- Thread starter bbgun
- Start date
- Messages
- 21,399
- Reaction score
- 3,794
That remains to be seen. The jury is still out on two of them.
Week 1 was the only bad game I recall him having
Bob Sacamano
All-Pro
- Messages
- 26,436
- Reaction score
- 3
Murray is beasting it going to the left side.
- Messages
- 15,011
- Reaction score
- 2,097
this year? yes.
- Messages
- 7,075
- Reaction score
- 3,791
I'm not going to be glad Dallas spent 3 1st round draft picks to shore up their line because they neglected it year after year and were poor at identifying and developing OL talent. That's ludicrous. I can most certainly see drafting a tackle high; that's a premier position. But not so much with guard and center.
And if Smith played anywhere but Dallas you'd call him very good but not yet elite.
This.................
Final Thoughts: The Gameplan If McClain Can’t Go
Posted Sep 19, 2014
Bryan Broaddus
Football Analyst/Scout
Follow BryanBroaddus on Twitter All Bryan Broaddus Articles
aa
IRVING, Texas – As usual, here’s my final list of notes on this road trip to St. Louis.
My big points this weekend involve how the Cowboys plan to deal with their injury issues heading into the weekend, as well as what type of gameplan I think you can expect when these teams take the field inside the Edward Jones Dome on Sunday.
•I do not have a good feeling that Rolando McClain will be playing in this game, which means rookie Anthony Hitchens will get the start at middle linebacker, along with veterans Bruce Carter and Kyle
Wilber. Something else to keep an eye on is the depth at the linebacker spot with McClain and Justin Durant being out. As a group they are light in numbers, so I would expect Keith Smith to be called up from the practice squad to help with depth and take some snaps on the special teams, as well.
•I would not be one bit surprised if Morris Claiborne, after his performance last week against the Titans, once again gets the start at right corner even though Orlando Scandrick was reinstated this week from the suspended list. Scandrick said during the week that he hoped that Jason Garrett would play his two best corners -- which is a fair point. But I could see Garrett working to help Claiborne’s confidence and give him this chance to see how he would respond. This doesn’t mean that Scandrick will not see the field, because the Rams like to have multiple receivers on the field. Rod Marinelli will need Scandrick in those situations, playing out of the slot to match. What is also good about Scandrick is that he can also play on either side of the field, which means that these coaches can rotate Carr and Scandrick, as well.
•If you are asking me what Cowboys offensive player I feel is going to have a big game against the Rams, my selection would be Jason Witten. Rams defensive coordinator Gregg Williams is going to be forced to play his safeties down in the box to help defend the Dallas running game. If you look at the defensive numbers for the Rams, both Rodney McLeod and TJ McDonald are in the top three in tackles through two games. If the Cowboys are able to get the running game going well, then the play action game becomes a factor. Witten is a large part of that, because of his ability to quickly get up the field and find space. I am expecting Witten to not only have a hand in this running game and its potential success, but for him to get six to eight targets that will be easy throws for Tony Romo. Witten has that ability to make a defense pay when they don’t focus on him.
•Try and keep an eye on the matchup inside with Henry Melton working against Rams center Scott Wells. There are a couple of soft spots in this offensive line, especially with Wells -- who tends to struggle with rushers that play with quickness. Melton is starting to play with more confidence in that repaired knee, and this defense could use that disruptive upfield pressure that he can provide. We have yet to see Melton really cut it loose, but this week against the Rams is a great opportunity to take advantage of a center that doesn’t match up well with him.
•Here is something to think about as you view the game on Sunday – this is the second week in a row where the Cowboys are playing an opponent where their first-round selection at offensive tackle is not in the starting lineup. Last week it was Taylor Lewan, who was the 11th overall selection in the 2014 NFL Draft for the Titans. This week the No. 2 overall selection, Greg Robinson, finds himself waiting for an opportunity to play behind Jake Long and Joe Barksdale. When you look at those situations, you have to be impressed how this Cowboys front office and coaching staff has been able to identify linemen like Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick and now Zack Martin, who they just plug in and go right to work from Day 1. You always worry about the learning curve for offensive linemen, and where others have struggled, Smith, Frederick, Martin and even Ronald Leary have adjusted quickly and that has made a significant difference in this offense.
