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A comparison of the Cowboys the Eagles faced in the playoffs last year, and the one they'll see this Sunday (Offensive edition)

Remember the 24-0 and 34-14 beatdowns administered by the Cowboys last year?  I wish I could say I didn't, but they remain etched in my mind.  That was a very good Cowboys team that just so happened to match up extraordinarily well against the Eagles.  The Cowboys, after starting off the season playing totally uninspired football, fired head coach Wade Phillips, and promoted Jason Garrett.  They've since gone 3-1 and appear to have some life.

While they may be frisky, I thought it might be interesting to take a position-by-position comparison between the Cowboys the Eagles saw at the end of last season, and the one they'll play this Sunday.

QB:  Last year - Tony Romo.  Sunday - Jon Kitna.

Romo is easily a Top 10 NFL QB, and far from the cause of the Cowboys' early season collapse.  While Kitna has filled in and played surprisingly well, there's really no comparison here.  Romo is the far, far better player. 

Edge - Cowboys last year, in a big way.

OL:  Last year - LT Flozell Adams, LG Kyle Kosier, C Andre Gurode, RG Leonard Davis, RT Doug Free started the season finale, Marc Colombo started in the playoff game.  Sunday - LT Doug Free, LG Kyle Kosier, C Andre Gurode, RG Leonard Davis, RT Marc Colombo

Last year they were old (all of them were at least 31 years old), but stayed remarkably healthy against the odds.  This year, reality set in.  Kyle Kosier and Marc Colombo both missed significant time early in the season with nagging old guy injuries.  Unfortunately for Dallas, they had no depth.  Kosier's and Colombo's replacements were Montrae Holland and Alex Barron, respectively.  While Holland actually held down the fort admirably at LG, Barron was awful, costing them the opener against the Redskins.  Meanwhile, Leonard Davis was so bad in the Cowboys' game against the Titans, he was benched.  Gurode has also battled a knee injury this season.  The only player that has been able to stay healthy and not be benched has been the one guy that many pundits mistakenly felt was the biggest question mark heading into the season, Doug Free.  Free has been the best of this bunch, which isn't saying much.  Trent Cole will have no shortage of one-on-one opportunities this week, as Dallas has been shifting its help to the porous right side of the line.

For the difference between last year's Cowboys OL and this year's version, look no further than the Cowboys' yards per carry in the running game:

Star-divide

Felix Jones:  Last year - 5.9.  This year - 4.0.

Marion Barber:  Last year - 4.4.  This year - 3.1.

Tashard Choice:  Last year - 5.5.  This year - 4.2.

Edge - Cowboys last year, in a big way.

RB - Last year - Marion Barber, Felix Jones, and Tashard Choice.  Sunday - Same, minus the injured Marion Barber.

I already noted their rushing average comparisons from last year to this year, but the big difference this year is the burst (or lack thereof) of Felix Jones.  He bulked up this offseason, and simply hasn't been the homerun hitter the Cowboys hoped he would be.  He had the big screen catch and run against the Giants, but that's pretty much his lone big play on the season.  In fact, that's his only TD this year.  This unit has been an enormous disappointment this season.

Edge - Cowboys last year, in a big way.

WR - Last year - Miles Austin, Roy Williams, Patrick Crayton.  Sunday - Miles Austin, Roy Williams, Sam Hurd (Dez Bryant out for the season).

Miles Austin's numbers from last year to this year are night and day.  This offseason, "The Football Scientist" KC Joyner called Miles Austin the best receiver in the NFL.  While that was a ridiculous proclamation, there's no mistaking that Miles Austin was a star.  He just hasn't been the same player this season by any stretch.  Rookie Dez Bryant began to make some noise mid-way through the season, but then cooled off before braking his ankle to end his season.  And finally, the ever-entertaining Roy Williams - There's a perception that Williams is having a good season, but that's pretty much a result of such low expectations.  Williams is averaging 2.8 catches for 41.8 yards and .42 TDs per game this season, and cost the Cowboys a game when he fumbled late against the Saints on Thanksgiving.  While he's having his best season with the Cowboys, he still stinks.  Crayton destroyed Joselio Hanson last year.  Sam Hurd is a good special teamer, but little else.

Edge - Cowboys last year, in a big way.

