a wacky game! Or should I say what a wacky WIN! A win against the staunchest of rivals. Everyone in this blog should understand the full importance of a running game so, for the sake of Mickey Spagnola, I will spell it out.

It keeps your defense off of the field (and what a performance they turned in).

It keeps the opponent’s pass rush at bay.

It burns the clock, limiting offensive opportunities for your opponent (and yourself by the way…more on this in a moment)

Limits turnovers (or at least it should)

Breeds confidence in you team and O-line

Fatigues and demoralizes the opponents team and D-line

and the list goes on.

We should all regard this past week’s return to the run as a huge positive. The lack of offensive production was not a direct result of choosing to run. Running games are typically low scoring because the clock runs limiting your total game time, and because you are averaging a little over 4 yds per play on offense. The low score should not alarm anyone. And by the way, if a team is playing a 2 deep zone and giving that to you, you should take it….every time.

Two things you need when implementing a running attack: no fumbles, and a kicker who doesn’t miss. Folk is starting to look a little rough, but that is a story for another day. Had Barber not fumbled and kicker from both teams made all their attempts, the score would have been 17-12 and we all would have been spared all the pissing and moaning. Remember, killing the clock is good, but it limits your opportunities as well…you have to make the most of them.

The running game opens up your passing game and tires a defensive line. Is there no wonder why the Cowboys have and had so much luck in their 2-minute offense…no pressure and safeties looking into the backfield. A game ending, perfect, exiting, %100 passing drive set up by all the runs that day.

A win is a win. A win vs the Deadskins is heaven, even if it were 2-0. Do you all recall Bill Parcell’s extolling the virtue of the ‘boring’ offense. Well folks, he was right. Give me a team that can run against an 8 man front and play defense, and I will give you a Super Bowl Champ. Give me a team that has a fantastic passing attack and little else, and I will give you a team that hasn’t won a playoff game since the late nineties.

Garrett, stick with the run…it’s like a warm blanket in deep winter.

Wins Like These Couldn’t Happen to a Better Bunch of Guys

The Cowboys played a great game in Cowboys Stadium this past week. They beat up on the lowly Seahawks as expected. They did not play down to lesser competition, a problem for some time now. Truly they are capable, and have put themselves in position to do something special. They deserve to be where they are right now. In preparation to write a feel-good piece, we need to be honest with our selves. As Bill parcels would say, “before we put them in Canton,” I want to take a moment to remind fans about how bleak things used to be.<br><br>

Remember when Dave Campo would run up and down the sideline signaling that the team was going for one? Holding that tiny index finger in the air, running and waving it around like a child on Christmas day? I can see the wide-eyed excitement and wonderment in his eyes as if it happened yesterday. All things considered, I believe that marked the low point of the Cowboys slide from prominence. Perhaps I shouldn’t be so hard on Dave. The fact is, with as few TD’s as we scored back then, there was real excitement for every fan each time the end zone was re-discovered.

Remember the inaugural loss to the Houston Texans? My turncoat brother called me at 1:00 am the next morning to rub it in. I get a weekly comparison of the teams from my Pastor and how “it’s okay for me to come home” and be a Houston fan, “that they will accept me with open arms.” I take great pride in pointing out to both of them how little their team has accomplished, but in the end they are right. The one time we met head to head in the regular season, the Texans beat us. Living in Houston again, I’m still paying the price for that horrible loss.

How about the playoff loss to the Cardinals and Jake Plummer that started the downward slide lasting more than fifteen years? At that point, did we all think that our winning days were over? On the contrary, all we needed to do was reload? Right? Remember? Hope for this organization seemed to fade just a little more each season, up until the signing of Parcells a little while ago.

It has been a tough ride…a long ride. Every Cowboys fan should now stop to take measure of it all. Think of how many hours of time has been invested by each of us since the last time a Cowboy hoisted the Lombardi Trophy? Over this period, many fans have fallen by the wayside., and who can blame them? It has taken a lot of work to follow these guys. Heck, I was a freshmen in College when they won their last playoff game. If we are honest with ourselves, the Cowboys have not been great for a long time. Want proof? Ask yourself this question: When was the last week you honestly thought that the Cowboys were a lock to win any game? Can you remember back that far? If you can answer favorably, let me follow up by asking, did they actually win the game in question? Stings doesn’t it?

Do you recall the game in Texas Stadium where Emmit Smith set the all time rushing record? Yes, we found a way to lose even that game against an even more pathetic Jaguars team. But every week, we find the reason and hope to follow the Silver and Blue, buy season tickets, order caps, jerseys, etc. Yes, I’m infected with the disease too.