Posted Sep 19, 2014
Bryan Broaddus
Football Analyst/Scout
Follow BryanBroaddus on Twitter All Bryan Broaddus Articles
aa
IRVING, Texas – As usual, here’s my final list of notes on this road trip to St. Louis.
My big points this weekend involve how the Cowboys plan to deal with their injury issues heading into the weekend, as well as what type of gameplan I think you can expect when these teams take the field inside the Edward Jones Dome on Sunday.
•I do not have a good feeling that Rolando McClain will be playing in this game, which means rookie Anthony Hitchens will get the start at middle linebacker, along with veterans Bruce Carter and Kyle
Wilber. Something else to keep an eye on is the depth at the linebacker spot with McClain and Justin Durant being out. As a group they are light in numbers, so I would expect Keith Smith to be called up from the practice squad to help with depth and take some snaps on the special teams, as well.
•I would not be one bit surprised if Morris Claiborne, after his performance last week against the Titans, once again gets the start at right corner even though Orlando Scandrick was reinstated this week from the suspended list. Scandrick said during the week that he hoped that Jason Garrett would play his two best corners -- which is a fair point. But I could see Garrett working to help Claiborne’s confidence and give him this chance to see how he would respond. This doesn’t mean that Scandrick will not see the field, because the Rams like to have multiple receivers on the field. Rod Marinelli will need Scandrick in those situations, playing out of the slot to match. What is also good about Scandrick is that he can also play on either side of the field, which means that these coaches can rotate Carr and Scandrick, as well.
•If you are asking me what Cowboys offensive player I feel is going to have a big game against the Rams, my selection would be Jason Witten. Rams defensive coordinator Gregg Williams is going to be forced to play his safeties down in the box to help defend the Dallas running game. If you look at the defensive numbers for the Rams, both Rodney McLeod and TJ McDonald are in the top three in tackles through two games. If the Cowboys are able to get the running game going well, then the play action game becomes a factor. Witten is a large part of that, because of his ability to quickly get up the field and find space. I am expecting Witten to not only have a hand in this running game and its potential success, but for him to get six to eight targets that will be easy throws for Tony Romo. Witten has that ability to make a defense pay when they don’t focus on him.
•Try and keep an eye on the matchup inside with Henry Melton working against Rams center Scott Wells. There are a couple of soft spots in this offensive line, especially with Wells -- who tends to struggle with rushers that play with quickness. Melton is starting to play with more confidence in that repaired knee, and this defense could use that disruptive upfield pressure that he can provide. We have yet to see Melton really cut it loose, but this week against the Rams is a great opportunity to take advantage of a center that doesn’t match up well with him.
•Here is something to think about as you view the game on Sunday – this is the second week in a row where the Cowboys are playing an opponent where their first-round selection at offensive tackle is not in the starting lineup. Last week it was Taylor Lewan, who was the 11th overall selection in the 2014 NFL Draft for the Titans. This week the No. 2 overall selection, Greg Robinson, finds himself waiting for an opportunity to play behind Jake Long and Joe Barksdale. When you look at those situations, you have to be impressed how this Cowboys front office and coaching staff has been able to identify linemen like Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick and now Zack Martin, who they just plug in and go right to work from Day 1. You always worry about the learning curve for offensive linemen, and where others have struggled, Smith, Frederick, Martin and even Ronald Leary have adjusted quickly and that has made a significant difference in this offense.
DallasCowboys.Com Writers Give Their Game 3 Gut Feeling
Posted 10 hours ago
By DallasCowboys.com Report
aa
For the first time this season, the Cowboys have a chance to start a winning streak this weekend in St. Louis – something they only managed twice last season. A win on Sunday against the Rams would give the Cowboys a 2-1 record with five of their next six games coming at home.
Much like the Cowboys, the Rams are coming off a road win after a disappointing home opener, and they’ll be looking to get on a roll of their own.
Here are the Week 3 gut feelings from staff writers Nick Eatman, Bryan Broaddus, Rowan Kavner and David Helman.
Nick Eatman:My opinion of Rams has been a rollercoaster ride this past week and they’ve only played one game. Losing so badly to the Vikings at home was surprising, then beating the Bucs on the road was, as well.