TE - Last year - Jason Witten, Martellus Bennett, John Phillips.  Sunday - Jason Witten, Martellus Bennett, and Martin Rucker.

Witten is having a great season as usual, and Bennett is completely unproductive as usual.  The difference here is John Phillips, who was poised for a breakout year.  Instead, the Cowboys recently signed Eagles camp cut Martin Rucker.

Edge - Slight edge to the Cowboys last year.

As for FB, the Cowboys cut Deon Anderson and Chris Gronkowski filled in.  Gronkowski is noteworthy for his misread of a Michael Boley blitz that knocked out Romo for the season.  No edge here - Both players are below average fullbacks.

Later this week - The Cowboys defense.

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3-4

Owned us all year in 2009. Chargers, Raiders, Cowgirls x3. all losses where the offence looked like it didn’t belong on the field. This year however it’s the 4-3 that’s been giving us fits. Giants & Bears off the top of my head.

by h2o_34_35_44 on Dec 7, 2010 9:39 PM EST reply actions  

Raiders

The Raiders run a 4-3 defense.

by mrb5091 on Dec 7, 2010 10:19 PM EST up reply actions  

I was going to show you where you were wrong, mrb...

But I looked, and you are correct. Did they 3-4 it last year? I totally thought I would have caught it that Richard Seymour was changing base schemes. But apparently I did!

"Who's been eatin' hummus?"

by Bisch on Dec 7, 2010 11:57 PM EST up reply actions  

They ran some of each last year.

Against us I remember them running alot of 3-4. When they were in the 3-4 Seymour gave us fits because he was lining up over the tackle and slanting. Our guards were having a hard time blocking him and it always resulted in Pressure up the middle entirely too fast.

by Clyde Simmons on Dec 8, 2010 8:54 AM EST up reply actions  

Yup, he abused King Dunlap.

by JimmyK on Dec 8, 2010 8:55 AM EST up reply actions  

Yeah if I remember correctly he just bull rushed the hell out of King. I think now that King added strength in the off-season it wouldn’t be as bad if they were to faceoff again but I would definately favor Seymour again. Although how could King do any worse then last year? He was getting beat on every play.

by The Legend on Dec 8, 2010 10:34 AM EST up reply actions  

chargers

offense put up well over 400 yards against SD, they just settled for too many fg’s

GO CUSE, BLUE, AND EAGLES!

by tanman5 on Dec 8, 2010 11:55 AM EST up reply actions  

I remember the game, we were down some 35 points at one point …. that could have convinced them to play soft coverage.

by h2o_34_35_44 on Dec 8, 2010 3:40 PM EST up reply actions  

Good post, but

You just guaranteed that we get humiliated again.

Rational analysis in the Eagles’ favor before a Cowboys game always makes crazy shit happen. Watch Ware knock out both Vick and Kolb in the 1st quarter with minor injuries, and we’ll have to go to war with Mike Kafka.

Who will keep the game close until the last quarter, where he’ll probably get picked off by Jay Ratliff or something.

Veritas Liberabit Te

by DSmith215 on Dec 7, 2010 9:46 PM EST reply actions  

We’ll be down to Chad Hall at RB.

Veritas Liberabit Te

by DSmith215 on Dec 7, 2010 10:20 PM EST up reply actions  

Jason Avant will be playing right guard.

Veritas Liberabit Te

by DSmith215 on Dec 7, 2010 10:20 PM EST up reply actions  

Garrett Mills will be rushing Kitna

"EFF YOU, WE'RE WINNING ANYWAY!!!!!!" (Bye, Dawk)

by jalarsen1 on Dec 8, 2010 8:10 AM EST up reply actions  

Nick Cole will be playing RG.

by Wokjab on Dec 8, 2010 9:21 AM EST up reply actions   1 recs

but don't worry

Reggie Wells still won’t see the field

"EFF YOU, WE'RE WINNING ANYWAY!!!!!!" (Bye, Dawk)

by jalarsen1 on Dec 8, 2010 6:44 PM EST up reply actions  

wow

aren’t you just a bundle of sunshine

GO CUSE, BLUE, AND EAGLES!

by tanman5 on Dec 8, 2010 11:55 AM EST up reply actions  

Prediction:

Cowboys 56
Eagles 0

by JimmyK on Dec 7, 2010 10:53 PM EST via mobile up reply actions  

I really want to see that headline:

“Chad Hall’s 5 TDs lead Eagles in rout.”

