We Dem Boyz: Bringing Big O Back to the Big D (M18)

Collapse

Recommended Videos

Collapse
X
 
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
  • Hellisan
    Fan of real schools
    • Jul 2002
    • 1893

    #121
    Re: We Dem Boyz: Bringing Big O Back to the Big D (M18)

    Not into Madden AT ALL but given who is producing this baby, I had to check in. Congrats on attending UConn, above all else have a great time but don't fall behind! "Gitrdone" (from a 42 yo full time college student working 40-80 to pay my way as I go).

    Sheez.. Dez at 95, that was... generous. 2-3 years ago that would have been generous... Not a good year for the McCown bros... As you said, D was a little shaky in the air against the Broncos, but they couldn't do a thing on the ground.

    Zona game, I'm surprised how bad the protection was with the line you have. Arizona is a talented team, so any given Sunday... Your screenshots look really good, and the box scores are great looking... Trashed the Rams, love the pics of Lee and Jones... On a real roll there against Green Bay, why is Martellus Bennett giving the Devil Horns by the way.

    I cant' figure out why the 49ers ran the ball so few times, they were in control of the game early. Glad you played them before a real QB showed up in their lineup? After petering along ho hum style for awhile, the wheels fell of for Prescott agianst The Skins. Good thing you were able to find a way to still win that game, tha'ts rare to win a game with a 0-4 TO Deficit. That screen of Dez up close (with Norman picking it off) really shows off the graphics for people like me still stuck in the past playing their 360s, the detail there is really nice.

    Dak somehow tops his previous worst effort the next game and yet again the team pulls out a W, the defense is playing great... Atlanta really cooled them off, like you pointed out even in the pictures they looked lazy and/or taking ho hum angles... That great photo of Wentz really reminds me of an Aaron Rodgers successfully pulling off that cross field throw.

    The fighting Spanoses were a bit of a buzzsaw until the Boys cooled them off with 24 points in the second quarter and hung on. Your rushing attack is embarrassing the league at this point. Zeke injury - was that a "visible injury" that you then pulled him on? Or a real injury in the game?

    Freaking Malik McDowell, what a horrible pick that turned out to be, some say he may never play football. What did he do on that ATV, knock half his face off or something? I was hoping to read that my Hawks were at least a little competitive - obviously without Russ they're nothing.

    Eagles preview... 600+ yard gap between the #1 and #2 rushing team, that's insane.

    Glad to see the Hawks won their Wild Card game, and can't wait to see how this one turns out. Bad luck.

    Comment

    • RoundingThird
      Leyenda
      • Aug 2012
      • 3468

      #122
      Re: We Dem Boyz: Bringing Big O Back to the Big D (M18)

      Originally posted by Hellisan
      Not into Madden AT ALL but given who is producing this baby, I had to check in. Congrats on attending UConn, above all else have a great time but don't fall behind! "Gitrdone" (from a 42 yo full time college student working 40-80 to pay my way as I go).

      Sheez.. Dez at 95, that was... generous. 2-3 years ago that would have been generous... Not a good year for the McCown bros... As you said, D was a little shaky in the air against the Broncos, but they couldn't do a thing on the ground.

      Zona game, I'm surprised how bad the protection was with the line you have. Arizona is a talented team, so any given Sunday... Your screenshots look really good, and the box scores are great looking... Trashed the Rams, love the pics of Lee and Jones... On a real roll there against Green Bay, why is Martellus Bennett giving the Devil Horns by the way.

      I cant' figure out why the 49ers ran the ball so few times, they were in control of the game early. Glad you played them before a real QB showed up in their lineup? After petering along ho hum style for awhile, the wheels fell of for Prescott agianst The Skins. Good thing you were able to find a way to still win that game, tha'ts rare to win a game with a 0-4 TO Deficit. That screen of Dez up close (with Norman picking it off) really shows off the graphics for people like me still stuck in the past playing their 360s, the detail there is really nice.

      Dak somehow tops his previous worst effort the next game and yet again the team pulls out a W, the defense is playing great... Atlanta really cooled them off, like you pointed out even in the pictures they looked lazy and/or taking ho hum angles... That great photo of Wentz really reminds me of an Aaron Rodgers successfully pulling off that cross field throw.

      The fighting Spanoses were a bit of a buzzsaw until the Boys cooled them off with 24 points in the second quarter and hung on. Your rushing attack is embarrassing the league at this point. Zeke injury - was that a "visible injury" that you then pulled him on? Or a real injury in the game?

      Freaking Malik McDowell, what a horrible pick that turned out to be, some say he may never play football. What did he do on that ATV, knock half his face off or something? I was hoping to read that my Hawks were at least a little competitive - obviously without Russ they're nothing.

      Eagles preview... 600+ yard gap between the #1 and #2 rushing team, that's insane.

      Glad to see the Hawks won their Wild Card game, and can't wait to see how this one turns out. Bad luck.
      First off, thanks for all the kinds words about school! I love every minute of every day, and going to all the sports games feels so surreal, since I went to many as a kid.

      I'm glad you like my piss poor, college dorm room TV screenshots, because I don't. They aren't as good as they could be, and I hope you noticed the sharp contrast beginning with the second game against the Redskins, which signaled my return home for break. Speaking of which, I go back Monday, so I'm hoping to be done with the season by then (I have at least one game left to play).

      Some of the games I've played this year, I've witnessed very poor decision making by the CPU. I don't know if that's a result of the sliders, which I've been tweaking after every single game, or not, but it's been very weird. The 49ers abandoning the run after torching us in the 1st quarter was probably the most blatantly stupid of all the stupid I've seen this year.

      But yeah, things have been fun, and it means so much to hear from you. You've always been my favorite 'chiser on here, so my heart skipped a beat when I saw you posted in my thread. I get how you feel about Madden, it's definitely not for everyone, and is very different from NCAA, which I very much miss playing. I miss being able to recruit and watch my players develop, then sending off to bigger things after 4 years.

      Thanks for all your kind words and for reading through the entire thread! That's so amazing for you to do!
      Red Sox|Patriots|Celtics|UConn

      Comment

      • RoundingThird
        Leyenda
        • Aug 2012
        • 3468

        #123
        Re: We Dem Boyz: Bringing Big O Back to the Big D (M18)





        Game Recap: Cowboys 24, Seahawks 19
        Cowboys defense makes the necessary big plays to seal the deal


        On 4th down, with the game on the line and just over a minute to play, Chidobe Awuzie (33) elevates to haul in the game sealing interception at the goal line, the rookie's second INT of the afternoon.