But the way Tampa looked Thursday night in Atlanta, what can you really tell about that close victory the Rams had last week? I guess it doesn’t matter. What we know is that it won’t be easy to go up to St. Louis and get a win. I think the Cowboys are the better team, but it doesn’t always matter. To me, whoever strikes first will probably win. The Cowboys have seen that firsthand the last two weeks, and if they can get an early lead and establish the run, it’ll play right into their hands. If they’re having to play catch-up, it favors the Rams. I see Terrance Williams or Cole Beasley having a nice day because they will get plenty of looks. I won’t be surprised if DeMarco Murray is held to less than 100 yards because they will make sure and stop that part. This one will be close but Dan Bailey saves the Cowboys late – possibly on a record-breaking field goal.
Bryan Broaddus:Rams defensive coordinator Gregg Williams knows that his run defense is bad and, there really isn’t anything that he can do to correct that. He can start Aaron Donald at defensive tackle instead of
Kendall Langford, and that would help to get a tackle or two behind the line of scrimmage, but Langford continues to start. Williams will try and walk safeties up like he has the previous two weeks, but just take a look at where those adjustments have landed him. The Rams are not physical enough to play toe-to-toe with this Cowboys offensive front and win this game upfront playing that way. The Rams have built their defense to rush the passer, and until they find a way to stop the run that will not happen. DeMarco Murray has over 145 yards on the ground and leaves St. Louis extending his mark as the top rusher in the NFL.
Rowan Kavner: It’s hard to project how teams will look by the end of the year after only two games, but this appears to be one of the most winnable games the Cowboys are going to have the rest of the way, particularly considering the quarterback issues in St. Louis. That said, the Cowboys have some problems of their own, particularly at linebacker with Rolando McClain and Justin Durant banged up. I think if McClain can’t go, this defense looks completely different and the Rams will have some success on the ground. I think DeMarco Murray makes it three straight games with 100 yards on the ground and Cole Beasley ends the day with the most catches for the Cowboys, who edge out the win by a point in St. Louis.
David Helman: I tend to think of myself as the most pessimistic writer on this staff, but I am incredibly confident that the Cowboys can go into St. Louis and get a win – and a comfortable one, at that. The Rams are allowing an average of 151 yards on the ground, and I basically just don’t believe they’ll be able to handle DeMarco Murray and this offensive line. Regardless of who St. Louis starts at quarterback, be it Austin Davis or Shaun Hill, I don’t think he’ll make enough throws to expose the Dallas defense. Zac Stacy should have some success if Rolando McClain isn’t mopping up tackles in the middle, but I’m not sure he can get more than 100. I think Murray is going to have three rushing touchdowns, and Jason Witten will catch one. Cowboys will win – something like 34-20.
Posted 10 hours ago
By DallasCowboys.com Report
aa
For the first time this season, the Cowboys have a chance to start a winning streak this weekend in St. Louis – something they only managed twice last season. A win on Sunday against the Rams would give the Cowboys a 2-1 record with five of their next six games coming at home.
Much like the Cowboys, the Rams are coming off a road win after a disappointing home opener, and they’ll be looking to get on a roll of their own.
Here are the Week 3 gut feelings from staff writers Nick Eatman, Bryan Broaddus, Rowan Kavner and David Helman.
Nick Eatman:My opinion of Rams has been a rollercoaster ride this past week and they’ve only played one game. Losing so badly to the Vikings at home was surprising, then beating the Bucs on the road was, as well.
But the way Tampa looked Thursday night in Atlanta, what can you really tell about that close victory the Rams had last week? I guess it doesn’t matter. What we know is that it won’t be easy to go up to St. Louis and get a win. I think the Cowboys are the better team, but it doesn’t always matter. To me, whoever strikes first will probably win. The Cowboys have seen that firsthand the last two weeks, and if they can get an early lead and establish the run, it’ll play right into their hands. If they’re having to play catch-up, it favors the Rams. I see Terrance Williams or Cole Beasley having a nice day because they will get plenty of looks. I won’t be surprised if DeMarco Murray is held to less than 100 yards because they will make sure and stop that part. This one will be close but Dan Bailey saves the Cowboys late – possibly on a record-breaking field goal.