What on earth would have had happened?

Imagine not watching the game then seeing that the next morning.

Veritas Liberabit Te

by DSmith215 on Dec 7, 2010 10:55 PM EST up reply actions  

“Brodrick Bunkley suspended indefinitely for pulling down pants and deficating on the field”

by JimmyK on Dec 7, 2010 10:59 PM EST via mobile up reply actions  

right on the star!

"If it bleeds, we can kill it" -Dutch
"Men are clinging to football on a level we aren't even aware of. For centuries, we ruled everything, and now, in the last ten minutes, there are all these incursions by women. It's our Alamo."
-Tony Kornheiser

by SGTSteve on Dec 7, 2010 11:03 PM EST up reply actions  

The most worthwhile suspension in the history of suspensions.

"He wasn't an astronaut, he was a tv comedian! And he was just using space travel as a metaphor for beating his wife!"

by groot on Dec 7, 2010 11:19 PM EST up reply actions  

“Moise’s Fokou’s 236 kick return yards sets new NFL record.”

Veritas Liberabit Te

by DSmith215 on Dec 8, 2010 12:03 AM EST up reply actions  

In a showing of resiliancy...

With all 3 Eagles quarterbacks being knocked out by seizures induced by the Jumbotron, DeSean Jackson (the emergency QB) filled and threw for 459 yards, rushed for 223, all in addition to the 117 yards receiving from the first quarter. After growing 6 inches and gaining 45 lbs of solid muscle in the 2nd quarter, Jackson completed the game as the first player to ever have the opposing head coach assemble an idol of his sacred visage and worship him as a deity.

Andy Reid names Jackson new starting QB.
“We are taking a look at that right now, but we want to play the hot hand getting close to the playoffs here..ehemm…No, this will not affect his contract status at this time. Time’s yours.”

by birds'n'raiders on Dec 8, 2010 12:14 AM EST up reply actions  

David Akers

Shattered John Kitna’s ribcage as he recorded his 2nd Safety and 5th sack of the night, subbing in for a “gassed” Antonio Dixon.

by birds'n'raiders on Dec 8, 2010 12:21 AM EST up reply actions   1 recs

Ok so I'm really tired right now when I skimmed over this,
"Brodrick Bunkley suspended indefinitely for pulling down pants and deficating on the field"

And I thought it said “…for pulling down his pants and deflecting the field goal” and I was laughing my ass off.

"Get 'Em"

by FlyEagles15 on Dec 8, 2010 2:34 AM EST up reply actions  

Recent acquisition Reno Mahe

Sets NFL records for rushing yards (593), TDs (11), and children consummated during a live broadcast (6).

by birds'n'raiders on Dec 8, 2010 12:18 AM EST up reply actions  

Filling in at Left Tackle

Jeremy Maclin shuts down DeMarcus Ware and roadgrades Dallas defenders in the screen game.

Somehow, he still manages to be boring and oddly uncompelling to most Philadelphia fans, who continue to struggle to remember his name.

Veritas Liberabit Te

by DSmith215 on Dec 8, 2010 12:30 AM EST up reply actions  

in all seriousness

you raise a really good point. He gets no recognition and when he does its the detached, “Oh yeah, you know, that guy” kind.

And he is a really, really good run blocking WR, hilariously enough. Watch his downfield blocks some time.

by birds'n'raiders on Dec 8, 2010 12:38 AM EST up reply actions  

Stay tuned

For the next epic DSmith fanpost: “Wherefore art thou, Jeremy?”

Veritas Liberabit Te

by DSmith215 on Dec 8, 2010 1:42 AM EST up reply actions  

consummated?

"The Americans? We're going to smash them. That's what we came here for." - Alain Bernard
RIP Fran Crippen

by alcatraz0109 on Dec 8, 2010 12:38 AM EST up reply actions  

Everything else said in this post...

…sounds completely plausible when put next to this Reno Mahe line!!!

by Qwest on Dec 8, 2010 12:43 PM EST up reply actions  

“Trent Cole catches 5 TD passes from LeSean McCoy.”

RIP Jim Johnson, best ever.

by Imp on Dec 8, 2010 12:32 AM EST up reply actions  

I dare you

To draw up a package and play such that that could happen.

