OFFICIAL GDT - COWBOYS @ PACKERS!!!

[FINtastic]

Driver just wasted about 20 seconds there to try to get about 7 more yards.

[Kirobaito]

Originally Posted by FINtastic

Driver just wasted about 20 seconds there to try to get about 7 more yards.

And you end up with... -5. Haha.

[Flacolaco]

Without that missed tackle on the Felix TD, this might have actually been interesting.

[Kirobaito]

Wonderful! And now, as it's 4:30 in the morning, I go to bed. I've got to go look at Rosslynn Chapel tomorrow.

[Dtownsfinest]

Even Jay-Z is a believer.

[fluid.forty.one]

I'm surprised Jay-Z wasn't at the last game at Yankee Stadium.

[alby]

^ He wants to watch a team that actually will be going to the playoffs.

[fluid.forty.one]

I'd honestly rather go to the last game at yankee freakin' stadium than a game one of a Mavericks final. (maybe not an elimination game, I don't know)

it's yankee stadium dude

[BGMaverick9]

LeBron and Jigga believe...

[alby]

How can you compare the Mavericks with the Cowboys?

[fluid.forty.one]

no that post was it's own entity. and for the record I'd rather go to 1 mavericks playoff game than a cowboys superbowl. I'm not a cowboys fan.

anyway, I was just saying that even though mavericks are, and always will be, by FAR my favorite sports team ever... I'd still pass up a chance to go to game 1 of a mavericks finals if it meant I could go to the last game at yankee stadium. It's YANKEE STADIUM lol.

[Murphy3]

Originally Posted by BGMaverick9

LeBron and Jigga believe...

LeBron's a frontrunning douche.

[dirno2000]

This is what I love about Jason Garrett: facing a 3rd and 20 and up by two scores with the ball at midfield, most offensive coordinators would run the ball and put the game in the hands of the defense. Yet even before we ran the play that iced the game, I knew that Romo was going down the field with it. That's the kind of confidence that Garrett has in his quarterback and his offense.

Also have to give some credit to Wade Phillips there because there's no way that Parcells signs off on going for the throat in that situation.

[BGMaverick9]

Originally Posted by Murphy3

LeBron's a frontrunning douche.

When he can pretty much single-handedly take a team to the Finals, weak conference or not, that earns you some rights. He still is King James.

Anyways back on point, Romo got lucky with some plays tonight, otherwise he's had some concerns over the past two games. If Barber can keep running that well, it'll definitely help Romo out. The front 7 definitely made Rodgers look like a young QB tonight. Felix looks like he will be a fun player to watch, he;ll really develop into something for this team.

[Dtownsfinest]

Our running back core sort of reminds me of the Saints two years ago with Deuce and Reggie Bush. When they were actually good. I think our core is better but I like how we're using Felix. I'd like to get some passes his way though.

[Flacolaco]

The front 7 definitely made Rodgers look like a young QB tonight.

I think that's debatable. Which qb threw the INT? I thought he had ample time to get rid of the ball....sometimes he had what I would consider to be a long, long time to get rid of the ball, and he didn't. I put that half on relatively mediocre WR's, and half on a pretty good dallas secondary.

[FINtastic]

Originally Posted by Flacolaco

I think that's debatable. Which qb threw the INT? I thought he had ample time to get rid of the ball....sometimes he had what I would consider to be a long, long time to get rid of the ball, and he didn't. I put that half on relatively mediocre WR's, and half on a pretty good dallas secondary.

You really believe GB has mediocre wide receivers?

[BGMaverick9]

Originally Posted by Flacolaco

I think that's debatable. Which qb threw the INT? I thought he had ample time to get rid of the ball....sometimes he had what I would consider to be a long, long time to get rid of the ball, and he didn't. I put that half on relatively mediocre WR's, and half on a pretty good dallas secondary.