Bryan Broaddus:Rams defensive coordinator Gregg Williams knows that his run defense is bad and, there really isn’t anything that he can do to correct that. He can start Aaron Donald at defensive tackle instead of
Kendall Langford, and that would help to get a tackle or two behind the line of scrimmage, but Langford continues to start. Williams will try and walk safeties up like he has the previous two weeks, but just take a look at where those adjustments have landed him. The Rams are not physical enough to play toe-to-toe with this Cowboys offensive front and win this game upfront playing that way. The Rams have built their defense to rush the passer, and until they find a way to stop the run that will not happen. DeMarco Murray has over 145 yards on the ground and leaves St. Louis extending his mark as the top rusher in the NFL.
Rowan Kavner: It’s hard to project how teams will look by the end of the year after only two games, but this appears to be one of the most winnable games the Cowboys are going to have the rest of the way, particularly considering the quarterback issues in St. Louis. That said, the Cowboys have some problems of their own, particularly at linebacker with Rolando McClain and Justin Durant banged up. I think if McClain can’t go, this defense looks completely different and the Rams will have some success on the ground. I think DeMarco Murray makes it three straight games with 100 yards on the ground and Cole Beasley ends the day with the most catches for the Cowboys, who edge out the win by a point in St. Louis.
David Helman: I tend to think of myself as the most pessimistic writer on this staff, but I am incredibly confident that the Cowboys can go into St. Louis and get a win – and a comfortable one, at that. The Rams are allowing an average of 151 yards on the ground, and I basically just don’t believe they’ll be able to handle DeMarco Murray and this offensive line. Regardless of who St. Louis starts at quarterback, be it Austin Davis or Shaun Hill, I don’t think he’ll make enough throws to expose the Dallas defense. Zac Stacy should have some success if Rolando McClain isn’t mopping up tackles in the middle, but I’m not sure he can get more than 100. I think Murray is going to have three rushing touchdowns, and Jason Witten will catch one. Cowboys will win – something like 34-20.
Rams back up ready for another shot at starting
Quarterback Austin Davis made a guest appearance on the Jeff Fisher radio show Monday night at Buffalo Wild Wings, and nobody knew who he was.
Davis arrived about 45 minutes early with his wife, ordered some food and ate in anonymity.
“We laughed about it,” Davis said. “Sat there, had some wings, jumped up on stage and did the interview.”
OK, Davis was wearing a ballcap. (Yes, a baseball Cardinals cap.) But it wasn’t pulled down over his face, and he wasn’t wearing dark sunglasses.
And in the interest of full disclosure, Davis did say that one person in the restaurant recognized him.
“One man came over and introduced himself, and said, ‘Congratulations,’" Davis said. “But for the most part, we snuck right in. I’m OK with that.”
Things may never reach the stage of Warner-mania, when Kurt and wife Brenda once ate facing the wall in the back of a restaurant so they could eat in peace. Then again, if Davis keeps having performances like the one against Tampa Bay, it will become increasingly difficult to dine incognito.
After leading the Rams to a 19-17 victory over Tampa Bay in his first NFL start, Austin is in line for another starting assignment Sunday against visiting Dallas.
He got the vast majority of the reps during practice this week. Veteran Shaun Hill did a little bit on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday — the three full-scale practices of the week — but was listed as limited each day, and his official status is questionable for the Cowboys.
With Hill still recovering from the thigh injury he suffered against Minnesota in the Rams’ season opener, it doesn’t make much sense to hand him the football Sunday after barely practicing for two weeks.
“It’s better and better every day, absolutely,” Hill said when asked about the injury. “That’s about all I can say about it. It certainly is getting better every day.”
Fisher has done everything in his power to prevent this from becoming a quarterback controversy, and after all his years in the league he’s pretty good at it.
“Austin looked good,” Fisher said after Friday’s practice. “He got his reps and Shaun was limited, and we’re going to list him as questionable for the game. It’ll be a game-time decision.”
End sound bite.
But only the naive or ill-informed truly believe it will be anyone but Davis against the Cowboys. And despite Fisher’s efforts, Davis can turn this into a quarterback controversy with another strong outing.
Davis presented the game ball that was given to him by Fisher to his father after the Tampa Bay game. Since then he has been all about preparing for Dallas. Davis flashed his understated sense of humor during the week when asked what problems the Cowboys’ defense presented.