Veritas Liberabit Te

by DSmith215 on Dec 8, 2010 1:42 AM EST up reply actions  

I think it happened in a Rick Moranis movie

.. they called it “The Annexation of Puerto Rico”

by Sparki on Dec 8, 2010 8:35 AM EST up reply actions   1 recs

Does the 2nd half go any better?

"What a gorgeous dog. What do you feed him?"

by waterfield on Dec 8, 2010 9:06 AM EST up reply actions  

Miles Austin was actually playing lights out with Romo as QB. In 5 full games with Romo as starter, he had three 140+ yard games receiving. He could explode any game. But yeah, this ‘Boys team is nowhere as good as last year’s.

by Route36 on Dec 7, 2010 9:50 PM EST reply actions  

Nice work, JimmyK. Neither team is facing the same opponent they faced last year. And while it would be foolish for the Eagles to underestimate Dallas, I don’t think last years’ beat-downs necessarily are predictive of this year’s games.

by BrianS on Dec 7, 2010 9:57 PM EST reply actions  

I have a bad feeling about this game. I feel as though even if we win, it will be pretty ugly. It will be interesting to see what kind of boost Samuel and Parker give.

"If I can get you to think twice, I'm in your head."
-Brian Dawkins

"Yeah, I like to hit people"
-Brandon Graham

by immynimmy on Dec 7, 2010 10:37 PM EST reply actions  

really?

That’s how I felt for our second Washington game, and then look at what happened… I think we’re going to play really well actually, besides a few random 3 and outs or something, we’ll probably win like 34-16 or something like that, is what I realistically think will happen

Michael Vick for MVP

by maximdim on Dec 7, 2010 11:02 PM EST up reply actions  

I had that ugly feeling

going into Chicago. We had every reason to beat them…we matched up really well, and then…we sucked!

"EFF YOU, WE'RE WINNING ANYWAY!!!!!!" (Bye, Dawk)

by jalarsen1 on Dec 8, 2010 8:13 AM EST up reply actions  

Yep

Same type of “they aren’t really that good” or “we have really favorable matchups” stuff, and then we tanked.

The only stats that matter aren’t the ones from weeks 1-13, but the ones from this game.

by DLawrence55 on Dec 8, 2010 10:37 AM EST up reply actions  

Then what was Redskins 2010?

by DLawrence55 on Dec 8, 2010 1:13 PM EST up reply actions  

I never really consider divisional games

as “in the bag”.. rivalries are so huge on both sides, even down and out teams can pull a win out from pure hatred.

by Sparki on Dec 8, 2010 4:33 PM EST up reply actions  

If you're talking NFC East

then yeah I agree.

But if you take the Packers-Lions game this weekend as an example, I’d say that’s as close to “in the bag” as you can get.

Same with Falcons-Panthers. Too bad we don’t have door mat teams like that in our division.

by Smitty2K3 on Dec 8, 2010 4:57 PM EST up reply actions  

I think this rivalry this is way over exaggerated. Sure it is a rivalry for us fans, who have been Eagles fans our whole lives, but does Vick really care who Dallas is? Is Nate Allan going to get extra pumped cause we’re playing the Boys? I really don’t think so. These guys who have been here only a year or two can’t really know what this rivalry is to us. It was different last few years when we had Mcnabb, Westbrook, Runyan, Thomas etc, who have had to play the Cowboys twice for a decade.

by Team Serbia on Dec 9, 2010 10:23 AM EST up reply actions  

Dont forget

Washington 2008.

And out of all those games, Chicago 2010 is the least humiliating. Seeing their record now and the fact that that game was away on a sloppy field against a good team, that loss isn’t looking all that bad.

by Smitty2K3 on Dec 8, 2010 1:19 PM EST up reply actions  

ugggh

then what did you call the Baltimore thing in 2008?!?!?!

"EFF YOU, WE'RE WINNING ANYWAY!!!!!!" (Bye, Dawk)

by jalarsen1 on Dec 8, 2010 6:42 PM EST up reply actions  

I debated that

.. vs the Cinci game, but couldn’t remember how good/bad the Ravens were then (they’ve always seemed like a good grind it out team)… But that Bungles game we should’ve won. Even my coworker who’s a Cinci fan was surprised, he wrote his team off and picked against them in the office pick ’em, and was upset they tied.

by Sparki on Dec 9, 2010 8:17 AM EST up reply actions  

yeah

maybe we weren’t expected to win against Baltimore, but that game was a JOKE!!!!