        That was almost catastrophic. The Cowboys were in control for the entire game, but they let the Seahawks hang around. For the most part, it wasn’t anybody’s fault. The Seahawks sure learned their lessons from the first meeting three weeks ago. Pete Carroll had his guys come out angry, especially his defense, after the dramatic events that occurred at the end of that first game, where Terrance Williams ran across the middle of the field, then down the sideline untouched for a touchdown for a 51 yard score as time expired. The Seahawks are the league’s #2 defense, so we could have seen this coming, a day where the Cowboys’ offense looked just a little bit off sync compared to where it was last year. There were drops, two fumbles at the worst possible time, and just a sense of miscommunication between Dak Prescott and his offense. But, we got away with it. That Cowboys defense has been #1 all season long for a reason, and marched on despite early injuries by Sean Lee and Stephen Paea, the injury to Lee ending his season. We got away with it even after the Seahawks had the ball at the 1 yard line down five with under 1:30 to play. This team is full of fighters, and because of that, we have a game next Sunday.

        Coach Freday thought his team was on the ropes on the very first drive. Thomas Rawls got knocked out of the game within the first couple plays, but all Eddie Lacy did upon coming into the game was turn into a human bulldozer. The Cowboys had trouble adjusting on the first drive, and a couple of key conversions put the Seahawks across midfield. Russell Wilson was also being himself. After all, he and Dak Prescott, and DeMarcus Lawrence, are the three frontrunners for MVP at this point. But, a huge sack on third down by Lawrence, his first action since the first game against Seattle on Christmas Eve, pushed the Seahawks back to a long field goal from Travis Coons. Nonetheless, Seattle had an early lead, and quickly got the ball back after the Cowboys went three and out, Dak Prescott being sacked twice himself on that initial drive. But, the Cowboys defense got off the field much quicker this time, rallying together after Sean Lee went down with what turned out to be a groin injury on the first play after the punt. After feeling out the Seattle defense on that first drive, Dak came out ready to go. Alfred Morris had a good day, but nowhere near the standards he had set for himself in the regular season. So, it was Dak’s ballgame to run, not Morris’s. The Cowboys QB led a masterful drive, finishing perfect in the air, and making some key plays with his feet, like scrambling for one yard and the end zone on 3rd and goal, putting the Cowboys in front 7-3. After that, however, the game really broke down. The Seahawks got across midfield again, but had to punt this time. Dak Prescott saw Cole Beasley running past Tramaine Brock, but Kam Chancellor came across from centerfield to snatch a pick before the ball could reach Beasley. It took a brave stand from the Cowboys to prevent points, and by then, the second quarter was winding down. The Cowboys got into field goal range, with about 30 seconds left, content with a field goal since they would be getting the ball first out of the break. Dan Bailey has been darn near perfect all season long, except for the two missed PATs in the regular season finale. His only missed field goal all season? Week 4 against the Rams, when he had one blocked and returned for a touchdown. Enter Jeremy Lane. On a 54 yard try, Lane came flying across the right side and smacked that thing right to the ground. Seemingly everywhere, Kam Chancellor scooped it up and gave the lead back to Seattle, by a score of 10-7.


        Dak Prescott takes control, and powers it in from one yard out, giving the 'Boys the lead for the first time.


        Jeremy Lane gets hit filthy little mitts on Dan Bailey's masterpiece of a kick, completely turning the tides in this one, at least for the time being.


        Kam Chancellor gives the lead back to Seattle by taking the blocked kick to the house, as Robert Griffin III (12, the holder) pathetically gives one last effort.

        Believe it or not, the Cowboys got back into field goal range before the half was over. They had three timeouts, so after Dak tested Richard Sherman, in one-on-one coverage with Dez Bryant, to no avail, Morris ran it up the middle for a chunk, followed by a timeout. Dak hit Dez over the middle for a first down and more, followed by another timeout, and suddenly, with 7 seconds left, the Cowboys were at the 40. They were 1 or 2 yards away from Dan Bailey’s comfortable range. A quick slant to Dez was batted down by Bobby Wagner, and we were down to 4 seconds. The Cowboys still had one timout, so Coach Freday called on Alfred Morris to just pound it up the middle for a few yards and then get down, so time wouldn’t run out. But, he fumbled. That’s right, folks. The man who didn’t fumble once all season waited until a point in the playoffs where it would directly cost his team points. Thankfully, however, halftime was over. 10-7 Seattle.

        Four minutes was all it took for the Cowboys to retake the lead. Down inside Seattle territory in just 3 plays, after big runs by Alfred Morris and then Dak Prescott, the Cowboys got the crowd back into it after Prescott floated one to Jason Witten in the corner for a gain of 25 down to the 15. From there, the Cowboys had another close call. After Morris was shut down by Michael Bennett, Dak took off running on 2nd down and had his eyes on the end zone. With the Seahawks in zone coverage, Dak had plenty of room to run all day, as you have probably seen by now. So did Russell Wilson, but we’ll get to that. Anyway, on this particular run, he got the first down and then some, diving head first for the end zone, which is not the best idea when three defenders are lurking. It took just a tap from Earl Thomas for the ball to come lose, but thankfully, Dez Bryant was there, and fell on it at the 1 yard line. A sack drove the Cowboys back to the 5, and after a powerful run by Morris came up just short, Dak found the fullback Keith Smith off play action in the end zone for a touchdown. It was 14-10 Dallas, after Dan Bailey’s extra point almost got blocked again by Jeremy Lane.