“Well, hopefully none,” he said, chuckling.
Then he proceeded to break down the Dallas “D” like a savvy veteran.
“They’re a similar defense to (Tampa),” Davis said. “But they’re probably gonna play a little more post safety.”
(As in playing just one safety deep instead of two.)
“They’re going to disguise coverages probably a hair better, rotate the safeties later,” Davis continued. “They have a real active group up front. Really good defensive line, a solid linebacking core. The corners — Morris Claiborne and Brandon Carr — are really, really good players.
“They’re going to try and come up and press us and not allow our receivers to get off the line of scrimmage. I think that’ll be key, our ability to beat press, to beat man-to-man, and win down the field.”
As well as Davis played last week against Tampa, his favorite team growing up in Mississippi because he liked their uniforms, there remains plenty of room for improvement.
“Absolutely,” Davis said. “Yeah, we left some points on the field. We’re not going to be able to that this week. Dallas has a great offense. They’re going to score points and we’re going to have to match that.”
There were a few throws that were off the mark against Tampa Bay, and a few decisions that could’ve been better by Davis. But overall, offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer gave Davis high marks for his work against the Buccaneers.
“I really wasn’t surprised,” Schottenheimer said. “Obviously, you get thrown into a game the week before (against Minnesota), you kind of go into a little bit of a panic mode. But having a week to prepare ... I thought he did a really good job.”
“Love the way he made plays in the clutch. It wasn’t perfect but he moved the team. Got us in and out of the right plays and made some big-time throws down the clutch to help us win the game.”
Beyond the physical part, Schottenheimer also was impressed with the leadership skills displayed by Davis since getting pressed into action.
“I tell you what, his leadership ability, that’s not easy,” Schottenheimer said. “You come from being a third-string quarterback. You step in the huddle with some strong personalities _ and he’s handled it terrific. The guys respect him.”
With another full week of practice under his belt working with the starting offense, it’s conceivable Davis could be even better this week. One thing’s for certain: The Rams are hoping he’s more than a one-hit wonder.
“He’s got to put another good game together this week,” Schottenheimer said. “He’s not going to be satisfied, we’re not going to be satisfied, with just one good game.”
Which could make it tougher to eat chicken wings undetected.
Quarterback Austin Davis made a guest appearance on the Jeff Fisher radio show Monday night at Buffalo Wild Wings, and nobody knew who he was.
Davis arrived about 45 minutes early with his wife, ordered some food and ate in anonymity.
“We laughed about it,” Davis said. “Sat there, had some wings, jumped up on stage and did the interview.”
OK, Davis was wearing a ballcap. (Yes, a baseball Cardinals cap.) But it wasn’t pulled down over his face, and he wasn’t wearing dark sunglasses.
And in the interest of full disclosure, Davis did say that one person in the restaurant recognized him.
“One man came over and introduced himself, and said, ‘Congratulations,’" Davis said. “But for the most part, we snuck right in. I’m OK with that.”
Things may never reach the stage of Warner-mania, when Kurt and wife Brenda once ate facing the wall in the back of a restaurant so they could eat in peace. Then again, if Davis keeps having performances like the one against Tampa Bay, it will become increasingly difficult to dine incognito.
After leading the Rams to a 19-17 victory over Tampa Bay in his first NFL start, Austin is in line for another starting assignment Sunday against visiting Dallas.
He got the vast majority of the reps during practice this week. Veteran Shaun Hill did a little bit on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday — the three full-scale practices of the week — but was listed as limited each day, and his official status is questionable for the Cowboys.
With Hill still recovering from the thigh injury he suffered against Minnesota in the Rams’ season opener, it doesn’t make much sense to hand him the football Sunday after barely practicing for two weeks.
“It’s better and better every day, absolutely,” Hill said when asked about the injury. “That’s about all I can say about it. It certainly is getting better every day.”
Fisher has done everything in his power to prevent this from becoming a quarterback controversy, and after all his years in the league he’s pretty good at it.
“Austin looked good,” Fisher said after Friday’s practice. “He got his reps and Shaun was limited, and we’re going to list him as questionable for the game. It’ll be a game-time decision.”
End sound bite.