We couldn’t move the ball AT ALL!!! It was pitiful! McNabb looked lost and scared…then Kolb actually moves the ball just to throw a pick six in the endzone.

I get where you’re coming from, in that we weren’t supposed to necessarily beat baltimore, but that was more of an embarassement than the Cincy game. That was the first game EVER that I almost turned off

"EFF YOU, WE'RE WINNING ANYWAY!!!!!!" (Bye, Dawk)

by jalarsen1 on Dec 9, 2010 8:02 PM EST up reply actions  

We are coming off a ten day rest period

by EaglesRock on Dec 7, 2010 11:39 PM EST up reply actions  

After the stretch of games we just had...

might as well be another bye. And we all know how Andy does after a bye.

by laxer298 on Dec 7, 2010 11:51 PM EST up reply actions  

yeah

there was no break there….those were back to back sundays

"EFF YOU, WE'RE WINNING ANYWAY!!!!!!" (Bye, Dawk)

by jalarsen1 on Dec 8, 2010 8:13 AM EST up reply actions  

I'm w/ you bud... I always feel bad about the Dallas games though..

I think we’ve missed them both alot, we’re better against the run with Parker in there, and Asante needs no explaination

thats Cobb on Kolb crime if you ask me... as said by yophillybro

"I'm trading Kolb to Buffalo for Cribbs"- the brilliant Trade Kolb

"Please notice the difference and proceed to suck your own tiny ass cock. Secondly, A simulator shows how things COULD go, not WOULD.. Once again bend in half and do the deed.." From me.. To CNCITINFO.

by wild_eagle on Dec 8, 2010 1:56 AM EST up reply actions  

They do have 10 days rest

I agree I’m worried. But if they lose, I will lose a lot of hope.

10 days rest, backup qb, no dez bryant…the Eagles have no excuses.

GO CUSE, BLUE, AND EAGLES!

by tanman5 on Dec 8, 2010 11:57 AM EST up reply actions  

Are you really capable of drawing a valid conclusion from this?

During Garrett’s regime it’s fairly noticeable that the execution, both on Offense and Defense, has gone up, and that includes the play of the OLine, in pass protection and run blocking.

They really are a worse team than last year, but how much worse are they right now is a much better question?

I guess that we will see on Sunday.

Arnold, almost 5 years of good memories, you'll be missed.
Viva México! Go Cowboys!

by Chandus on Dec 7, 2010 10:44 PM EST reply actions  

I agree. They’ve been much better since Wade got canned. And if you’ll notice, I didn’t draw any conclusions, at least not yet. But would you disagree with anything above?

by JimmyK on Dec 7, 2010 10:51 PM EST via mobile up reply actions  

I’ll answer with 2 questions:

Is Celek a worse TE than his 2009 form?

Or a different situation is making him look worse?

Arnold, almost 5 years of good memories, you'll be missed.
Viva México! Go Cowboys!

by Chandus on Dec 7, 2010 11:19 PM EST up reply actions  

He is far worse this year than he was last year.

by JimmyK on Dec 8, 2010 1:50 AM EST via mobile up reply actions  

I don’t think so, I still view him as a high top 10 TE in the League, close to Top 5.

What I’ve seen (around 8 games) is a player that isn’t in the same page. Yes, he has seen a lot of throws hit his hands just to drop’em, but it’s a complicated season for him. In one hand there’s his injury and in another Vick isn’t throwing good balls to him. Either his passes have too much juice, or he’s throwing to his wrong shoulder, or a really low pass.

And he’s coming from a season in which his QBs had great chemistry with him.

Obviously he needs to adjust, but he’s the same player, he’s still running good, fast and decisive routes, he’s still showing the soft hands and knowledge of down and distance and the toughness to do something after the catch and blocking.

You know me from defending Witten last year over Celek, I’ll take my eyes before I look into the stats.