But allow me to digress. This admitted rant is not about dragging the Cowboys down. Although it may sound that way, It’s really meant for encouragement. This team has come a long way, and it is only fair to recognize their accomplishments. Without a doubt, it is far more exciting to watch them now than ever in recent history, and Rome wasn’t built in a day. Is there more? Dare we hope?

One thing is certain. We are going to find out this week, what kind of team we have. The Cowboys are extremely talented and they are solid in all three phases of the game. The addition of Brookings has added the right level of tenacity to a defense that has been lacking for some time now. Who can dispute the job Decamillis has done on the special teams unit after his near tragic accident in the preseason. Romo and crew remain an exciting bunch to watch, even with a certain somebody no longer split out wide.

The Eagles, Giants, and Saints represent four of the toughest games we have left on our schedule. Common characteristics among them are that they are all NFC teams that would represent important Cowboy victories moving forward. They are also teams The Cowboys have sacrificed important victories to in recent years. It is no secret that they have a reason to exact revenge on all of them for embarrassing losses at home, letting a no name fullback run wild in 2006, in Philly, placing a painful exclamation point on last season’s failure, and in 2007, being knocked out of the playoffs to end a potential fairytale season. No need to conjure up bulletin board materials for these games. If you can’t get up for them, you need to get out.

Another certainly is that I have the pulse of the entire Cowboy Nation. One that wants so bad to see this 2009 team succeed. Aside from the great athleticism this group has proven to posses, they are all a collection of good men, respectful, good role models. What better person and talent could you award an historical contract to than Demarcus Ware? I’m just proud that he is a part of this team…so very thankful that we passed on Shawne Merriman. Ware is someone that my two-year-old son can look up to. What about Romo and Austin, two undrafted free agents that are mentioned in the same sentences as the current greats. How about Ratliff, a seventh round wonder, being able to achieve what he has. Jason Whitten…does American as football and apple pie fit together? Do you get what I’m saying? This story almost writes itself.

For many of the players to have come from such meager beginnings, one would think that they must posses character. As we dissect the 2009 Cowboys, I’m not sure character, as wonderful a personal trait it may be, is all we are looking for. I’m talking about that “thing.” You know, substance that no one has ever given a proper name for. “It” is a real thing…all winners have it. Some call it guts and determination, team chemistry, and some still refer to it as hunger or desire. To me these words do not really capture the true meaning. “It” is the thing that causes the hapless Carpenter to reach down and make a big play on Hassleback. The thing that causes Terrance Newman to quit avoiding contact, applying some needed big hits, finally living up to his billing. It’s the catalyst that brings out the innate talent in a young wide receiver, Miles Austin, manifesting itself at just the right time. And yes the thing the guides Romo as he dodges four would be tacklers to find Crayton in the back of the end zone….or was it five?

Fellow Cowboys fans….are we witnessing football history? Are theses guys truly winners? Do they take those losses of the past personal? Are they thankful for the opportunity to redeem themselves and past teams? or has the exorbitant NFL salaries, lifestyles, and every day distractions handicapped them from being able to catch this vision?

My heart goes out to the 2009 team in particular. It seems like they want to be a team and have shed themselves of individuals. We are done with the finger pointing after losses. We are done with the individual antics of players that lack personal humility. For once they are going about it the right way, and what a story it would make. Even the Cowboy hating mass sports media, one that has been silenced by the performances of the past two weeks, would have to stop and recognize this team. It could quite possibly be the most challenging assignment for sports “journalists” like Ed Werder, who has made a living out of bad mouthing Valley Ranch. Yes, Randy, there is room for you in that statement as well. I’m referring to Randy Galloway, Sportswriter for the Ft. Worth Star Telegram, who I once met in North Texas. Randy told me not to advise him on what to write, that he had a knack for writing what sells newspapers. I’m afraid Randy would not know where to start. Unfortunately for him, here is not a negative aspect to what may be going on here.

For now, we are enjoying great Cowboys football, certainly the best or worst of seasons, and perhaps the continuance of a feel good story at Lincoln Financial this Sunday at 7:15 pm., CST. Dallas, you have my attention, and I wouldn’t miss it for the world.

I’ll save you a spot.

Cowboys Stadium Video Scoreboard – A Real “Looker”

Cowboys Stadium is getting even more attention than expected from the league. Not about what an intimidating place this venue is to play, not that the stadium is, from inception, the best place in the NFL to watch a game, let’s face it guys, it’s alll about the big screen.