But only the naive or ill-informed truly believe it will be anyone but Davis against the Cowboys. And despite Fisher’s efforts, Davis can turn this into a quarterback controversy with another strong outing.
Davis presented the game ball that was given to him by Fisher to his father after the Tampa Bay game. Since then he has been all about preparing for Dallas. Davis flashed his understated sense of humor during the week when asked what problems the Cowboys’ defense presented.
“Well, hopefully none,” he said, chuckling.
Then he proceeded to break down the Dallas “D” like a savvy veteran.
“They’re a similar defense to (Tampa),” Davis said. “But they’re probably gonna play a little more post safety.”
(As in playing just one safety deep instead of two.)
“They’re going to disguise coverages probably a hair better, rotate the safeties later,” Davis continued. “They have a real active group up front. Really good defensive line, a solid linebacking core. The corners — Morris Claiborne and Brandon Carr — are really, really good players.
“They’re going to try and come up and press us and not allow our receivers to get off the line of scrimmage. I think that’ll be key, our ability to beat press, to beat man-to-man, and win down the field.”
As well as Davis played last week against Tampa, his favorite team growing up in Mississippi because he liked their uniforms, there remains plenty of room for improvement.
“Absolutely,” Davis said. “Yeah, we left some points on the field. We’re not going to be able to that this week. Dallas has a great offense. They’re going to score points and we’re going to have to match that.”
There were a few throws that were off the mark against Tampa Bay, and a few decisions that could’ve been better by Davis. But overall, offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer gave Davis high marks for his work against the Buccaneers.
“I really wasn’t surprised,” Schottenheimer said. “Obviously, you get thrown into a game the week before (against Minnesota), you kind of go into a little bit of a panic mode. But having a week to prepare ... I thought he did a really good job.”
“Love the way he made plays in the clutch. It wasn’t perfect but he moved the team. Got us in and out of the right plays and made some big-time throws down the clutch to help us win the game.”
Beyond the physical part, Schottenheimer also was impressed with the leadership skills displayed by Davis since getting pressed into action.
“I tell you what, his leadership ability, that’s not easy,” Schottenheimer said. “You come from being a third-string quarterback. You step in the huddle with some strong personalities _ and he’s handled it terrific. The guys respect him.”
With another full week of practice under his belt working with the starting offense, it’s conceivable Davis could be even better this week. One thing’s for certain: The Rams are hoping he’s more than a one-hit wonder.
“He’s got to put another good game together this week,” Schottenheimer said. “He’s not going to be satisfied, we’re not going to be satisfied, with just one good game.”
Which could make it tougher to eat chicken wings undetected.
Dallas Cowboys (1-1) at St. Louis Rams (1-1)
Line: Cowboys by 1. Total: 44.
Las Vegas Hilton Advance Point Spread : Cowboys -1.
Walt's Calculated Line: Rams -3.
Sunday, Sept. 21, 1:00 ET
Comment on this game
The Game. Edge: None.
VEGAS UPDATE: The Vegas sportsbooks had record winnings on the Sunday of Week 1. They continued to collect tons of money last week from poor degenerates. Of the seven highly bet teams, only one covered (Patriots). All the rest (Lions, Saints, Seahawks, packers, Broncos, 49ers) disappointed bettors.
Vegas has to give money back at some point, right? If they don't, there won't be anyone left to gamble. The average degenerate will have to resort to turning a couple of tricks each week just so he can get his parlay ticket in.
Once again, follow @walterfootball for updates.
DALLAS OFFENSE: Everyone's impressed by the Cowboys' victory over the Titans, but there are a couple of misleading things. One is Tony Romo's performance. Dallas' scoring attack stayed on the field for a very long time and moved the chains with ease, but Romo wasn't a big factor. In fact, the team did this in spite of Romo, who has attempted just five passes of more than 20 yards in his first two games. Romo, who made some terrible decisions in the opener, has transformed into a game-manager.
The Cowboys were able to move the chains so effectively because of DeMarco Murray. The oft-injured running back has been excellent thus far, averaging 5.6 yards per carry. He has to be licking his chops in anticipation of this matchup after watching the Rams surrender 151 yards on the ground to Bobby Rainey and company this past Sunday.
