'Boys Played Clutch Football, Eat Your Crow

Two Minute Drill (technically 1:27) & Taking Advantage of Late Opportunities

I know I know I know I promised you a blog post the day after the game, however, driving hundreds of miles and starting a new job has postponed this post. But nevertheless, here it is. You’re welcome, my fellow football fanatics! I know it has almost been a week, but I am still not over that game and I promised a rundown.  By the way, please read through the entire blog piece, because I have exciting news to share at the end.

Before we dive into the good, the bad and the ugly let me make one thing clear – The Dallas Cowboys were not handed that game. The Boys’ took advantage of opportunities and almost tried to self-destruct as much as possible for three quarters until the 4^th. I am pretty sure that qualifies as clutch football. And if you accuse me of being biased, then you clearly do not know how realistic of a Boys' fan I am. 

Summary: 

I understand it is a head scratcher when the Giants’ decide to throw the ball on 3^rd-and-1 from the Dallas 1 while being up by three points with 1:43 to play (something Dallas would call about two years ago).  Giants could have run the clock out by just running the ball, but that’s not my problem. Thank you, Tom Coughlin. Dallas having no timeouts was also a lovely element to add to the mini panic attack I was experiencing. Cowboys trailed by six with 1:34 remaining. Six plays and 1:27 later the Boys’ were in the end zone.

The Good:

The 2 Minute Drill (technically 1:27)

• In the past the Boys’ were notorious for self destructing and Red Jesus (Jason Garrett) outthinking himself, not this time.
• I’m looking at you Offensive Coordinator Scoot Linehan. That non-spike ball attack was ballsy and I LOVED IT!

Vintage Tony Romo – 36 of 45 passes, 80 % for 356 yards with 3 TDs, 2 INTs 

• 35 looks good on you. 24^th career comeback win, yes haters COMEBACK WIN. Remember that horribly low snapped ball on that last drive he picked up calmly and delivered to Witten….Add salt and pepper to make that crow taste better.

Darren McFadden – possible big-play threat

• I am a little torn on the RBs. At first I did not like the McFadden signing (Logan, I think we got into this), but I eat my crow and I want to give you credit. I was worried about an injury prone player, but you can’t put a price on experience and dude looks fresh. I prefer him over Randle, because of experience and build.

Odell Who? Hello J.J. Wilcox – 3 tackles (By the way, that first half hit broke Wilcox’s nose)

• Thank you for not allowing a stellar catch this year, secondary. That highlight was super cool unless; you are a Cowboys fan and know how bad that secondary was.

Sean Lee – nine tackles with a loss

• Dear future husband, I don’t mean to be a tad bit negative, but it’s been six years - DO SOMETHING BIG! Right after I say that, I know he is a walking injury waiting to happen, but it’s time to show your worth again. I know nine tackles sounds pretty, but dammit Lee I want a turnover. Is that too much to ask for?

The defensive stop at the 1-yard line with 5:11 

• Made the Giants settle for a field goal
• However, defense needs to step up big. We need to be forcing turnovers. Mo, I am still extremely skeptical of you and you are giving too much cushion. 

The Bad:

Strange Calls ON BOTH SIDES 

• The giants received the benefit of the calls TWICE.  Potential Rashad Jennings fumble (I agreed) and Odell Beckham Jr. fumble (I disagreed).
• Dallas also had a pass interference call for them to extend their clutch drive. 

Weird Turnovers

The Ugly:

Dallas with THREE Turnovers

• Tony Romo’s early INT to Trumaine McBride after a Brandon Meriweather hit on Street, Cole Beasley fumbles, the behind throw to Witten into the hands of Uani Unga
• By the way – two of those three turnovers but Romo’s back at risk.

• The Cowboys recovered two more fumbles including one from Mr. Butterfingers Randle. If you can’t tell, I’m not sold on Randle.
• So, point being - the cowboys almost did everything in their power to self-destruct until the fourth quarter when they took advantage of an opportunity, so the Giants did not "hand" them the game. 

Dez Bryant’s Broken Foot

• If I had to choose between the lesser of two evils I would rather Bryant’s foot be broken than Tony Romos. The receiving core, in my opinion, is just fine – Terrance Williams, Devin Street (not sold on him) and Mr. Sunshine Cole Beasley.

Randy Gregory High Ankle Sprain

• Dude has promise and I want to him back on the field ASAP.

LG Ron Leary with a groin injury

The 2015 El Nino

• This winter the meteorologists around the world have predicted 95 percent of a strong El Nino, now why do I care about the weather?
•       12/13 Dallas at Green Bay
•       12/27 Dallas at Detroit
• And before you start with, “Oh my gosh, Lauren, every team has to do that.” I know that but I’m still not looking forward to it.

On deck:

Philly this Sunday at 3:25 p.m. and of course the story line is DeMarco Murray and I would love for him to eat turf, but I am looking at you secondary for turnovers from Sammy. Freak turnovers and Dez Bryant being out puts even more pressure on that defense to deliver and I want to see them bring the heat.

Exciting News:

I totally met Michael Irvin last week and fed him lines while doing his makeup for my last Red Productions job. Yes, I touched The Playmaker's face! :) I have now interviewed Drew Pearson, met Dez Bryant and talked through lines with Michael Irvin. 88 on 88 on 88. I’m living the dream, and very blessed Red let me be a part of it. Check out the photos and if you should go to a game you will see the awesome video!