Struggles Continue for Dallas Cowboys

October 21, 2008

The downward spiral continues for the Dallas Cowboys. Coming off a troublesome week, they get obliterated by the St. Louis Rams. Yes, the St. Louis Rams put up 34 points on the Cowboys. Early in the season, I had predicted the Rams to lose all sixteen games. They got lucky last week, but they looked amazing this week.

See what grade these two teams received, plus check and see how your favorite team did.

Miami Dolphins: vs. Ravens L27-13

Grade: D

The college style running game was no match for a hungry and upset Ravens defense. The Dolphins running game was almost none existent. Chad Pennington had decent numbers, but they were unable to put up enough points to win this one. Where was their defense? They allowed 27 points by a not so great Ravens offense.

This team has improved much over the off-season, but they still have a long way to go. Before they return to playoff contention.

New England Patriots: vs. Broncos W 41-7

Grade: A

A much needed win for a team that has been struggling. Matt Cassell had his best game as a starter, connecting with Randy Moss for several touchdowns. The defense secondary stepped up big time and shut down the league's second best passing offense.

Bill Belichick again proves his brilliance as a head coach. He knows how to get the most out of his players. As long as he is there, New England will always be a contender.

New York Jets: at Raiders L 13-16 OT

Grade: F

You went into overtime with the Raiders? Where is the offense? Did Favre not show up? They couldn't move the ball on the Raiders. Favre and the receivers failed to make plays. They lost a game they should have won. A game they needed in a very tight division.

Buffalo Bills: vs. Chargers W 14-23

Grade: B

No power, no problem. The Bills earn a hard fought victory against a solid team. They continue to impress me each week. Trent Edwards looked good in his return. The balance on offense allowed them to be effective. With no Tom Brady, the Bills could beat the Patriots for the division.

Pittsburgh Steelers: at Bengals W 38-10

Grade: B

The Steelers came out and took care of business against a very bad Cincinnati team. Moore, stepping in the injured Willie Parker, scored 3 touchdowns to help lead them to victory. Big Ben through a big touchdown late to put the game out of reach.

In the 2^{nd and 3rd quarters, I believe the Steelers defense allowed the Bengals to gain rhythm and keep the game closer than it should have been. Polamulu is going to be seeing stars for a while after getting plowed by Benson.}

Cleveland Browns: at Redskins L 11-14

Grade D

The defense is playing better. They got gouged by Portis today, but they managed to keep the Redskins out of the end zone most of the game. They gave their offense plenty of opportunities to win the game.

Then there is the offense. Crennell needs to put Brady Quinn in the game, give the young guy a chance. Anderson had a great year last season, but that was then and this is now. Anderson was 14 for 37 with one touchdown. That is a very lousy completion percentage. Anderson has been this bad all year. I also think it has a lot to do with their coaching staff. There is no reason a team with that much talent has only two wins.

Cincinnati Bengals: vs. Steelers L 38-10

Grade: D

After St. Louis finally won, the Bengals remain one of two legitamite picks to lose every game this season. Watching them Sunday, they looked no better. The offense moved the ball, and had a shot to win the game. Cedric Benson looked good, and Fitzpatrick played mistake free most of the game.

In the end, good teams find a way to win, bad teams find a way to lose. That the Bengals did. The Offensive line had to get better, Fitzpatrick was sacked multiple times, largely by the same two players. Marvin Lewis, what are you thinking? Using backs to block some of the league's top pass rushers? Until the players get better, and the coaching staff gets smarter, the Bengals are going to continue to have problems.

Baltimore Ravens: at Dolphins W 27-13

Grade: A

The Baltimore Ravens looked much better this week. Joe Flacco played a much more efficient game. McGahee ran all over the Dolphins. The Ravens defense shut down Ronnie Brown and the run happy Dolphins.

I am unsure whether the Ravens' success on offense was a result of good playing calling, or crappy defense on the part of the Dolphins. Remember the Colts horrific defense shut down the Ravens last week. But nevertheless, solid win for the Ravens.

Indianapolis Colts: at Packers L 14-34

Grade: F

The defense struggled against the run and the pass today. Didn't get the offense enough positions. But the positions the Colts did have, they were unproductive. Too many mistakes. 2 interceptions thrown by Manning, and a gzillion penalty yards thanks to a whistle happy officiating crew.

I watched the Colts game on CBS, and Phil Simms said the Packers defense shut down the Colts. Well, the Packers did do a great job, but the Colts really shot themselves. I think the penalties were what killed them in this one.

Tennessee Titans: at Chiefs W 34-10

Grade: A

Keep in mind, this win was against one of the worst teams in the league. But if Tennessee can continue to run the ball well, they will be a scary opponent for any one. Things will open up more for Kerry Collins, making this team very explosive. How about LenDale White? He played like a beast.

Houston Texans: vs. Lions W 21-28

Grade: D

They got lucky this week because they were playing the Lions. Last week they got a close win against the Dolphins. Two weeks ago, they let the Colts back in it. And they almost let the Lions comeback and beat them, without Jon Kitna.

On a bright note, Schaub and the offense are looking better each week. Steve Slaton has added a much needed playmaker to young team.

Denver Broncos: at Patriots L 7-41

Grade: D

They got whipped on Monday night. New England really exposed the glaring weaknesses on the Broncos' defense. If they want to make a deep playoff run, those issues will have to be addressed. Jay Cutler experienced some growing pains in this game facing an always scheming Patriots defense. Yes, they got plowed, but this is a good learning experience for young team. Look for Mike Shannahan to have them ready to go next game.