        As soon as the Seahawks got a little bit of momentum, the Cowboys defense struck again. Give credit to the Seahawks, they made a couple of halftime adjustments that allowed their offense to move the ball much better. Wilson got the ball off faster, before the dynamic duo of Lawrence and Irving could close on him. But, on a 3rd and 7 in field goal range, Russ got a little scared, and the Cowboys took advantage. Jimmy Graham was double covered, but when you need a play, you look for your most reliable target, so that’s what Russ did. However, Robert Blanton was right there, and the throw was so far off, even Coach Freday wondered what he was thinking. But, the Cowboys could only muster a field goal from the good starting field position, continuing the motif of keeping Seattle in the game. The Seahawks followed with a cheese drive, before being shut down at the goal line by the Cowboys’ Prevent defense. Travis Coons nailed a chip shot with so much authority, you could easily tell how aggravated the Seahawks were. As the third quarter wound down, it was 17-13. The Seahawks just needed a stop. Things weren’t that bad for them, but they were about to be. The Cowboys had to punt again, so the Seahawks didn’t see it coming, at least at that time. But when Chidobe Awuzie came from behind Jimmy Graham’s back out in front of the play to pick off the pass, the Seahawks had shot themselves in the foot one too many times. Maybe this time, the Cowboys could take advantage, and nail down that coffin.


        I don't know what Russ was thinking here. Robert Blanton (36) was right on top of this one, and had a relatively easy interception.


        And then, Russ telegraphed it to Graham again, this time in double coverage. If Awuzie hadn't gotten it, Byron Jones definitely would have.

        Just a few plays into the 4th quarter, faced with a big third down, Dak Prescott fired a strike over to now backup tight end James Hanna, who showed fantastic footwork for a big guy, getting two feet down before being whacked by Kam Chancellor, who seemed to be in on every play for the Seahawks defense. That was the spark the ‘Boys needed, and it seemed like they were finally putting the Seahawks away for the second time in three weeks. But, even after Dak Prescott weaved his way to the end zone for his second rushing TD of the day, the Seahawks refused to be counted out. Russell Wilson led his troops back by himself, alternating between his legs and his arms. The Seahawks has just 3 passing yards in the first half, so all things considered, Mr. Wilson put together a nice game. With 4:11 to play, Wilson found Doug Baldwin on a slant from a yard out, and the Seahawks were back in it. But, the lateral to Eddie lacy was snuffed out, and the score remained 24-19 after the two point try was no good.


        Dak Prescott weaves his way between DeShawn Shead (35) and Jarran Reed (90) to extend the Cowboys lead to 24-13, which ended up being the difference in the game.

        Seattle had three timeouts left, and still had a realistic chance, but for some reason they came out in a deep zone, so Alfred Morris quickly gouged that stingy defense for 25 yards in 3 plays. Furious with his defensive coordinator, Pete Carroll called his first timeout, with 3 minutes to play. The Seahawks got their act together and stopped Morris this time after only 3 or 4 yards, setting up a 3rd and 3, from the good side of midfield. The call was for a play action pass, one of Coach Freday’s favorite plays, Alfred Morris set to go out in the flat, overall a play with a high completion percentage, in order to keep that clock moving. But, off his break, Dak saw that Morris was not open, being locked down by K.J. Wright, who had faked a blitz and dropped into coverage. So, to keep the clock moving, Dak took off. Being chased by Bobby Wagner, he tried to get to the sideline, wanting to get the first down before going out of bounds, so that the Cowboys would have an excuse to stop the clock. But, he knew he was doomed. Cradling the ball as hard as he could, he survived the initial hit from Wagner, but then in came Cliff Avril out of nowhere, and there went the ball. It sat there for awhile on the ground, right next to the Cowboys sideline. Wagner was screaming for help as he did everything to prevent Dak from recovering it. Then, in came Kam Chancellor, because that was just how this game went, and he got out of bounds and set the Seahawks up with a short field for their potential game winning drive.


        Play calling aside, Dak would have survived this play if it weren't for Cliff Avril (95) throwing his body into the play. But he did, and as a result, the ball popped free just before the knees touched down. In the background, you can see a clear look at the superstar head coach, Mr. Sam Freday.


        And there is Kam Chancellor once again, who seemed to be in on every big play today for that vaunted Seattle defense. The fumble recovery set the Seahawks up for a potential game winning drive.

        For Seattle, it was go time. For Dallas, it was time to hold on for dear life, and hope for one last defensive stand. But, on the first play, Wilson ran for a first down, the Cowboys’ trademarked zone coverage coming back to bite them. A quick dump off to fullback Marcel Reece brought us to the two minute warning, with the Seahawks down 5, inside the Dallas 35. Russ was in a fight for his life. Lawrence and Irving were starting to get pressure on him again, because he couldn’t get the ball off as quickly as he had earlier, since Seattle was frantically trying to move the ball down the field. So, he scrambled once more, tackled by Sean Lee’s replacement, Damien Wilson, after a gain of three. But, down was Wilson, holding his right hand, his throwing hand. With the injury, Seattle had to burn a timeout, and Wilson had to come out. In came Austin Davis, with Seattle’s season on the line, the same man who the Cowboys saw in the first game after Wilson went down with an injury. The first play? First down to Eddie Lacy. Then, a hand off to Lacy that got the Seahawks down to the 11. Byron Jones desperately pumped up the crowd, with the Cowboys running out of hope, even though there was still plenty of time left. They dropped 8 into coverage, ready to not let anything past them. On first down, Davis’ pass fell incomplete. In the no huddle now, Davis found Lacy running across the middle. He caught it at the 3, dove for the end zone, and came up just short, marked down at the 1. He didn’t even get the first down, so it was 3rd and goal at the 1. Wanting to get settled, the Cowboys called timeout. This was their season right here. They wanted to make sure they had the right play called on defense. What was that “right play?” Prevent of course! Davis looked around for ages, rolled left, and just before he went to throw it, DeMarcus Lawrence nailed him in the ribs, perhaps the most important of his 33 sacks this season. The crowd went berzerk, and it was the Seahawks turn for a timeout. Everybody in AT&T Stadium was on their feet, waving those rally towels, screaming themselves to deafness. Back at the 10 now, it was 4th down, and the Seahawks came to the line with a taste of what their 12th man is like to visitors. They couldn’t hear a thing, even as Austin Davis tried to give Doug Baldwin a hot route. So, that is why Davis threw it into double coverage: a lack of communication. That is why Chidobe Awuzie picked it off for the second time on the day, and ended the Seahawks’ season. That is why the Cowboys will play for an NFC Championship: because their crowd came to their side today. Hopefully, we get one more home game for them, but in order to do that, the Saints must beat the Lions. Who Dat!


        No sack was more important than this one for the new NFL Sack King, DeMarcus Lawrence. With the crowd in a state of desperate pandemonium on third down, Lawrence drills Austin Davis in the ribs, driving the 'Hawks from the 1 all the way back to the 11, and setting up a 4th down.