Yeah, it is debatable. Rodgers was sacked more than Romo, though. The D also held Aaron without a passing TD, when he had 4 going into the game. I wouldn't say Rodger's WRs are relatively mediocre, they are still pretty talented. They can catch it early, and break tackles or use the speed to turn small plays into home run plays. I can only remember 1 or 2 plays, at the most, where he actually went for the deep ball...the rest where quick outs or medium routes.

Like Madden said, early they were clicking and driving with the passing game/couldn't run. Then when they could run, the passing game fizzled. They never could really get back into the flow and they needed it because they fell behind quickly in the 2nd half.

[dirno2000]

Originally Posted by Flacolaco

Without that missed tackle on the Felix TD, this might have actually been interesting.

I wouldn't call that a missed tackle. Woodson got a hand on him but it's not a play that he'll get chastised for in team meetings this week. He was pursuing the ball and Jones made a ridiculous cutback. Speed kills.

[BGMaverick9]

I think tonight has to rattle opposing defensive coordinators who have to face Dallas soon. What do you do, what do you TRY to take away? Try to stop Barber, it's going to take a poor effort from him or stacking the box like crazy to gang tackle. If you do that, Witten is going to get loose for the medium game. Try to do stop Witten, TO will get free. Then wild cards like Crayton and Austin are out there. Don't forget Felix...

It's like a flippin' video game for Romo. The line just has to hold, he has to stay poised in the pocket, minimize mistakes, and find the open man, b/c they will be there.

[Flacolaco]

Originally Posted by FINtastic

You really believe GB has mediocre wide receivers?

You're right...I didn't realize that Driver has actually been to the pro-bowl.(I sure don't think of him that way) But with the way the NFC has been before this year...I could take that a couple of different ways.

[Murphy3]

GB has a talented group of receivers IMO.....MUCHmoreso than what the 'boys faced last week.

[fluid.forty.one]

um greg jennings is pretty good too

[FINtastic]

Don't be surprised if Greg Jennings makes the pro bowl this year. The guy had 920 yards and 12 TDs in only 13 games last year. He's a 3rd year wide receiver (a year in which many receivers have had break-out years) and off to a fast start, averaging 120+ yards a game in these first three games. He's pretty legit if you ask me, and one of the guys I was kind of targeting this year in fantasy (but unfortunately didn't pick up).

[BGMaverick9]

Luckily for me, he's my #3 in our ESPN league, behind Megatron and Boldin. I was a little skeptical about him, and other key Packers players with Aaron taking the lead. It seems though that Jennings is his favorite target. I think he'll have a pretty solid shot of making the Pro Bowl, like you said.

[FINtastic]

Man, I'd say you have a pretty awesome receiving corps right there.

[Underdog]

Miles Austin = Terry Glenn

[jthig32]

Originally Posted by Underdog

Miles Austin = Terry Glenn

I've been wondernig about Austin. His speed makes him a better compliment to TO I think. I wonder if he keeps producing if he'll get moved up ahead of Crayton at some point.

[nikeball]

After watching replays of the Cows game.....I appreciate TO waaaaay more. No one can doubt his hustle and his wanting to win (unlike his counterpart in Moss). The way he blocked Felix's 60 yard TD run and how he came from behind to tackle the Packer DB after Romo got intercepted in the endzone. He does a lot of little things that we don't see.

[Underdog]

"I never pay attention to who's in there, but every time the rookie comes in, I know we're jogging way down the field to greet him." -Leonard Davis (on Felix Jones)

[Dtownsfinest]

Originally Posted by Underdog

Miles Austin = Terry Glenn

I agree. But I can tell he's not 100% yet. He should've had 2 td's yesterday but I think he's still hobbled a bit. Healthy he would've scored that first deep bomb. But I like Austin. I like Hurd as well. I think Hurd in short routes is dangerous and Austin is a killer with the deep ball.

After watching replays of the Cows game.....I appreciate TO waaaaay more. No one can doubt his hustle and his wanting to win (unlike his counterpart in Moss). The way he blocked Felix's 60 yard TD run and how he came from behind to tackle the Packer DB after Romo got intercepted in the endzone. He does a lot of little things that we don't see.

