Cowboys Review & 4 Games/Playoffs Preview

TOPHAT

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TOP HAT'S COWBOYS GAME REVIEW: With the endless "zeros rattlings" lacking insider info threads about the Cowboys game and putting a direction for preview of the final games and beyond, I enclose my posted blog game review & preview for the rest of the season. Fans' questions are answered about who is responsible, who needs to improve, & who needs be replaced for the final four games.

Cowboys Beat Favre-Less Packers 37-27: Review

SUMMARY:

The Cowboys held off the Packers with a late 4th quarter touchdown drive to win 37-27. After a rattled & injured Q Favre left the game, Q Rodgers rallied the Packers back into the game completing 18 passes for 201 yards & 1 touchdown. WR Jennings had 5 receptions for 87 yards & 1 touchdown. RB Grant rushed for 94 yards & 2 touchdowns.

HIGHLIGHTS:

1. ESPN. 2. JSOnline. 3. Packersnews. 4. WSJ. 5. Capital Times.

QUOTES:

Scout Inc: “The play calling was questionable as Green Bay got away from their West Coast principles early. After Favre's injury, the Packers got back to throwing short precise passes. [QB] Rodgers also missed some blitz pickups, but did move the team with sharp throws and by making plays with his feet. Meanwhile, Bigby was overwhelmed by [TE] Witten. [WR] Owens was unstoppable and [Q] Romo never waivered…the Cowboys to victory.”

Favre: "I had a similar injury last year. I lost feeling in my fingers. I still have some tingling. But I think I'll be okay."

Coach McCarthy: "What's frustrating is it's stuff we talked about as a team the night before. When you get into those big games, that big-game environment, it was a great environment, a great learning experience for our football team, it comes down to fundamentals...make sure you have your feet, your hands in the right place, make sure your eyes are in the right place. The common error throughout the football game was our eyes and our vision. We were not looking at the right things, and that was clear across the board in the secondary."

Coach Washington: "In a big-time game like that was (Thursday) night, those guys don't have a lot of experience in the big games, and they made some mistakes out there. I won't feel bad or nervous about putting any one of those guys in the game at any given time. Anytime you get experience, it helps you....[Y]ou're going to get some heartache with that. It happens."

TURNING POINT:

After RB Grant’s 62 touchdown run cut the Cowboys' lead to 3 points, the Cowboys had a long drive shredding the Packers’ secondary & leading to a 26 yard TD pass.

GAME BALLS:

1. Q Rodgers. 2. RB Grant. 3. DT Pickett.

INJURY REPORT:

1. Q Favre suffered separated shoulder & injured elbow. He’ll be back for Oakland game.

REPORT CARD--GOOD, BAD & UGLY:

Rushing offense: B

The rushing game had a good outing rushing 19 times for 124 yards. RB Grant rushed 14 times for 94 yards averaging 6.7 per carry with two touchdowns. He did make a few misreads. Scrambling Q Rodgers rushed 5 times for 30 yards. The offensive line looked awful showing lack of consistency, strength, & toughness in the game. G Colledge had a "bad game". We continue to have problems at the guard positions, an old story, after two years.

Passing offense: C

Q Favre had a brief bad game looking rattled executing an early questionable game plan throwing into a deep cover 2 zone coverage. While leaky pass protection & missed blitzes combined to force bad throws, Favre misjudged reads, had no patience, & didn't follow the correct check-downs. He completed only 5 passes for 56 yards with two interceptions. Favre’s two interceptions led to two Cowboys’ scores & an early solid Cowboys lead. A missed blitzed caused a "winged" intercepted throw & a hard hit to Favre forcing him to leave early with injuries. Q Rodgers rallied the Packers completing 18 of 26 passes for 201 yards & one touchdown pulling within 27-24. WR Jennings led receivers with 5 receptions for 87 yards.

Rushing defense: B-

Generally, against a top NFC offensive line, the rush defense played a solid game running out-of-gas in the fourth quarter. The Cowboys got only 27 carries for 106 yards averaging 3.9 yards. RB Barber had 17 carries for 81 yards. DT Pickett & DT Williams played "okay" games. "Well-paid" DT Jenkins continued to disappoint against the run & the pass. LB Hawk had 8 tackles getting better every game. LB Poppinga did okay.