        Seattle Seahawks at Dallas Cowboys
        Jan 14, 20181ST2ND3RD4THSCORE
        Seattle Seahawks (13-5)373619
        Dallas Cowboys (13-4)0710724
        Team Stats Comparison
        SEADAL
        Total Offense269328
        Rushing Yards133165
        Passing Yards136163
        First Downs1519
        Punt Return Yards2216
        Kick Return Yards0123
        Total Yards291467
        Turnovers33
        3rd Down Conversion3-10 (30%)4-10 (40%)
        4th Down Conversion0-10-0
        2-Point Conversion0-10-0
        Red Zone Touchdowns/Field Goals3-1-1 (67%)3-3-0 (100%)
        Penalties0-02-10
        Posession Time23:1024:50
        Scoring Summary
        FIRST QUARTER SCORINGSEADAL
        8:29(SEA) T. Coons 53 yard FG30
        SECOND QUARTER SCORINGSEADAL
        10:18(DAL) D. Prescott 1 yard run (D. Bailey kick)37
        0:26(SEA) K. Chancellor 56 yard blocked field goal return (T. Coons kick)107
        THIRD QUARTER SCORINGSEADAL
        8:17(DAL) K. Smith 1 yard pass from D. Prescott (D. Bailey kick)1014
        6:46(DAL) D. Bailey 41 yard FG1017
        1:45(SEA) T. Coons 20 yard FG1317
        FOURTH QUARTER SCORINGSEADAL
        9:42(DAL) D. Prescott 10 yard run (D. Bailey kick)1324
        4:11(SEA) D. Baldwin 1 yard pass from R. Wilson (Conv failed)1924
        Seattle Seahawks
        PASSINGC/AYDSTDINT
        Russell Wilson16/2216512
        Austin Davis2/31001
        RUSHINGATTYDSAVGTD
        Russell Wilson7699.80
        Eddie Lacy15553.60
        Thomas Rawls273.50
        C.J. Prosise221.00
        RECEIVINGRECYDSAVGTD
        Jimmy Graham68414.00
        Eddie Lacy77310.40
        Luke Willson177.00
        Marcel Reece166.00
        Tyler Lockett133.00
        Doug Baldwin111.01
        Jermaine Kearse111.00
        DEFENSETACKSACKINT/FUMTD
        Kam Chancellor100.01/11
        Bobby Wagner91.00/00
        Earl Thomas III70.00/00
        K.J. Wright50.00/00
        Tramaine Brock51.00/00
        Jeremy Lane40.00/00
        Richard Sherman40.00/00
        Mike Neal40.00/00
        Ahtyba Rubin40.00/10
        Mike Morgan30.00/00
        DeShawn Shead30.00/00
        Jarran Reed30.00/00
        Cliff Avril22.00/00
        Michael Wilhoite20.00/00
        Michael Bennett20.00/00
        KICKINGFGXPPTSLONG
        Travis Coons2/21/1753
        PUNTINGNOYDSAVGIN20
        Jon Ryan419849.51
        PUNT RETURNRETYDSAVGTD
        Tyler Lockett22211.00
        Dallas Cowboys
        PASSINGC/AYDSTDINT
        Dak Prescott16/2718611
        RUSHINGATTYDSAVGTD
        Alfred Morris19894.60
        Dak Prescott12655.42
        Darren McFadden2115.50
        RECEIVINGRECYDSAVGTD
        Jason Witten24723.50
        Dez Bryant4358.70
        James Hanna23015.00
        Keith Smith22211.01
        Alfred Morris4215.30
        Ryan Switzer11818.00
        Cole Beasley11313.00
        DEFENSETACKSACKINTTD
        Anthony Hitchens90.000
        DeMarcus Lawrence83.000
        Robert Blanton60.010
        David Irving51.000
        Sean Lee40.000
        Byron Jones40.000
        Orlando Scandrick40.000
        Damien Wilson30.000
        Chidobe Awuzie30.520
        Anthony Brown20.000
        Justin Durant20.000
        Tyrone Crawford10.000
        Maliek Collins10.500
        KICKINGFGXPPTSLONG
        Dan Bailey1/23/3641
        PUNTINGNOYDSAVGIN20
        Chris Jones314648.60
        KICK RETURNRETYDSAVGTD
        Ryan Switzer37324.30
        Dez Bryant25025.00
        PUNT RETURNRETYDSAVGTD
        Dez Bryant2168.00


        Dallas Cowboys 2017 Schedule
        DATEOPPONENTRESULT
        Sep 10vs New York Giants (SNF)Lost, 21-14
        Sep 17at Denver BroncosWon, 19-14
        Sep 25at Arizona Cardinals (MNF)Lost, 34-20
        Oct 1vs Los Angeles RamsWon, 33-5
        Oct 8vs Green Bay PackersWon, 31-7
        Oct 22at San Francisco 49ersWon, 32-20
        Oct 29at Washington RedskinsWon, 21-16
        Nov 5vs Kansas City ChiefsWon, 17-13
        Nov 12at Atlanta FalconsLost, 37-34
        Nov 19vs Philadelphia Eagles (SNF)Won, 45-24
        Nov 23vs Los Angeles Chargers (Thanksgiving)Won, 38-35
        Nov 30vs Washington Redskins (TNF)Won, 45-17
        Dec 10at New York GiantsWon, 52-7
        Dec 17at Oakland Raiders (SNF)Won, 38-27
        Dec 24vs Seattle SeahawksWon, 27-10
        Dec 31at Philadelphia EaglesLost, 45-23
        Jan 14vs Seattle Seahawks (NFC Divisional)Won, 24-19
        Red Sox|Patriots|Celtics|UConn

        Comment

        • Hellisan
          Fan of real schools
          • Jul 2002
          • 1893

          #124
          Re: We Dem Boyz: Bringing Big O Back to the Big D (M18)

          Originally posted by RoundingThird




          Game Recap: Cowboys 24, Seahawks 19
          Cowboys defense makes the necessary big plays to seal the deal


          On 4th down, with the game on the line and just over a minute to play, Chidobe Awuzie (33) elevates to haul in the game sealing interception at the goal line, the rookie's second INT of the afternoon.