Yesterday, the NFL competition committee met to discuss the future of Jerry’s new toy. Even though it was installed to NFL spec, commissioner Goddell, the NFL, and some Titan’s punters are over concerning themselves with the positioning of the largest big screen TV in the world. I think they are just jealous. Call it HD big screen envy.

You see, if you are a man and own a big screen TV, you likely have given it a female name. My 65″ Sony, aka “Roxy,” takes care of all my football viewing needs….a major expense, but worth every penny. Let me tell you fellas, she’s downright hot! In fact, It’s been such a glorious 5 years, I can’t even remember football viewing life before her.

If you don’t own one yet, I’m sure you are scouring the latest edition of Crutchfield trying to figure out how to make the dollars work. To that end I bid you good luck. In the meantime, just spend each weekend with your buddy and his “better half.”

Guys employed by the NFL are no different. They have seen the ultimate in TV viewing, and they are green with envy. Heck, opposing punters are so jealous that they feel the need to strike it with the football. Now this is just not right. Growing up, we all were taught not to strike a lady. The thing I don’t understand is why Jerry (I wonder if he has his own remote) doesn’t seem to have a say in the matter. After all, he built her within NFL guidelines.

The NFL is acting like a bunch of damn Democrats. They see that someone has something of value and now they have to stick their fat heads in the middle of it. Jerry is now the villain and the rest of the league is being victimized. The league is probably considering a big screen TV tax.

Back to reality. This kind of publicity is fantastic. Very humorous for Dallas Fans who are in awe of the new stadium, and another point of contention among Dallas haters. I can feel their anger and jealousy…isn’t it great? Plus, it gives that @#$%@#*!!!, Ed Werder something to rant about while standing outside of Valley Ranch (I wish Jerry would buy a shotgun).

As for who foots the bill, I say let the NFL pay for it or wait until after the U2 concert, when she has to be raised, adjusting the height after the concert. Take it to court if you have to, but there is no reason that Jerry should be responsible. The fact is, the NFL should be bowing to Jerry for the historically great TV deals the entire league enjoys. Imagine how bleak this down economy would be for say, The Detroit Lions, if they weren’t able to share in those revenues.

I leave you with this. Titan punters were clearly trying to hit her majesty in warm ups and during the game. Look at the tape again and tell me if you do not agree. If a punter hits the scoreboard, they should be taken to task by their own coverage unit, who after this selfish act, must line up and sprint down the field again. A good taping to one’s locker will work just fine.

With all this talk about about big screens, I have just one question Jerry….What did you name her?

On a Team Full of Talent, the Real Gem of the Draft, Might Surprise You

It’s good to see the Cowboys back in San Antonio in 2009 and that Jerry Jones has renewed his commitment to the City and the State.  Albeit I believe it is more of a smart business decision rather than a gesture of loyalty.  With that other team looming in Houston (we won’t mention them until they actually go to a playoff game), and the NFL Gestapo tactics of forcing you to watchthe local team on Sunday thereby Steering business to Direct TV (I wonder what they pay for that), it is smart for Jerry to continue to occupy that area.  Besides, who are Californians going to watch on Sunday?…the Raiders?!!  HA!  Or better yet, who cares about those lily-livered liberals anyway?  If you work right now for the State of California, Schwarzenegger, will reimburse you with Monopoly Money!  Sorry Arnie, if you can’t run your State, you don’t get the Cowboys.

I digress.  The Cowboys once again are loaded with first string talent.  Contrary to popular belief (the geniuses at ESPN, the NFL Network, and others), I believe the Cowboys are now better as a result of the draft despite not having a number one pick and trading down to increase the number of picks. Maximizing your opportunities to grab a great player is a sound philosophy. If you have 12 pick instead of 5, your chances of drafting some real talent increases. Think about it this way, how many Hall of Famers are 1st round picks?  How many times has Mel Kiper gotten it wrong?  Answer those questions and you will see why the Cowboys did what they did and why they don’t care what anyone thinks about it.

So now you have cleaned house of the problems and crybabies. Okay, you lost some serious talent, but also some real chemistry problems. I can get with that.  The only problem is that a few of these guys are rookies who will be expected to take on 2nd string back up roles.  All I can say is, stay healthy….PLEASE!!!  Those kids need another year.

All in all, football is a young man’s game, just ask Brett Favre.  Getting younger for the most part is good.  So for all the haters out there that want to push doom and gloom on the Boys, consider this.  To win a championship you need to be talented on offense, check, defense, check, special teams, we are younger now and have DeCamillis, check, and you need a little luck, we’ll see.  This is the same scenario every team in the league is facing right now, get better in practice, but stay healthy.