San Diego Chargers: at Bills L 14-23

Grade: C

LT, where have you gone? The Bills defense held him to under 50 yards rushing. Philip Rivers is playing very well, but I still think he is overrated. Eventually, he is going to blow it. The D is still not playing like they have over the last couple years. But they played well enough to keep their team in the game.

Oakland Raiders: vs. Jets W 13-16 OT

Grade: D

I give them a D, only because they win. Russell had a pretty decent game, so did the defense. But I still feel they should have lost. Although he played well, Russell still needs to grow up. He had several overthrows which could have lead to first downs. If they didn't have Janikowski, they would have missed the field goal and lost.

Kansas City Chiefs: vs. Titans L 34-10

Grade: F

On offense, you suck. On defense, you suck. Put the two together, you really suck. How do you allow LenDale White to have a long touchdown run? My grandmother could out run him. The Chiefs have to find a tougher Quarterback. Croyle cannot stay healthy, and when he is, he is not that good.

Dallas Cowboys: at Rams L 14-34

Grade: F

You just got hammered by the Rams. Marc Bulger lit them up through the air, and then Jackson ran all over them. Without Tony Romo, the Cowboys are in serious trouble. Defense had a major meltdown against a so-so offense.

What I don't understand is you have Terrell Owens and Roy Williams, a midget could find a way to get these guys the ball. If they can't move the ball on the Rams, they are screwed.

Marion Barber would be the lone bright spot for this team. He had a hundred yards and a touchdown.

New York Giants: vs. 49ers W 17-29

Grade: B

After getting walloped last week, the G-men responded with a big win. The offense got back on track. My only complaint would be that Burress didn't put enough numbers. But that only affects my fantasy team.

Washington Redskins: vs. Browns W 11-14

Grade: C

The Redskins fought hard and earned an ugly win. Portis had a monster day with 175 yards and a touchdown. I still think the Redskins are overrated. Last week, we saw them for what they really are, and they had tough match with a not so great team.

Chicago Bears: vs. Vikings W 41-48

Grade: B

Kyle Orton has another solid game, and the Bears get a big win over a divisional opponent. The defense had a tough day, but caused enough problems to put there team in the right positions. They need their secondary to get healthy so they can return to dominance.

Detroit Lions: at Texans L 21-28

Grade: F

They are 0-6, what more do you need to know? At least Orolowski didn't run out of the back of the end zone this week.

Minnesota Vikings: at Bears L 41-48

Grade: C

Who would have thought the Vikings would put up 41 points on the Bears, and lose? For all the hype they received over the summer, Vikings defense has played very poorly this year. They got pounded by Chicago.

Fretotte is not the answer at QB. He is definitely better than Jackson, but that is not saying much. They have to find a better player at that position. Until then, Peterson will have to carry the team.

Green Bay Packers: vs. Colts W 14-34

Grade: A

They had a great mix on offense. That kept the Colts defense off balance and gave Rodgers plenty of time to throw the ball. The coaches had an excellent gamelan which work to perfection. The secondary played the Colts' wideouts better than anyone else I have seen in the league. Then Rodgers, he was just outstanding. They deserved to win.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: vs. Seahawks W 20-10

Grade: B

An impressive win for the Buccaneers. Jeff Garcia played a flawless game at quarterback, picking apart the Seahawks. But let's put this win in perspective, they beat a really bad team. Without Hassleback, the Seahawks would struggle to beat some college teams.

I had hard time following this game, there was very little excitement. What was NBC thinking when they put this one on their primetime schedule?

Carolina Panthers: vs. Saints W 7-30

Grade: A

Wow! That is all I can say. The Panthers played a good offensive football team, and they smoked them. They played well on both sides of the ball to come out with an impressive win. The rookies on this team continue to be impressive.

New Orleans Saints: at Panthers L 7-30

Grade: F

I know the Carolina Panthers' defense is good, but c'mon. You have Dree Brews and Reggie Bush. There is no reason why you only score 7 points. They have been inconsistent all year and if they don't fix those problems soon, they will be watching this postseason from the sideline. Hopefully, Reggie Bush's injury is not too serious, otherwise things are going to get much worse.

San Francisco 49ers: at Giants L 17-29

Grade: C

This was a tough loss for a relatively young team. They played hard and kept it close despite playing against a lot better team. Sullivan and the offense continues to look better under the direction Mike Martz. The defense will have to get better before they can become a contender

Seattle Seahawks: at Buccaneers L 10-20

Grade: F

Their offense looked terrible, and their defense got beat up. If they could have moved the ball consistently at all, I think the Seahawks defense would have played better. Holmgren has to find some way to win with this team until Hassleback returns. Please, would one of their wideouts step up.

St. Louis Rams: vs. Cowboys W 14-34

Grade: A

The Rams have won, again! After the first four games, looked terrible. They couldn't tackle, Bulger had more interceptions than yards, everything was going wrong. I tip my hat to Jim Hastlett. He has got this team playing hard. In a weak division, they may not be too far gone.

If Jackson can stay health, and continue to run the ball well, Marc Bulger is going to get back to his pro bowl form. Like I said, the Rams are not completely out of the picture yet. Seattle is not very good, San Francisco is ok but not great, and then there is Arizona. Things could get very interesting.