          That was almost catastrophic. The Cowboys were in control for the entire game, but they let the Seahawks hang around. For the most part, it wasn’t anybody’s fault. The Seahawks sure learned their lessons from the first meeting three weeks ago. Pete Carroll had his guys come out angry, especially his defense, after the dramatic events that occurred at the end of that first game, where Terrance Williams ran across the middle of the field, then down the sideline untouched for a touchdown for a 51 yard score as time expired. The Seahawks are the league’s #2 defense, so we could have seen this coming, a day where the Cowboys’ offense looked just a little bit off sync compared to where it was last year. There were drops, two fumbles at the worst possible time, and just a sense of miscommunication between Dak Prescott and his offense. But, we got away with it. That Cowboys defense has been #1 all season long for a reason, and marched on despite early injuries by Sean Lee and Stephen Paea, the injury to Lee ending his season. We got away with it even after the Seahawks had the ball at the 1 yard line down five with under 1:30 to play. This team is full of fighters, and because of that, we have a game next Sunday.

          Coach Freday thought his team was on the ropes on the very first drive. Thomas Rawls got knocked out of the game within the first couple plays, but all Eddie Lacy did upon coming into the game was turn into a human bulldozer. The Cowboys had trouble adjusting on the first drive, and a couple of key conversions put the Seahawks across midfield. Russell Wilson was also being himself. After all, he and Dak Prescott, and DeMarcus Lawrence, are the three frontrunners for MVP at this point. But, a huge sack on third down by Lawrence, his first action since the first game against Seattle on Christmas Eve, pushed the Seahawks back to a long field goal from Travis Coons. Nonetheless, Seattle had an early lead, and quickly got the ball back after the Cowboys went three and out, Dak Prescott being sacked twice himself on that initial drive. But, the Cowboys defense got off the field much quicker this time, rallying together after Sean Lee went down with what turned out to be a groin injury on the first play after the punt. After feeling out the Seattle defense on that first drive, Dak came out ready to go. Alfred Morris had a good day, but nowhere near the standards he had set for himself in the regular season. So, it was Dak’s ballgame to run, not Morris’s. The Cowboys QB led a masterful drive, finishing perfect in the air, and making some key plays with his feet, like scrambling for one yard and the end zone on 3rd and goal, putting the Cowboys in front 7-3. After that, however, the game really broke down. The Seahawks got across midfield again, but had to punt this time. Dak Prescott saw Cole Beasley running past Tramaine Brock, but Kam Chancellor came across from centerfield to snatch a pick before the ball could reach Beasley. It took a brave stand from the Cowboys to prevent points, and by then, the second quarter was winding down. The Cowboys got into field goal range, with about 30 seconds left, content with a field goal since they would be getting the ball first out of the break. Dan Bailey has been darn near perfect all season long, except for the two missed PATs in the regular season finale. His only missed field goal all season? Week 4 against the Rams, when he had one blocked and returned for a touchdown. Enter Jeremy Lane. On a 54 yard try, Lane came flying across the right side and smacked that thing right to the ground. Seemingly everywhere, Kam Chancellor scooped it up and gave the lead back to Seattle, by a score of 10-7.


          Dak Prescott takes control, and powers it in from one yard out, giving the 'Boys the lead for the first time.


          Jeremy Lane gets hit filthy little mitts on Dan Bailey's masterpiece of a kick, completely turning the tides in this one, at least for the time being.


          Kam Chancellor gives the lead back to Seattle by taking the blocked kick to the house, as Robert Griffin III (12, the holder) pathetically gives one last effort.

          Believe it or not, the Cowboys got back into field goal range before the half was over. They had three timeouts, so after Dak tested Richard Sherman, in one-on-one coverage with Dez Bryant, to no avail, Morris ran it up the middle for a chunk, followed by a timeout. Dak hit Dez over the middle for a first down and more, followed by another timeout, and suddenly, with 7 seconds left, the Cowboys were at the 40. They were 1 or 2 yards away from Dan Bailey’s comfortable range. A quick slant to Dez was batted down by Bobby Wagner, and we were down to 4 seconds. The Cowboys still had one timout, so Coach Freday called on Alfred Morris to just pound it up the middle for a few yards and then get down, so time wouldn’t run out. But, he fumbled. That’s right, folks. The man who didn’t fumble once all season waited until a point in the playoffs where it would directly cost his team points. Thankfully, however, halftime was over. 10-7 Seattle.

          Four minutes was all it took for the Cowboys to retake the lead. Down inside Seattle territory in just 3 plays, after big runs by Alfred Morris and then Dak Prescott, the Cowboys got the crowd back into it after Prescott floated one to Jason Witten in the corner for a gain of 25 down to the 15. From there, the Cowboys had another close call. After Morris was shut down by Michael Bennett, Dak took off running on 2nd down and had his eyes on the end zone. With the Seahawks in zone coverage, Dak had plenty of room to run all day, as you have probably seen by now. So did Russell Wilson, but we’ll get to that. Anyway, on this particular run, he got the first down and then some, diving head first for the end zone, which is not the best idea when three defenders are lurking. It took just a tap from Earl Thomas for the ball to come lose, but thankfully, Dez Bryant was there, and fell on it at the 1 yard line. A sack drove the Cowboys back to the 5, and after a powerful run by Morris came up just short, Dak found the fullback Keith Smith off play action in the end zone for a touchdown. It was 14-10 Dallas, after Dan Bailey’s extra point almost got blocked again by Jeremy Lane.

          As soon as the Seahawks got a little bit of momentum, the Cowboys defense struck again. Give credit to the Seahawks, they made a couple of halftime adjustments that allowed their offense to move the ball much better. Wilson got the ball off faster, before the dynamic duo of Lawrence and Irving could close on him. But, on a 3rd and 7 in field goal range, Russ got a little scared, and the Cowboys took advantage. Jimmy Graham was double covered, but when you need a play, you look for your most reliable target, so that’s what Russ did. However, Robert Blanton was right there, and the throw was so far off, even Coach Freday wondered what he was thinking. But, the Cowboys could only muster a field goal from the good starting field position, continuing the motif of keeping Seattle in the game. The Seahawks followed with a cheese drive, before being shut down at the goal line by the Cowboys’ Prevent defense. Travis Coons nailed a chip shot with so much authority, you could easily tell how aggravated the Seahawks were. As the third quarter wound down, it was 17-13. The Seahawks just needed a stop. Things weren’t that bad for them, but they were about to be. The Cowboys had to punt again, so the Seahawks didn’t see it coming, at least at that time. But when Chidobe Awuzie came from behind Jimmy Graham’s back out in front of the play to pick off the pass, the Seahawks had shot themselves in the foot one too many times. Maybe this time, the Cowboys could take advantage, and nail down that coffin.