Establishing Murray will obviously be key, as it'll keep Romo out of long-yardage situations. The Rams have a tremendous pass rush, even without Chris Long, so even Dallas' improved offensive front could have some issues blocking Robert Quinn and company.
ST. LOUIS OFFENSE: Something else that was misleading about Dallas' victory was the play of the defense. Every talking head on TV is saying stuff like, "The Cowboys' defense isn't as bad as we thought it was!" Yes, it is. It's pretty bad. Rolando McClain hasn't been as useless as anticipated, but the Cowboys are awful in terms of defending the run (5.17 YPC) and struggle with the pass. The reason they were so successful last week was because Jake Locker imploded.
Austin Davis may implode as well. He's only making his second start, so he's an unknown. However, Davis did play very well in Tampa last week, so one would think that he would be better at home against a pedestrian defense. It'll help Davis that he'll have Stedman Bailey back from suspension, though the Cowboys will also welcome back a player of their own in Orlando Scandrick.
I'd be surprised if the Rams didn't move the chains effectively. As mentioned, the Cowboys surrender more than five yards per carry, so Zac Stacy figures to have a big outing, which will set up Davis with favorable passing situations.
RECAP: I went with two units on St. Louis last week. It was one of the few correct wagers I made, so why not repeat it? I like the Rams because they're underrated; I think they should be -3 in this contest instead of +1, thus giving us four points of spread value. We're also fading the public and going against public overreaction, which is almost always a good thing.
FINAL THOUGHTS: There's an absurd amount of action on the Cowboys, so it's either St. Louis or nothing. I still like the Rams for a couple of units, as they are the better team getting points at home. The sharps agree.
The Psychology. Edge: Rams.
The Cowboys could be looking past the Rams. Following this "easy" game, they have the Saints, in-state rival Texans, Seahawks and then two NFC East games.
The Vegas. Edge: Rams.
The Cowboys are back because they beat the Titans!
Percentage of money on Dallas: 89% (23,000 bets)
The Trends. Edge: None.
Cowboys are 21-11 ATS as an underdog since 2009. ???
The underdog is 45-18 ATS in Cowboys games since 2010.
Jeff Fisher is 41-27 ATS as an underdog since 2006.
Opening Line: Pick.
Opening Total: 45.5.
Weather: Dome.
Week 3 NFL Pick: Rams 23, Cowboys 20
Rams +1 (2 Units)
Under 44 (0 Units)
Line: Cowboys by 1. Total: 44.
Las Vegas Hilton Advance Point Spread : Cowboys -1.
Walt's Calculated Line: Rams -3.
Sunday, Sept. 21, 1:00 ET
Comment on this game
The Game. Edge: None.
VEGAS UPDATE: The Vegas sportsbooks had record winnings on the Sunday of Week 1. They continued to collect tons of money last week from poor degenerates. Of the seven highly bet teams, only one covered (Patriots). All the rest (Lions, Saints, Seahawks, packers, Broncos, 49ers) disappointed bettors.
Vegas has to give money back at some point, right? If they don't, there won't be anyone left to gamble. The average degenerate will have to resort to turning a couple of tricks each week just so he can get his parlay ticket in.
Once again, follow @walterfootball for updates.
DALLAS OFFENSE: Everyone's impressed by the Cowboys' victory over the Titans, but there are a couple of misleading things. One is Tony Romo's performance. Dallas' scoring attack stayed on the field for a very long time and moved the chains with ease, but Romo wasn't a big factor. In fact, the team did this in spite of Romo, who has attempted just five passes of more than 20 yards in his first two games. Romo, who made some terrible decisions in the opener, has transformed into a game-manager.
The Cowboys were able to move the chains so effectively because of DeMarco Murray. The oft-injured running back has been excellent thus far, averaging 5.6 yards per carry. He has to be licking his chops in anticipation of this matchup after watching the Rams surrender 151 yards on the ground to Bobby Rainey and company this past Sunday.
Establishing Murray will obviously be key, as it'll keep Romo out of long-yardage situations. The Rams have a tremendous pass rush, even without Chris Long, so even Dallas' improved offensive front could have some issues blocking Robert Quinn and company.