Arnold, almost 5 years of good memories, you'll be missed.
Viva México! Go Cowboys!

by Chandus on Dec 8, 2010 11:59 PM EST up reply actions  

I’ll take my eyes too, and Celek is far from the player he was last year.

by JimmyK on Dec 9, 2010 2:09 PM EST up reply actions  

MUCH, MUCH worse

he drops balls consistently that he never would have dropped last year

"EFF YOU, WE'RE WINNING ANYWAY!!!!!!" (Bye, Dawk)

by jalarsen1 on Dec 8, 2010 8:14 AM EST up reply actions  

He is worse, but he’s had far less opportunities too due to having to stay in and block a lot more.

by Smitty2K3 on Dec 8, 2010 8:43 AM EST up reply actions  

He’s been worse but I think his wrist injury has had something to do with him dropping balls and him and Vick don’t have the same chemistry as he and McNabb, Kolb do.

by The Legend on Dec 8, 2010 10:37 AM EST up reply actions  

Celek

I would say yes to both of those questions. He played through some injuries that he probably should have taken a week off to heal up, but he’s a tough guy and didn’t want to let the team down. And despite his lacking receptions and TDs he has having one of the best blocking seasons since I have watched him play. They need him to do that this year and especially more now that The King will be starting in place of Justice to slow down Spencer and the rest of the pass rush.

I feel confident we can take this on Sunday, we just have to shut the run down and make sure Vick can dance around without taking many hits.

In closing, Dallas Sucks

by Bono Hit My Car on Dec 7, 2010 11:37 PM EST reply actions  

Not going to lie, I don’t trust our defense to stop ANY offense. I don’t care who’s on the field for the Cowboys. What’s going to determine the Cowboys’ offensive output will be which defense shows up for Philadelphia or, for that matter, IF they show up.

On the bright side, I feel like our special teams play is night and day compared to earlier in the season.

by laxer298 on Dec 7, 2010 11:55 PM EST reply actions  

I think our D has so much potential...

Patterson has shown moments of being a solid CB and I just want Asante back so we can see more of Patterson’s game.

If Bradley would start tackling and Nate Allen would play like he was in the beginning of the season, the D would look so much better.

"Get 'Em"

by FlyEagles15 on Dec 8, 2010 2:45 AM EST up reply actions  

I agree with potential

but it’s SO inconsistent. We either are awesome (Jags, Falcons), or we’re TERRIBLE!

I don’t trust them! I know they’re capable…but not trustworthy!

"EFF YOU, WE'RE WINNING ANYWAY!!!!!!" (Bye, Dawk)

by jalarsen1 on Dec 8, 2010 8:15 AM EST up reply actions  

Not trustworthy

but I’m at least more confident in them with a healthy Asante Samuel and Juqua Parker. Hopefully they can come back and give this defense a boost.

by Smitty2K3 on Dec 8, 2010 8:46 AM EST up reply actions  

Bursa Sack

Something to think about

I love pit-bulls, and I love Vick too. I'm a complicated man.

by oldasquick on Dec 8, 2010 7:45 AM EST reply actions  

I like that the first game is in Dallas this year and not in Philly

I’m not taking the cowboys lightly – but the only way the eagles lose this game is if we beat ourselves

"Hit em low, hit em high and watch the Redskins cry"

by 700 Level on Dec 8, 2010 8:19 AM EST reply actions  

'Boys passing game

Everybody seems to think the key to stopping the ’Boys this week is stopping the running game since Bryant is out. I am much more worried about the ’Boys passing game though.

Kitna struggled his first couple of games including bottoming out along with the rest of the team vs. Packers. Over the last 4 games, he has completed passes at nearly a 68% clip and has 7 TDs/2 INTs. If even Samuel plays on Sunday, I doubt he is close to 100%. My bet is that the ‘Boys put up some yards in the passing game with Whiten having a nice game. Eagles just have to prevent Jones/Austin from breaking a big plays because the Eagles’ offense should be able to keep pace with the ’Boys offense and then some.

by MG77 on Dec 8, 2010 8:21 AM EST reply actions  

Romo maybe be much better than Kitna but . . .

Kitna is a guy who when he gets into a groove throws a pretty nice ball especially on intermediate routes and is one of those guys who has generally played well when this isn’t much on the line. He is also a bit mobile in the pocket despite being 38. Playing better and will be tougher than you think for a mediocre Eagles’ defense to stop on Sunday.

by MG77 on Dec 8, 2010 8:24 AM EST reply actions  

'Boys

Though are an inferior offensive version though simply because their line isn’t as good, Barber is officially washed up, and Jones hasn’t had the same burst in the open field this year (especially earlier when he was a bit overweight).

by MG77 on Dec 8, 2010 8:26 AM EST reply actions  

Prediction

Eagles 76 Cowboys 8

I hate these guys. I want our team to be arrested for manslaughter afterwards. Nothing in the world will give me more joy on Sunday than a total domination by the Birds. I don’t think winning the lottery would give me a bigger high.