          I don't know what Russ was thinking here. Robert Blanton (36) was right on top of this one, and had a relatively easy interception.


          And then, Russ telegraphed it to Graham again, this time in double coverage. If Awuzie hadn't gotten it, Byron Jones definitely would have.

          Just a few plays into the 4th quarter, faced with a big third down, Dak Prescott fired a strike over to now backup tight end James Hanna, who showed fantastic footwork for a big guy, getting two feet down before being whacked by Kam Chancellor, who seemed to be in on every play for the Seahawks defense. That was the spark the ‘Boys needed, and it seemed like they were finally putting the Seahawks away for the second time in three weeks. But, even after Dak Prescott weaved his way to the end zone for his second rushing TD of the day, the Seahawks refused to be counted out. Russell Wilson led his troops back by himself, alternating between his legs and his arms. The Seahawks has just 3 passing yards in the first half, so all things considered, Mr. Wilson put together a nice game. With 4:11 to play, Wilson found Doug Baldwin on a slant from a yard out, and the Seahawks were back in it. But, the lateral to Eddie lacy was snuffed out, and the score remained 24-19 after the two point try was no good.


          Dak Prescott weaves his way between DeShawn Shead (35) and Jarran Reed (90) to extend the Cowboys lead to 24-13, which ended up being the difference in the game.

          Seattle had three timeouts left, and still had a realistic chance, but for some reason they came out in a deep zone, so Alfred Morris quickly gouged that stingy defense for 25 yards in 3 plays. Furious with his defensive coordinator, Pete Carroll called his first timeout, with 3 minutes to play. The Seahawks got their act together and stopped Morris this time after only 3 or 4 yards, setting up a 3rd and 3, from the good side of midfield. The call was for a play action pass, one of Coach Freday’s favorite plays, Alfred Morris set to go out in the flat, overall a play with a high completion percentage, in order to keep that clock moving. But, off his break, Dak saw that Morris was not open, being locked down by K.J. Wright, who had faked a blitz and dropped into coverage. So, to keep the clock moving, Dak took off. Being chased by Bobby Wagner, he tried to get to the sideline, wanting to get the first down before going out of bounds, so that the Cowboys would have an excuse to stop the clock. But, he knew he was doomed. Cradling the ball as hard as he could, he survived the initial hit from Wagner, but then in came Cliff Avril out of nowhere, and there went the ball. It sat there for awhile on the ground, right next to the Cowboys sideline. Wagner was screaming for help as he did everything to prevent Dak from recovering it. Then, in came Kam Chancellor, because that was just how this game went, and he got out of bounds and set the Seahawks up with a short field for their potential game winning drive.


          Play calling aside, Dak would have survived this play if it weren't for Cliff Avril (95) throwing his body into the play. But he did, and as a result, the ball popped free just before the knees touched down. In the background, you can see a clear look at the superstar head coach, Mr. Sam Freday.


          And there is Kam Chancellor once again, who seemed to be in on every big play today for that vaunted Seattle defense. The fumble recovery set the Seahawks up for a potential game winning drive.

          For Seattle, it was go time. For Dallas, it was time to hold on for dear life, and hope for one last defensive stand. But, on the first play, Wilson ran for a first down, the Cowboys’ trademarked zone coverage coming back to bite them. A quick dump off to fullback Marcel Reece brought us to the two minute warning, with the Seahawks down 5, inside the Dallas 35. Russ was in a fight for his life. Lawrence and Irving were starting to get pressure on him again, because he couldn’t get the ball off as quickly as he had earlier, since Seattle was frantically trying to move the ball down the field. So, he scrambled once more, tackled by Sean Lee’s replacement, Damien Wilson, after a gain of three. But, down was Wilson, holding his right hand, his throwing hand. With the injury, Seattle had to burn a timeout, and Wilson had to come out. In came Austin Davis, with Seattle’s season on the line, the same man who the Cowboys saw in the first game after Wilson went down with an injury. The first play? First down to Eddie Lacy. Then, a hand off to Lacy that got the Seahawks down to the 11. Byron Jones desperately pumped up the crowd, with the Cowboys running out of hope, even though there was still plenty of time left. They dropped 8 into coverage, ready to not let anything past them. On first down, Davis’ pass fell incomplete. In the no huddle now, Davis found Lacy running across the middle. He caught it at the 3, dove for the end zone, and came up just short, marked down at the 1. He didn’t even get the first down, so it was 3rd and goal at the 1. Wanting to get settled, the Cowboys called timeout. This was their season right here. They wanted to make sure they had the right play called on defense. What was that “right play?” Prevent of course! Davis looked around for ages, rolled left, and just before he went to throw it, DeMarcus Lawrence nailed him in the ribs, perhaps the most important of his 33 sacks this season. The crowd went berzerk, and it was the Seahawks turn for a timeout. Everybody in AT&T Stadium was on their feet, waving those rally towels, screaming themselves to deafness. Back at the 10 now, it was 4th down, and the Seahawks came to the line with a taste of what their 12th man is like to visitors. They couldn’t hear a thing, even as Austin Davis tried to give Doug Baldwin a hot route. So, that is why Davis threw it into double coverage: a lack of communication. That is why Chidobe Awuzie picked it off for the second time on the day, and ended the Seahawks’ season. That is why the Cowboys will play for an NFC Championship: because their crowd came to their side today. Hopefully, we get one more home game for them, but in order to do that, the Saints must beat the Lions. Who Dat!


          No sack was more important than this one for the new NFL Sack King, DeMarcus Lawrence. With the crowd in a state of desperate pandemonium on third down, Lawrence drills Austin Davis in the ribs, driving the 'Hawks from the 1 all the way back to the 11, and setting up a 4th down.