Yea those plays went unnoticed. I always get in heated debates about Moss and TO but one thing you can say TO has Moss beat in is blocking. Moss won't even do it.

[Underdog]

Don't Forget About These Five Plays

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GREEN BAY, Wis. - The Cowboys beat up on the Packers in a variety of ways.

Marion Barber and Felix Jones anchored a rushing attacked that produced 217 yards. Miles Austin had two catches for 115 yards by himself.

The Cowboys handled the Packers here for a 27-16 win thanks to several big plays from key performers.

But lost in the shuffle are always a few plays that might have turned the tide another direction.

Let's don't forget about the importance of these five plays that helped shape the course of this game.

1. Grant's Fumble
It's hard to think the second play from scrimmage will be a play to remember, especially since it led to just three points. But Ryan Grant's fumble, which was forced by Adam Jones, recovered and returned 21 yards by Jones as well, did more than give the Cowboys a 3-0 lead. Not only did it silence a hostile, flag-waving crowd for the moment, but seemed to put Grant in a funk. After ripping off that 9-yard run and losing the ball, Grant had just 45 rushing yards the rest of the game and never had a run longer than nine yards.

2. Another End-Zone Pick
For the second time in three games, Tony Romo threw an interception in the end zone. With the game tied 3-3, the Cowboys were looking for their first touchdown when Romo forced a pass to Jason Witten, who had three defenders around him. Witten and Owens both ran seam routes to virtually the same spot on the field. Nick Collins not only picked off the pass but returned it 61 yards that eventually set up Green Bay's go-ahead field goal. The sad part for the Cowboys was marching 16 plays for 67 yards, and coming up with no points.

3. Bouncing Right
While this play didn't lead to any points, it was nearly disastrous for the Cowboys. After Green Bay already took a 6-3 lead and the crowd was roaring with approval, the Packers nearly got the ball back when Marion Barber was hit after a short reception and the ball popped straight into the air. Fortunately for the Cowboys, tight end Tony Curtis was at the right spot, able to snatch the ball out from midair and then run 14 yards for a first down. The Cowboys eventually had to punt but the play helped change the field possession to midfield and saved a possible turnover deep in their own territory.

4. Sack-to-Sack
With the Packers trailing by just seven points early in the third quarter, Green Bay appeared ready to tie the game after Aaron Rodgers hit Donald Driver for a 50-yard pass to the Cowboys' 8. But that's when the defense stiffened. The Cowboys had sacks on consecutive plays. First DeMarcus Ware forced Rodgers out of the pocket and then out of bounds. The official stat-keepers gave the sack to Zach Thomas, although don't be surprised if the official ruling is changed to award Ware the sack. On the next play, there was no mistaking Anthony Henry of a sack. Off a cornerback blitz, Henry got to Rodgers and dropped him for an eight-yard loss back to the 15. The Packers were forced to kick another field goal, keeping the Cowboys in the lead, 13-9.

5. Field-Position Flip
You won't see many punts that make this list, but the Cowboys were able to flip the field from one side to the other, thanks to a booming punt and a costly Packers penalty. The Cowboys had just suffered an intentional grounding penalty and were backed up for a fourth-and-28, which turned into fourth-and-33 after a false start penalty. Punter Mat McBriar then hit a rocket punt of 65 yards, which the Packers returned for only six yards. Tack on a 15-yard unsportsmanlike penalty, which put Green Bay back to its 13-yard line. All in all, the Cowboys gained 72 yards in field position. Backed up, the Packers couldn't sustain a drive, leading to a punt and the Cowboys scored on the next possession to take a commanding 27-9 lead.

They may not be the most memorable five plays. But without them, things could've been a bit different here Sunday night at Lambeau.

[Underdog]

Take That Pack
Spagnola: Good Win Could Have Been Much Better

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GREEN BAY, Wis. - There.