"It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog." - Bear Bryant

by NJBammer on Dec 8, 2010 8:29 AM EST reply actions  

Does anybody have a PFF subscription?

I’d be curious to know how some of the Cowboys player’s grades compare to last year.

While it appears that not much has changed with this Cowboys offense personnel-wise, I’d have to think at least a handful of the players have regressed slightly since last year.

by Smitty2K3 on Dec 8, 2010 8:50 AM EST reply actions  

Hell no. It’s like $100+ for the season, which is ludicrous. They’re not doing anything worth paying that kind of coin. Plus, I decided that their ratings were completely useless the day I saw that they had DeSean Jackson ranked as something like the 80th best WR in the NFL.

by JimmyK on Dec 8, 2010 8:55 AM EST up reply actions  

Wow

I didn’t know it was that much. Before they were charging money for their site I kinda liked their analysis and grading system. But if they really had Desean that low then it’s really not worth it.

by Smitty2K3 on Dec 8, 2010 9:52 AM EST up reply actions  

The one thing I did like about that site was that they charted snap counts for every player in every game. Nice, raw data there, but I had no use whatsoever for their interpretations.

by JimmyK on Dec 8, 2010 9:55 AM EST up reply actions  

Well, if it makes you feel any better, DeSean is now in triple digits.

DeSean is currently ranked 107th out of 112 WRs. PFF ‘credit’ him with 9 dropped passes, second worst in the league behind only the Bills’ Steve Johnson who has 12.

Stats Inc., who provide a lot of the official NFL stats, have DeSean with 5 dropped passes, and actually have Brent Celek leading the NFC with 8 (link here).

DeSean’ overall grade of -7.1 is actually the result of three bad games: (Wk1 vs GB: -3.1, Wk4 vs. WAS: -3.0 and Wk12 vs CHI: -3.5). Official NFL game book receiving yards in those three games: 30, 19, 26. Targets vs receptions in those three games: 11-4, 7-3, 5-2. In those three games combined, DeSean saw 23 passes thrown his way and caught 9 for 75 yards. Your boy is wildly erratic. A true game-changer one game, just a guy in another. Take out those three games and he’d be ranked 38th, give him a decent +1.0 performance in each of those games and he’d be ranked 13th.

Now Smitty, which players do you want?

by One.Cool.Customer on Dec 8, 2010 11:57 AM EST up reply actions  

Now Smitty, which players do you want?

What are my choices? Haha. All you did was breakdown Desean Jackson.

by Smitty2K3 on Dec 8, 2010 1:17 PM EST up reply actions  

Ha ha ha

Minor misunderstanding there. You said: “I’d be curious to know how some of the Cowboys player’s grades compare to last year.” I can give you any grade you like, but I didn’t feel like posting all the grades for all the Cowboys players here. Tell me who you’re interested in, including Eagle players and I’ll get you the numbers.

by One.Cool.Customer on Dec 8, 2010 1:47 PM EST up reply actions  

Oh gotcha

To be honest, I was just curious how guys like Miles, the RBs, and the offensive linemen graded out compared their grades from last year.

Also on the defensive side… Mike Jenkins 2009 vs 2010. Newman? Ratliffe? Ware?

Don’t feel like you need to waste time getting each and every one. But I’m just curious because they seem to have basically the same starting lineup as last year besides a few guys.

by Smitty2K3 on Dec 8, 2010 3:38 PM EST up reply actions  

Here ya go, the Cowboys woes in a nutshell

Keep in mind that these grades are cumulative, and since we’re comparing 12 games this year to 16 games last year, the 2010 grades are about 25% too low.

Austin is down (2009: 13.2, 2010: -4.4), Williams is up (-8.3, 2.2), the running backs and tight ends are about the same (see here for all of last year’s offensive grades). The offensive skill positions are about the same as last year.