Passing defense: D-

Facing little pass rush & lousy defensive coverage involving communication issues & coverage issues, Q Romo had a “big plays” day. Romo completed 19 of 30 passes for 309 yards, 4 touchdowns, & one interception [dropped touchdown] with a 123.5 passer rating. WR Owen had 7 receptions for 156 yards & one touchdown. WR Crayton had 3 receptions for 42 yards & 2 touchdowns. As one fan observed about the Cowboys' effective offensive game plan: "It’s the same motion each time. T.O. motions inside behind Crayton. Every time, Al Harris and the other defender [confused] try to switch off. The result has either been T.O. open or Crayton open." TE Witten had 6 receptions for 67 yards. CB Bush looked pathetic getting beat on two touchdown passes & getting an interference penalty leading to another score. CB Williams replaced CB Bush getting an interference penalty too & leading to another score too. CB Harris struggled in coverages, especially against WR Owen. S Collins bit on play-actions & looked awful in coverage. S Bigby was brutal in all coverage types & had two crucial bad penalties. Rookie S Rouse needs to get solid playing time for the final 4 games.

Special Teams: C+

The coverage team looked awful allowing very good field positions on kickoffs with KR Austin returning six kickoffs for 166 yards averaging 27.7 yards. The Packers' return team got nowhere on kickoff returns. KR Robinson had 4 for 92 yards averaging 23 yards. KR Williams had 4 for 73 yards. K Crosby hit two long field goals. P Ryan had 3 solid punts averaging 49.7 yards with one inside the 20 yard line.

Coaching: C

McCarthy’s questionable game plan to strike early deep got away from the deliberate West Coast offense. Early, the game plan tried to strike with long passes in double or triple coverages, but the offensive line had leaky protection leading to the costly turnovers. On the offense, the rushing game continued to improve with the improvement of RB Grant. The "widely criticized" defensive coordinator is responsible for this defensive "zero" performance having the continued lack of consistent coverage issues, the horrible execution of effective tight coverage against the shifts, motions, & crosses, the lack of an effective blitz strategy, & of course the lack of a consistent pass rush in the defensive game plan. The Cowboys’ game plan was effectively predictable with the absence of CB Woodson, detailed by SI's Brooks:

"Dallas OC Garrett crafted a game plan [featuring] Owens motioning into the slot out of bunch formations to attack the Packers' aggressive defense....With Owens positioned in the slot, Garrett was able to take advantage of the Packers' linebackers....T.O.'s 48-yard reception on a deep crossing route from the slot exploited the MIKE linebacker's role as the deep middle player in two-deep coverage. But the move of Owens into the slot also gave the Cowboys an effective counter to the Packers' press-man coverage as well. By using Owens as part of a mini-cluster formation, Garrett freed his superstar from tight coverage by using rubs or picks to get free releases at the line while forcing Green bay to switch assigned defenders."

One reviewer summed up the defensive coordinator problem:

"The whole game, Cowboys first year offensive coordinator Jason Garrett was one step ahead of the Packers and their defense. The problem is, the Packers scheme basically says - here we are, come and beat us. Usually, when the Packers line up against another team, they can win their fair share of any one-on-one matchups. However, when presented with a team that has some superior personnel, a defensive coordinator must be able to scheme for the deficiencies he knows he has. Think back to Jim Bates one year as defensive coordinator and the absolutely brilliant gameplan he drew up to contain Michael Vick down in Atlanta. The week prior, Vick had enjoyed his finest week as a pro, and all anyone could talk about was how he was finally arriving as a quarterback. Enter Bates and the Packer defense. Bates altered the scheme when presented with a unique challenge. Sanders has not shown anywhere near the same kind of imagination."

With the "Cowboys’ quality beats Packers’ quantity" headline, future lineup changes are strong possibilities. The untimely stupid penalties continue to be a serious issue with 9 penalties for 142 yards. Finally, injuries are no excuse for losing in the "parity" NFL.

Overall: C

The Packers remain one of the two top teams in the NFC with a 10-2 record. Sportsline.com Grade: B-.

COMMENTARY:

Four Rs: "Rage, Recover, Regroup, & Rematch." Rematch: NFL Championship Game.