Had to play Sunday night after a Monday night game.

Had to play within six days of an emotional win over the dreaded Eagles.

Had to play another 2-0 team, the Green Bay Packers, the same team tying them for the best record (13-3) in the NFC last year.

Had to play on the road, and here in Lambeau Field at that, on the historic grounds the franchise had never previously won a football game in five tries, including the demoralizing Ice Bowl loss in the 1967 NFL Championship game. And on top of that, there were a record number of Cheeseheads on hand, 71,113 to be exact, including all those ghosts from Packers past - Bart Starr, Willie Davis, Boyd Dowler, Jerry Kramer and them - on Alumni Night.

Had two turnovers, both in the red zone where they normally are highly efficient.

Had to play defense as if their lives depended on it.

Had no problem, Cowboys 27, Packers 16.

And the truth of the matter is exactly what someone told me trotting off this field, right about the spot in the end zone where Starr bulled over Kramer to give the Packers that 21-17 victory in the final seconds of that NFL title game played in minus-13 degrees and forever frozen in the history of these two teams: "We should have kicked their ass."

No kidding, and that's how far this Dallas Cowboys team has come, standing atop the NFC with the New York Giants as the only 3-0 teams in the conference, the Cowboys winning two of those games on the road.

The Cowboys didn't play their best game. The offense struggled, even allowing Tony Romo, who finished with - for him - a pedestrian 82.6 QB rating , to get sacked for the first three times this season. The starting wide receivers, Terrell Owens and Patrick Crayton, combined for only two catches, both Owens' for a mere 17 yards.

Yet these Cowboys went on the road during a short week against an undefeated team playing before a record crowd where the franchise had never previously won, and left here with an 11-point victory. Seriously? And let's just remember, winning on the road in the NFL is hard, real hard. And winning by more than a touchdown is hard, too.

So just stop to think a moment: The Cowboys, playing without their starting fullback, starting strong safety, best backup pass rusher and last year's third receiver, were putting a 27-9 hurt on these Packers, actually sending some on the golden G flag-waving faithful to the parking lots before the home team scored their only touchdown of the game in what Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips termed "garbage time" with just 2:11 left to play.

"This was a big ball game, they set an attendance record at Lambeau Field," Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was saying late in the locker room on Sunday night when most already had cleared out while trying to explain how this team, including the owner himself, can't allow others to act as if none of this matters until they win a playoff game - which they can't until January. "This game meant a lot. You got to enjoy the moment.

"I don't even want to look ahead at all. It's too good to be a part of this."

Now this is not to minimize what this Cowboys offense has done, because, look, it's not easy to score at least 27 points every time out, and the Cowboys now have in their first three games of the season, picking up where they left off last year when averaging 28.4 points a game during the regular season. And they did so by showing off their versatility, playing the ultimate game of pick your poison with these Green Bay Packers who were dead set on stopping Owens, stopping Witten and making sure Romo didn't become pass happy.

OK, you want to play that game, fine, but do you then have enough guys to stop the Cowboys running game, which went off for 217 yards - 43 more yards than they rushed for in any one game last year?

But the Cowboys were able to be this patient, run the ball and pick their spots to get the ball downfield to their next budding threat, Miles Austin, because of one thing and one thing only:

De-Fense.

That's right, this unit which had so many sweating bullets after seeing the Eagles put up 37 points this past Monday night, even if 14 of those were the responsibility of the offense and a bogus interference call, showed some championship-caliber traits on a sticky Sunday night. Suddenly these big, bad Packers who had scored 48 points the previous Sunday and 72 in two games behind first-year starter Aaron Rodgers, for the first time might have been yearning for Brett Favre. Look when Barber fumbled at the Packers 12 with 5:34 to play and the Cowboys leading 27-9, Green Bay had scored just nine points - two first-half field goals and a field goal in the second. To that point, the Pack had gained just 233 yards and Rodgers had passed for just 153 yards of the 290 he finished with this night.