The key issue has been the O-Line: Free (5.6, 5.5), Kosier (15.9, 2.6), Gurode (12.7, 11.4), Davis (13.4, 1.6), Colombo (6.1, -26.0)

On defense, the front seven has also remained largely unchanged (see grades here), it’s our corners that are hurting badly: Newman (6.8, -10.0), Jenkins (9.7, -8.8). Also, contrary to public opinion, no significant change for our admittedly very average safeties.

by One.Cool.Customer on Dec 8, 2010 4:16 PM EST up reply actions  

No change with the safeties? Interesting. I would’ve thought otherwise. Who were the starting safeties last year btw? This year they have two new safeties, right?

Those CB and OL grades are very telling though.

by Smitty2K3 on Dec 8, 2010 4:23 PM EST up reply actions  

Last year it was Sensabaugh (SS) and Ken Hamlin (FS, released after the season, signed be the Ravens, released last week), this year it’s Sensabaugh again and Alan Ball, a 7th round pick from 2007.

by One.Cool.Customer on Dec 8, 2010 4:46 PM EST up reply actions  

Oh that's right

I knew it was Sensabaugh and Ball this year, but couldn’t remember who the two safeties were last year. I thought I remembered Ball playing at times last year, but I knew he wasn’t the every week starter.

If you don’t mind, I’d be curious to know what the grades are for the Eagles offensive linemen? By the naked eye it seems like Peters has been playing better than last year and Herremans has probably been about the same. The rest of the line has been very average by my count, but I’d be curious how they match up on PFF.

by Smitty2K3 on Dec 8, 2010 4:54 PM EST up reply actions  

Right on Peters, not so sure on Herremans

Peters, 7.9, ranked # 5 among all left tackles who’ve played at least 25% of their teams’ snaps.
Justice, -1.9, # 11 among RTs
Herremans, -1.3, # 16 among LGs
Jean Gilles, -4.1, # 22 among RGs
McGlynn, -2.4, # 19 among Cs

by One.Cool.Customer on Dec 8, 2010 6:19 PM EST up reply actions  

Yeah

Those numbers are just about what I figured. I didn’t mean Herremans was playing especially well, but I’d be surprised if that grade wasn’t about the same as it was for him last year.

Thanks for the insight… that PFF subscription is a little too rich for my wallet. haha

by Smitty2K3 on Dec 8, 2010 6:34 PM EST up reply actions  

Haha, yup, and that’s why I think PFF is useless. They’re basically saying he’s an average 4th receiver. Thanks for the info. You aren’t subscribing to that, are you?

by JimmyK on Dec 8, 2010 1:34 PM EST up reply actions  

Yes I am

But they are selling their snap count or the ‘Player Participation Data’ for ALL teams for a cool $1,400.00. That was a bit too much for me.

The other stuff I actually like. I have a few quibbles of my own, but where else can I get any type of stats for players who do not play an offensive skill position?

by One.Cool.Customer on Dec 8, 2010 1:53 PM EST up reply actions  

But they are selling their snap count or the ‘Player Participation Data’ for ALL teams for a cool $1,400.00.

Haha, totally reasonable.

by JimmyK on Dec 8, 2010 2:03 PM EST up reply actions  

The Cowboys are playing more intense under Garrett..but

They have no Dez Bryant..their line-play on both sides is weak..their secondary is awful..Brookings is hurt..
Not much there to worry about..Kitna is playing extremely well and if they run Choice more that could cause concern..Witten is always a problem, Williams?..depends if he shows up..Austin will play a solid game..
But Vick should have a field day..Rolling and throwing or tucking and running..

"When I was a boy and I had no sense..I got my pecker caught in an electric fence..Well it curled my hair, tickled my balls and made me shit in my overalls..."

by Bobbiblue on Dec 8, 2010 12:47 PM EST reply actions  

Brooking being hurt

is a blessing. Sean Lee back there trying to corral Vick is much better than old Brook. I am only mildly worried about Vick. I am most worried about DeSean finally going off on us.

by RisingSunCowboy on Dec 8, 2010 11:31 PM EST up reply actions  

Oh, someone is still sore about the game in Giants Stadium...

Good to see you around here!

Arnold, almost 5 years of good memories, you'll be missed.
Viva México! Go Cowboys!

by Chandus on Dec 9, 2010 12:01 AM EST up reply actions  

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