ST. LOUIS OFFENSE: Something else that was misleading about Dallas' victory was the play of the defense. Every talking head on TV is saying stuff like, "The Cowboys' defense isn't as bad as we thought it was!" Yes, it is. It's pretty bad. Rolando McClain hasn't been as useless as anticipated, but the Cowboys are awful in terms of defending the run (5.17 YPC) and struggle with the pass. The reason they were so successful last week was because Jake Locker imploded.
Austin Davis may implode as well. He's only making his second start, so he's an unknown. However, Davis did play very well in Tampa last week, so one would think that he would be better at home against a pedestrian defense. It'll help Davis that he'll have Stedman Bailey back from suspension, though the Cowboys will also welcome back a player of their own in Orlando Scandrick.
I'd be surprised if the Rams didn't move the chains effectively. As mentioned, the Cowboys surrender more than five yards per carry, so Zac Stacy figures to have a big outing, which will set up Davis with favorable passing situations.
RECAP: I went with two units on St. Louis last week. It was one of the few correct wagers I made, so why not repeat it? I like the Rams because they're underrated; I think they should be -3 in this contest instead of +1, thus giving us four points of spread value. We're also fading the public and going against public overreaction, which is almost always a good thing.
FINAL THOUGHTS: There's an absurd amount of action on the Cowboys, so it's either St. Louis or nothing. I still like the Rams for a couple of units, as they are the better team getting points at home. The sharps agree.
The Psychology. Edge: Rams.
The Cowboys could be looking past the Rams. Following this "easy" game, they have the Saints, in-state rival Texans, Seahawks and then two NFC East games.
The Vegas. Edge: Rams.
The Cowboys are back because they beat the Titans!
Percentage of money on Dallas: 89% (23,000 bets)
The Trends. Edge: None.
Cowboys are 21-11 ATS as an underdog since 2009. ???
The underdog is 45-18 ATS in Cowboys games since 2010.
Jeff Fisher is 41-27 ATS as an underdog since 2006.
Opening Line: Pick.
Opening Total: 45.5.
Weather: Dome.
Week 3 NFL Pick: Rams 23, Cowboys 20
Rams +1 (2 Units)
Under 44 (0 Units)
- Messages
- 55,062
- Reaction score
- 6,178
His grades say otherwise
- Messages
- 55,062
- Reaction score
- 6,178
It is? Hell like TE said, Frederick is pretty close to an elite player now himself. I think Martin has shown he's pretty damn good too, even though we've only seen him for one preseason and a couple of real games.
- Messages
- 55,062
- Reaction score
- 6,178
Martin was drafted with the idea that he would move to RT. Frederick was drafted at the bottom of the first rd.
I called him elite because the people that cover the league called him elite. One of the greatest defensive players in the history of the league called him elite.
- Messages
- 15,011
- Reaction score
- 2,097
- Messages
- 55,062
- Reaction score
- 6,178
RAMS-COWBOYS INACTIVES
Cowboys: QB Dustin Vaughan, CB Tyler Patmon, LB Justin Durant, LB Rolando McClain, DT Davon Coleman, OT Donald Hawkins, DE Anthony Spencer.
Rams: CB Trumaine Johnson, CB Brandon McGee, OL Barrett Jones, WR Tavon Austin, QB Case Keenum, RB Tre Mason, S Maurice Alexander.
Cowboys: QB Dustin Vaughan, CB Tyler Patmon, LB Justin Durant, LB Rolando McClain, DT Davon Coleman, OT Donald Hawkins, DE Anthony Spencer.
Rams: CB Trumaine Johnson, CB Brandon McGee, OL Barrett Jones, WR Tavon Austin, QB Case Keenum, RB Tre Mason, S Maurice Alexander.
- Messages
- 15,011
- Reaction score
- 2,097
Detroit, right? Good thing that didn't bite us in the ass.
- Messages
- 55,062
- Reaction score
- 6,178
1 is still 1 BB
- Messages
- 55,062
- Reaction score
- 6,178
Thinking Rams will sell out with 8 and 9 man fronts, a lot of run blitzes to stop Murray today.
Romo will probably have to have a pretty good game for us to score some points. Need to see him throw with more accuracy and make some big plays downfield to soften them up.
Romo will probably have to have a pretty good game for us to score some points. Need to see him throw with more accuracy and make some big plays downfield to soften them up.