Kosier and Witten “Iffy” for Cowboys
[picappgallerysingle id="9706738"]A second injury to the same right knee might keep Dallas left guard Kyle Kosier out of yet another game this season. After spraining his MCL in the preseason, Kosier missed the Cowboys’ season-opening loss at Washington. The ninth-year pro sprained his right knee once again during Sunday’s win over Houston and was replaced by Montrae Holland. “It’s not as serious as it was the first time,” head coach Wade Phillips said. “I think Kosier is right in that two-week span.” Holland played well in Kosier’s absence at Washington and then again at Houston, so the Cowboys are not terribly concerned with starting the usual backup. The main concern is getting Kosier healthy. Dallas can survive with Holland playing, but need Kosier on the field in case another starting offensive lineman goes down. Besides, Kosier wasn’t the only Dallas player injured against the Texans. (more…)
Tony Romo and the Cowboys in Sync After Big Win
[picappgallerysingle id="9858376"]It’s not the fact Dallas quarterback Tony Romo completed 76% of his passes against Houston. It’s not the fact receiver Roy Williams piled up 117 receiving yards and two touchdowns. It’s not even the fact Marion Barber, Felix Jones, and Tashard Choice combined for 102 yards on 26 carries. It’s all three of those things combined plus a rhythm that wasn’t seen in the Cowboys during their first two losses. Offensive coordinator Jason Garrett didn’t call 50 pass plays, Romo didn’t force throws that weren’t there, Williams finally looked like the receiver he was brought in to be, and Dallas won the ballgame. Not only was the offense in sync, but the defense rose up against the league’s top offense and created the first three turnovers of the season. In the third phase of the game, kicker David Buehler nailed both of his attempts and the Cowboys won comfortably. It’s odd that a team in such turmoil found itself so quickly against a red-hot rival, but head coach Wade Phillips’ group did just that. (more…)
Cowboys Defeat In-State Rival Texans 27-13 for First Victory of 2010
[picappgallerysingle id="9858715"]What many (including myself) thought would be a Texas-sized shootout turned into possibly a season-deciding first victory for the visiting Cowboys. Instead of an 80-point gunslinger match between Dallas quarterback Tony Romo and Houston signal-caller Matt Schaub, the 27-13 game resembled a blowout until the Texans added a meaningless touchdown in the final minutes. Romo played well, Dallas offensive coordinator Jason Garrett was more balanced in his play-calling, the Cowboys’ defense came up big, and the Boys avoided a dreaded 0-3 start. In addition, America’s Team looked like a contender again while claiming bragging rights over intrastate rival Houston. Penalties were still an issue for the Cowboys and it wasn’t perfect, but Dallas got really close to getting back on track to a third consecutive division title. (more…)
Cowboys vs Texans Week 3 Preview; Expect a Texas Shootout
[picappgallerysingle id="9715652"]Reliant Stadium is the venue for a Texas-sized showdown between the Cowboys and Texans on Sunday. This Week 3 meeting is a rematch of the two teams’ exhibition during the preseason, which was a big win for Houston. The newest NFL team boasts the top offense in the league thus far in 2010, leading all teams in total yards and points scored. However, the Texans ranked second-to-last in total defense, allowing 26 points and 442 yards per game through two weeks. Despite entering the game 0-2, Dallas boasts the fourth-best offense in the NFL and the Cowboys’ defense ranks tenth. With two high-powered offenses entering the game and Houston’s defense near the bottom of the barrel, many expect this to be a near 80-point affair. With the Cowboys ranked so high in both offense and defense, it’s strange that Dallas is 0-2 and the underdog heading into the contest while Houston is 2-0 and sitting pretty. On paper, the elder Texas team should dominate, but that’s why we play the game. (more…)
Dallas Linebacker DeMarcus Ware to Face Another Inexperienced Left Tackle
[picappgallerysingle id="9691754"]Two weeks after going against Washington rookie left tackle Trent Williams, Cowboys All-Pro linebacker DeMarcus Ware will face Houston’s Rashad Butler. After playing a reserve role for his entire five-year career, Butler will make his first NFL start against arguably the best pass rusher in the business. Duane Brown’s suspension from Sunday’s contest between the Cowboys and Texans vaulted Butler into the starting lineup. Houston quarterback Matt Schaub has thrown for over 600 yards in two games, but will be facing more pressure from Ware this week. Ware had one sack, three tackles for losses, and two quarterback hurries against Williams, and the Pro Bowler is anxious to improve those numbers this week. “He’s a really quick, agile guy,” Ware said. “But as always, you try to figure out how to beat a guy. I’m doing more studying this week.”