Now you can visit the Dallas website to find out what Spags and crew think about the team position by position.  For the most part, I agree with their assessments.  I disagree about what they think will be the most impactful position upgrade.  I think it will be the new kicker Buehler from USC who the Cowboys were criticized for taking in the fifth round.  Don’t get me wrong, I like Folk, he delivers points, but let’s consider why this two-headed monster is a solid move and not a waste of a roster spot.

In case you did not know, it has been well documented that Folk did not deliver one touch back last season, seriously.  In fact, he was the only kicker in the league not to do so.  The Dallas Cowboys coverage units, highly criticized for their play, really weren’t that bad.  Considering the lack of touch backs, the average starting field postion of opponents was the 30.3 yard line.  In my search for the stats, I found a fellow blogger who has stated them clearly and concisely.  Check out Yakuza Rich’s thoughts for the specifics in his blog entitled “Improving the kickoffs…”  In short, the fact that Folk does not have a booming leg, cost the Cowboys an average of 6 to 7 yards of field position per kick.  Folks, that’s a special teams touchdown every 3 1/3rd games assuming 5 kickoffs per game.  That’s approximately 5 TD’s per season.  There are plently of “productive” offensive players we keep on the roster who have not scored 5 touchdowns in a season.   Take Martellus Bennet, for example, who is considered a real find in the draft.  In his rookie season, backing up pro bowler, Jason Witten, he scored 4 touchdowns.  Now, are you starting the get and idea of how important that pick can be?…what a value this could end up being in the fifth round?  Well, I’m not finished.

Apparently, Buehler is a beast.  Not only can he boom the ball with 69 touchbacks playing for USC last season, but he is a physical specimen not common in a kicker’s role.  In fact, Buehler, with his 4.56 forty speed, played safety, full back, and running back in scoring positions for the Trojans last season.  Buehler is now auditioning for several Dallas Cowboy special teams coverage units including kickoff coverage. Now, let’s think about that a minute.  Consider the options you have in terms of onside kicking with two professional kickers on the field at the same time.  Also, consider the fact that if Beuhler grabs the kickoffs duties in training camp, the Cowboys will have a kickoff unit with no liabilities.  All eleven players will be legitimate tacklers, improving the coverage unit overall.  Without a doubt, this is an interesting pick, considering his speed and specialty abilities….have you heard how strong he is?

One of the NFL’s standards for strength measurement in the 225 pound bench press.  Measured by how many consecutive times a player can bench the weight, Buehler turned in an astonishing 25 times!  Most kickers do not even participate since it will have no bearing on their draft status, after all, they are being hired for their foot, ability to hold down one side of the bench, and their marketing prowess as they model the latest pro-shop fashions on the sidelines.  In fact, this lofty number beat out several offensive and defensive lineman at the combine.  At 6′2″, 227 pounds, all players invited to San Antonio at the fullback position should take notice.  This is one kicker you won’t find shut inside his locker, or taped to the wall after a bad game.

Nick Folk should be Beuhler’s number one fan in terms of carving out other team responsibilities…look out Nick, he may be able to put it through the uprights!

Welcome to CowboyCooker.com…

…your daily online escape dedicated to fun, family, friends and football.  Yes, we are from South Texas where football reigns supreme, good tailgating runs a close second, and lilly-livered liberals aren’t allowed.
My name is John Flowers aka “Cowboy Cooker.”  My son Cohen (doobear), daughter Jordan (Jojo baby), and wife Christy are Dallas Cowboy fanatics.  While I realize that statement will be met with mixed emotions, what is more important is that we have mastered the art of Texas BBQ and many other tailgating essentials…and so can you.  Over the course of the 2009-2010 Football Season, we will be serving up award winning recipes in text and video.  Tune in to our webcast at the beginning of each week as we prepare to kick the crap out of the current opponent, and prepare you to thoroughly enjoy your tailgate party, friendly get-together, or last minute shin-dig.
Cowboys fans and haters (you’re just jealous by the way) will love to trash talk on CowboyCooker.com.  Looking for up-to-date news about America’s Team?   Well so am I!  Visit CowboyCooker.com, as I have already skimmed through all the crap.  For those of you who are lesser species (Philadelphia Beagle, Washington Deadskin, or New York Gnat fans), Wellll, okay, you can come too.  Heck, use my site as a release, trash talk all you want…just keep it clean.  I don’t want Doobear or Jojo baby seeing all that filth.
2009 will be a great season as America’s Team pursues it’s sixth Lombardi Trophy.  Keep in touch with us each week and squeeze every ounce of fun out of it.  I can taste the brisket already!
Cowboy Cooker