PREVIEW:

The Packers are home facing the Raiders in a "must win" rebound game. With four games remaining, we'll see who has the NFC best record for home field advantage.
_________________________________________________________________________________

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=271129006

http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=691662

http://www.packersnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071130/PKR0201/711300655/1989

http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/sports//index.php?ntid=259575

http://www.madison.com/tct/sports/packers/

http://www.madison.com/tct/sports/packers/

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=271129006

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3135650&campaign=rss&source=NFLHeadlines

http://www.madison.com/tct/sports/packers/259843

http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/sports//index.php?ntid=259758

http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=691938

http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/sports//index.php?ntid=259758

http://www.packersnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071130/PKR01/71130197/1989

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/bucky_brooks/12/02/notebook.week13/1.html

http://www.footballoutsiders.com/2007/11/30/ramblings/audibles/5827/

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/packers/home.htm

http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/features/writers/prisco/grades

http://cheeseheadtv.com/blog/bob-sanders-has-a-big-problem/

TOP HAT'S OAKLAND GAME PREVIEW: As far as Oakland, the early preview indicate a poor run defense and a good pass defense. The Packers are 10 1/2 points favorites. The Packers need to just stick to the West Coast offense, fundamentals, & no turnovers/stupid penalties. It won't be an easy win with them on a roll, but it's way too late in the season. Typical.....Besides, we are home and most injured players except Jolly and maybe Bubba are expected back. The last four games involve struggling typical late season spoilers, i.e. you know, "party poopers".


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cheesey

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Re: Packers Final Four Games: Review & Preview

I think we will win 3. Honestly, i don't know which one i'd pick as a loss, but if our playoff positioning is already settled, we may end up sitting alot of starters to keep them healthy for the playoff run.
 

Gattocheese

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Re: Packers Final Four Games: Review & Preview

The only team i see us having trouble with is the Bears. They are the best at capitalizing on turnovers. Not saying we will lose, but we should dominate in all the other games IMO.
 

ttsather

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Packers Final Four Games: Review & Preview

I think our toughest game will be the Rams, given recent resurgence and combination of pass and run attack.

A week ago, I thought that if we beat Dallas, St. Louis would be our let-down game. I still think it's a risk.
 
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TOPHAT

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Packers Final Four Games: Review & Preview

GAME REVIEW UPDATED!


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Zombieslayer

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Packers Final Four Games: Review & Preview

We win out. And we win at least 2 of those games by a large margin.

14-2 Packers. I like it.
 

Obi1

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Re: Packers Final Four Games: Review & Preview

We win out. And we win at least 2 of those games by a large margin.

14-2 Packers. I like it.

Me Too!

Packers have NEVER had a 14 win regular season so its about time.
Why wouldanyone pick any less?

14-2 SUPERBOWL!
 

RainX

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Packers Final Four Games: Review & Preview

Wouldn't shock me if we have a bad game in one of these final four, so I'm going to say 3-1. 13-3 sounds pretty good to me.
 
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TOPHAT

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COMPARABLE PACKERS FAN POLL

Comparable Packers fan poll results:

4-0 - 48%

3-1 - 41%

2-2 - 10%

1-3 - 1%


:agree: :eek:mg: :USA: :yeah:
 

Zombieslayer

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Re: Packers Final Four Games: Review & Preview

Wouldn't shock me if we have a bad game in one of these final four, so I'm going to say 3-1. 13-3 sounds pretty good to me.

I'd prefer 14-2, but I could stomach 13-3 as long as our single loss doesn't come against da Bears.
 

Raider Pride

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Packers Final Four Games: Review & Preview

Those of you who really know me, know that I Love the Raiders. They have been my favorite team since Kenny Stabler. I respect Al Davis and want him to win his 4th Superbowl before he passes on, or can not remember if he won that 4th Superbowl.

The Packers are my favorite NFC team because of Vince. The history of this team, and the community that stand behind it.

I am a realist. The Raidaaahs are not going to make the playoffs. This means a loss against the Packers would only give the Raidaahs a better draft pick and the Packers a chance to get better playoff position to succeed.

With all of that in mind. I hope the Packers do not "Look Past" this Raider team. Do not look past Justin Fargus and the year he is having.

Do not look past the fact that J.Russell. may get some snaps, has a cannon as an arm and could hit Porter deep. Watch Morrison as the middle Linebacker. He is a stud and could shut down the short slant routes or shuttle passes Brett loves to throw as well as Grant running between the tackles.

I hope it is a close game. I hope the Packers win.

R.P.
 
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TOPHAT

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Re: Packers Final Four Games: Review & Preview

RainX said:
Wouldn't shock me if we have a bad game in one of these final four, so I'm going to say 3-1. 13-3 sounds pretty good to me.

I'd prefer 14-2, but I could stomach 13-3 as long as our single loss doesn't come against da Bears.


Borrowing a line from "Blazing Saddles", "Who can argue with that?"