Sure, they moved the ball at times. And sure Pacman Jones had another dead-head moment in coverage, allowing Donald Driver to get behind him for a 50-yard reception. Sure the Packers had a couple of lengthy drives.

But here is the bottom line: Nine points. The Packers were just one-of-three in the red zone. They were just four-of-14 on third downs (29 percent). Had the Cowboys not backed off when leading by 18 points with just five minutes to play, these numbers could have been overwhelming.

"Look, we're not a bad defense," said Cowboys nose tackle Tank Johnson. "We stayed tough and we got a tough team."

Or as safety Pat Watkins would say, "They can drive all they want, but if they're not scoring (touchdowns), they aren't doing anything."

The Packers' idea of scoring touchdowns and moving the ball in this game played right into what is becoming this team's strength: Its change-up defenses, which has never been the case most of this decade. The Packers, as Watkins pointed out, "didn't want to play smash-mouth with us," so they continually tried to spread the Cowboys out with three-receiver sets, some even four.

OK by the Cowboys these days. First they countered on first and second downs against these multiple-receivers sets with what is best described as their single-safety high package, where they maintain the integrity of their 3-4 front, and instead of taking out a linebacker so they can bring in another cover corner, they simply remove a safety, leaving Hamlin back deep by himself.

And when it becomes obvious passing situations, then they come with their dime package, which might as well be their nickel these days, with Kevin Barnett the sole linebacker, starting corners Terence Newman and Anthony Henry moving into the slots, coming in with Pacman Jones and Mike Jenkins on the outside and Sunday with Courtney Brown at safety for Watkins just to give him a little rest.

That seemed to befuddled the Packers, and Rodgers somewhat, who was under duress from the Cowboys' pass rush most of the day. And again, with the plaster coverage, Rodgers was sacked five times, giving the Cowboys nine sacks in the past two games and matching their two highest totals from last year.

"I thought it was pretty outstanding," Phillips said of the Cowboys defense that now has held two of its first three opponents to less than 17 points. "Our defense played pretty well the whole game. I was proud of our defense."

Proud of Bradie James, who tied Pacman Jones for the team lead with eight tackles. Proud of Jay Ratliff, who racked up another sack, another tackle for a loss and another quarterback hit. But especially proud of Henry, who not only recorded the first two sacks of his eight-year career, but also finished with six tackles, two tackles for losses, two quarterback hits and one deflected pass - most of this damage coming from lining up inside on the change-up defenses where he is getting better and better.

But here is the absolute best part of the Cowboys going on the road, in a short week, to a place where they had never previously won and beating a team by 11 that was 2-0:

They were happy but hardly satisfied.

"We could have done better," said Ratliff, basically the lasting refrain from this game from both sides of the ball. "We have a lot to work on. The truth of the matter is . . . we do.

"And that's a good thing."

A real good thing.

So there.

[ty]

El Gato strikes again!

[Windmill360]

I thought the tackling was a little better in this game.

[sike]

Originally Posted by Windmill360°

I thought the tackling was a little better in this game.

Except for the 5 times they missed Rogers.

[mkat]

Originally Posted by alby

^ He wants to watch a team that actually will be going to the playoffs.

he's such a front runner.

[mkat]

Originally Posted by Flacolaco

I think that's debatable. Which qb threw the INT? I thought he had ample time to get rid of the ball....sometimes he had what I would consider to be a long, long time to get rid of the ball, and he didn't. I put that half on relatively mediocre WR's, and half on a pretty good dallas secondary.

if you stack their WR corps up to ours, they win out talent-wise. Jennings and Driver are both very solid...neither as good as TO, but they're not far behind him. Their 3rd and 4th guys aren't bad either.

[horse900703]

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[sike]

Originally Posted by Dtownsfinest

Even Jay-Z is a believer.

Does J think its Christmas?

why was he at this game? anyone know?