:pop: :pop:
 

flep

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Packers Season: Cowboys Review & Final 4 Games Preview

I've predicted 4 - 0.

Though that all depends on a few factors coming into the equation.

1: Win the division first.
2: Go for a bye week
3: what is dallas standings after the third game?

If Dallas is 14 - 1 then they will have clinched home field even if we are 13 - 2.

With that scenario I can see us resting players against Detroit with it being a game with nothing to play for other than pride as we would be guaranteed 2nd seed.

Sorry about the lions and pride pun. I was purely unintentional
If Dallas however are 13 - 2 having lost a game I can see us playing all out against Detroit to get the win putting pressure on Dallas to win its last game.
 
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TOPHAT

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PLAYOFFS PREVIEW: TODAY

http://www.packersnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071205/PKR01/712050553/1989


The Packers will prepare for Oakland the rest of the week as they embark on the final quarter of the schedule with the second-best record in the NFC. They have relatively slim hopes of catching the Dallas Cowboys for the coveted top NFC seed, but remain in command for winning the No. 2 spot, which carries a crucial first-round playoff bye and second-round game at home. Teams seeded third or lower have to play a first-round game and go on the road for the second round. The Packers control their fate for holding the No. 2 seed, which they can wrap up by winning three of their last four games: at home against Oakland, at St. Louis, at Chicago, and at home against Detroit. Tampa Bay (8-4) and Seattle (8-4) are the only teams that can catch them. But if the Packers finish tied with either or both, they'd lose the tie-breaker because their conference record would be worse. Tampa Bay and Seattle have manageable schedules remaining — neither plays a team better than .500, and their opponents' combined records are 16-32 and 18-30, respectively. But the Packers' magic number to hold each off is three, so any combination of three wins by the Packers and losses by the Bucs and the Seahawks wraps up the No. 2 seed for Green Bay.

In the meantime, Dallas (11-1) has a two-game lead for the top seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, because its win over the Packers gives it the head-to-head tiebreaker. To get the top seed, the Packers would have to finish with a better record than Dallas with only four games to play. The Packers' four remaining opponents have an 18-30 record; Dallas' are 21-27. If the Cowboys stay healthy at key positions, it's hard to see them losing two of their final four games after losing only one in their first 12. "We never know what's going to happen or how it's going to happen," receiver James Jones said. "If Dallas does lose on the way and we win out, that's what we want. You definitely want home-field advantage. We'll see what happens."

NFC playoff picture:

Eight NFC teams have .500 or better records, with the top six qualifying for the playoffs. They are listed in order of conference seeding, including their schedules and the overall record of remaining opponents:

1. Cowboys 11-1 (at Detroit; Philadelphia; at Carolina; at Washington), 21-27.

2. Packers 10-2 (Oakland; at St. Louis; at Chicago; Detroit), 18-30.

3. Seahawks 8-4 (Arizona; at Carolina; Baltimore; at Atlanta), 18-30.

4. Buccaneers 8-4 (at Houston; Atlanta; at San Francisco; Carolina), 16-32.

5. N.Y. Giants 8-4 (at Philadelphia; Washington; at Buffalo; New England), 28-20.

6. Cardinals 6-6 (at Seattle; at New Orleans; Atlanta; St. Louis), 19-29.

7. Lions 6-6 (Dallas; at San Diego; Kansas City; at Green Bay), 32-16.

8. Vikings 6-6 (at San Francisco; Chicago; Washington; at Denver), 18-30.

8) 8) :pop: :pop:
 
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TOPHAT

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COMPARABLE FANS POLL RESULTS; PRO BOWL: FAVRE LEADING!

COMPARABLE PACKERS POLLS RESULTS:

1. http://www.packers.com [40.100 votes]:

3-1 or better 93%

2. http://www.packernet.com [642 votes ]

3-1 or better 91%


BONUS: http://www.packers.com

Green Bay Packers quarterback BRETT FAVRE, with 842,167 votes, leads all NFL All-Stars in balloting for the 2008 NFL Pro Bowl, NFL.com announced Thursday. New England Patriots quarterback TOM BRADY (776,475 votes) ranks second overall while, Indianapolis Colts quarterback PEYTON MANNING (740,302 votes), New England Patriots wide receiver RANDY MOSS (606,238 votes) and Dallas Cowboys quarterback TONY ROMO (604,027 votes) round out the top five on NFL.com.....

:pop: :pop: :pop: :pop:
 

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