          Seattle Seahawks at Dallas Cowboys
          Jan 14, 20181ST2ND3RD4THSCORE
          Seattle Seahawks (13-5)373619
          Dallas Cowboys (13-4)0710724
          Team Stats Comparison
          SEADAL
          Total Offense269328
          Rushing Yards133165
          Passing Yards136163
          First Downs1519
          Punt Return Yards2216
          Kick Return Yards0123
          Total Yards291467
          Turnovers33
          3rd Down Conversion3-10 (30%)4-10 (40%)
          4th Down Conversion0-10-0
          2-Point Conversion0-10-0
          Red Zone Touchdowns/Field Goals3-1-1 (67%)3-3-0 (100%)
          Penalties0-02-10
          Posession Time23:1024:50
          Scoring Summary
          FIRST QUARTER SCORINGSEADAL
          8:29(SEA) T. Coons 53 yard FG30
          SECOND QUARTER SCORINGSEADAL
          10:18(DAL) D. Prescott 1 yard run (D. Bailey kick)37
          0:26(SEA) K. Chancellor 56 yard blocked field goal return (T. Coons kick)107
          THIRD QUARTER SCORINGSEADAL
          8:17(DAL) K. Smith 1 yard pass from D. Prescott (D. Bailey kick)1014
          6:46(DAL) D. Bailey 41 yard FG1017
          1:45(SEA) T. Coons 20 yard FG1317
          FOURTH QUARTER SCORINGSEADAL
          9:42(DAL) D. Prescott 10 yard run (D. Bailey kick)1324
          4:11(SEA) D. Baldwin 1 yard pass from R. Wilson (Conv failed)1924
          Seattle Seahawks
          PASSINGC/AYDSTDINT
          Russell Wilson16/2216512
          Austin Davis2/31001
          RUSHINGATTYDSAVGTD
          Russell Wilson7699.80
          Eddie Lacy15553.60
          Thomas Rawls273.50
          C.J. Prosise221.00
          RECEIVINGRECYDSAVGTD
          Jimmy Graham68414.00
          Eddie Lacy77310.40
          Luke Willson177.00
          Marcel Reece166.00
          Tyler Lockett133.00
          Doug Baldwin111.01
          Jermaine Kearse111.00
          DEFENSETACKSACKINT/FUMTD
          Kam Chancellor100.01/11
          Bobby Wagner91.00/00
          Earl Thomas III70.00/00
          K.J. Wright50.00/00
          Tramaine Brock51.00/00
          Jeremy Lane40.00/00
          Richard Sherman40.00/00
          Mike Neal40.00/00
          Ahtyba Rubin40.00/10
          Mike Morgan30.00/00
          DeShawn Shead30.00/00
          Jarran Reed30.00/00
          Cliff Avril22.00/00
          Michael Wilhoite20.00/00
          Michael Bennett20.00/00
          KICKINGFGXPPTSLONG
          Travis Coons2/21/1753
          PUNTINGNOYDSAVGIN20
          Jon Ryan419849.51
          PUNT RETURNRETYDSAVGTD
          Tyler Lockett22211.00
          Dallas Cowboys
          PASSINGC/AYDSTDINT
          Dak Prescott16/2718611
          RUSHINGATTYDSAVGTD
          Alfred Morris19894.60
          Dak Prescott12655.42
          Darren McFadden2115.50
          RECEIVINGRECYDSAVGTD
          Jason Witten24723.50
          Dez Bryant4358.70
          James Hanna23015.00
          Keith Smith22211.01
          Alfred Morris4215.30
          Ryan Switzer11818.00
          Cole Beasley11313.00
          DEFENSETACKSACKINTTD
          Anthony Hitchens90.000
          DeMarcus Lawrence83.000
          Robert Blanton60.010
          David Irving51.000
          Sean Lee40.000
          Byron Jones40.000
          Orlando Scandrick40.000
          Damien Wilson30.000
          Chidobe Awuzie30.520
          Anthony Brown20.000
          Justin Durant20.000
          Tyrone Crawford10.000
          Maliek Collins10.500
          KICKINGFGXPPTSLONG
          Dan Bailey1/23/3641
          PUNTINGNOYDSAVGIN20
          Chris Jones314648.60
          KICK RETURNRETYDSAVGTD
          Ryan Switzer37324.30
          Dez Bryant25025.00
          PUNT RETURNRETYDSAVGTD
          Dez Bryant2168.00


          Dallas Cowboys 2017 Schedule
          DATEOPPONENTRESULT
          Sep 10vs New York Giants (SNF)Lost, 21-14
          Sep 17at Denver BroncosWon, 19-14
          Sep 25at Arizona Cardinals (MNF)Lost, 34-20
          Oct 1vs Los Angeles RamsWon, 33-5
          Oct 8vs Green Bay PackersWon, 31-7
          Oct 22at San Francisco 49ersWon, 32-20
          Oct 29at Washington RedskinsWon, 21-16
          Nov 5vs Kansas City ChiefsWon, 17-13
          Nov 12at Atlanta FalconsLost, 37-34
          Nov 19vs Philadelphia Eagles (SNF)Won, 45-24
          Nov 23vs Los Angeles Chargers (Thanksgiving)Won, 38-35
          Nov 30vs Washington Redskins (TNF)Won, 45-17
          Dec 10at New York GiantsWon, 52-7
          Dec 17at Oakland Raiders (SNF)Won, 38-27
          Dec 24vs Seattle SeahawksWon, 27-10
          Dec 31at Philadelphia EaglesLost, 45-23
          Jan 14vs Seattle Seahawks (NFC Divisional)Won, 24-19
          Well that sucked for us. Now I can go back to rooting for the Cowboys. Bam Bam looked good taking back that blocked kick I recently purchased a road #31 in honor of the best leader that ever played for my squad.

          As for your comments to my earlier comments I do think the pics look fine, I realize they could be better with an El [emoji250] but it's not enough of a reason not to do dynasties. As for me being someone you had your eye on as a chiser, it's at least as big of a deal for me, on the other side, being appreciated as an old head. Means a lot! Continued success sir.

          Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk

          Comment

          • RoundingThird
            Leyenda
            • Aug 2012
            • 3468

            #125
            Re: We Dem Boyz: Bringing Big O Back to the Big D (M18)

            Originally posted by Hellisan
            Well that sucked for us. Now I can go back to rooting for the Cowboys. Bam Bam looked good taking back that blocked kick I recently purchased a road #31 in honor of the best leader that ever played for my squad.

            As for your comments to my earlier comments I do think the pics look fine, I realize they could be better with an El [emoji250] but it's not enough of a reason not to do dynasties. As for me being someone you had your eye on as a chiser, it's at least as big of a deal for me, on the other side, being appreciated as an old head. Means a lot! Continued success sir.

            Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk
            Hey, I was scared to death on that last drive, so at least your boys went down with a fight. If Russ hadn't gotten hurt, the result probably would have been different. But, we survived. Look forward to the NFC Championship, which will be played within the friendly confines of the Jerrydome...
            Red Sox|Patriots|Celtics|UConn

            Comment

            • RoundingThird
              Leyenda
              • Aug 2012
              • 3468

              #126
              Re: We Dem Boyz: Bringing Big O Back to the Big D (M18)





              Divisional Scores:

              Saturday, January 13:
              Saints 34, Lions 27
              Ravens 17, Chargers 26

              Sunday, January 14:
              Patriots 35, Steelers 23
              Seahawks 19, Cowboys 24

              The Lead:
              Saints get past Detroit thanks to the running game and Brees' experience
              Chargers dream season continues after defending their temporary home turf over the always tough to beat Ravens
              Even in a down year by their standards, the Patriots still take care of Pittsburgh in the playoffs
              Cowboys survive last minute drive by Seattle thanks to Lawrence's timely sack, Awuzie's pick
              Tom Brady heads out to LA to try to get to another Super Bowl, while Drew Brees looks to get the best of the young Dak Prescott

              Playoff Schedule:


              Red Sox|Patriots|Celtics|UConn

              Comment

              • bravesfan1984
                MVP
                • Mar 2008
                • 2808

                #127
                Re: We Dem Boyz: Bringing Big O Back to the Big D (M18)

                I'll be rooting on my Cowboys! Good luck man!

                Sent from my SM-G920P using Operation Sports mobile app
                Braves | Cowboys | ND Football | UNC Basketball | 4-Kevin Harvick


                Comment

                • RoundingThird
                  Leyenda
                  • Aug 2012
                  • 3468

                  #128
                  Re: We Dem Boyz: Bringing Big O Back to the Big D (M18)

                  Originally posted by bravesfan1984
                  I'll be rooting on my Cowboys! Good luck man!

                  Sent from my SM-G920P using Operation Sports mobile app
                  Thank you for the kind word, sir! Unfortunately, I did not get a chance to play the NFC Championship game before leaving to go back to school. I thought I would get it in, but I just didn't have enough time this morning. Back to the low quality screenshots.
                  Red Sox|Patriots|Celtics|UConn

                  Comment

                  • RoundingThird
                    Leyenda
                    • Aug 2012
                    • 3468

                    #129
                    Re: We Dem Boyz: Bringing Big O Back to the Big D (M18)



                    The League Recap: Divisional Weekend




                    Playoff Injury Report:
                    Chargers TE Asante Cleveland - Fractured Hip - 7 weeks
                    Chargers WR Tyrell Williams - Compound Foot Fracture - 15 weeks (IR)
                    Cowboys HB Ezekiel Elliott - Torn Hamstring - 2 weeks
                    Cowboys TE Geoff Swaim - Torn Abdominal - 2 weeks

                    Cowboys OLB Sean Lee - Pulled Groin - 4 weeks (IR)

                    Patriots LT Nate Solder - Compound Foot Fracture -
                    15 weeks (IR)
                    Patriots DE Geneo Grissom - Ruptured Disk - 7 weeks (IR)

                    Saints DT Nick Fairley - Torn Pectoral - 7 weeks
                    Saints OLB Dannell Ellerbe - Torn Achilles - 7 weeks
                    Saints CB Delvin Breaux - Broken Wrist - 5 weeks (IR)


                    Transactions:
                    Signed:
                    None

                    Released:
                    None

                    Coaches Kicking the Can:
                    None


                    So, as you can see, that Sean Lee injury ended his season. He is on IR with a pulled groin, and as of now, I have not filled his roster spot, nor to I plan to, at least not at the moment. Jaylon Smith will shift over from MLB to start the NFC Championship game in Lee's place. Smith has been locked in a battle for playing time all season long with Anthony Hitchens as the starting MLB, so this will serve as a way to get two very talented players on the field at the same time, although, of course, we wish we had Sean Lee.
                    Red Sox|Patriots|Celtics|UConn

                    Comment

                    • thesportsguru11
                      Cooking With Sauce
                      • Feb 2014
                      • 5105

                      #130
                      Re: We Dem Boyz: Bringing Big O Back to the Big D (M18)

                      Patriots-Cowboys Super Bowl

                      Nice job holding off Seattle.. always fun to get close games. Tough to see Lee go down because of his talents and experience but great silver lining in getting Smith on the field. I don't know what the contracts look like for Lee, Smith, Hitchens and others, but if Smith plays well would you consider rewarding him with an undisputed starting job next year?

                      6x Super Bowl Champion Patriots |Red Sox | Celtics | Bruins |Boston College | USC | NASCAR Young Guns

                      OS' biggest game show nut.

                      Comment

                      • RoundingThird
                        Leyenda
                        • Aug 2012
                        • 3468

                        #131
                        Re: We Dem Boyz: Bringing Big O Back to the Big D (M18)

                        Originally posted by thesportsguru11
                        Patriots-Cowboys Super Bowl

                        Nice job holding off Seattle.. always fun to get close games. Tough to see Lee go down because of his talents and experience but great silver lining in getting Smith on the field. I don't know what the contracts look like for Lee, Smith, Hitchens and others, but if Smith plays well would you consider rewarding him with an undisputed starting job next year?
                        Yes, the Pats-Cowboys Super Bowl matchup would make many in the league giddy with excitement. The two most influential owners, who both have had their recent beefs with Goodell. Forget the fact that it would be a homecoming for Coach Freday, his first trip to Minny since he left the Vikings two years ago. But yeah, to get that, we must first take care of business...


                        I'm not positive about the contract situations off the top of my head, but I believe Hitchens is a free agent. I really love Jaylon Smith, so I'm working on getting him more consistent playing time, but the more interesting story line is on the defensive line. I really like Taco Charlton as well, but obviously, I have a bit of a logjam on the defensive line, so it will be fun to see what happens there.
                        Red Sox|Patriots|Celtics|UConn

                        Comment

                        • RoundingThird
                          Leyenda
                          • Aug 2012
                          • 3468

                          #132
                          Re: We Dem Boyz: Bringing Big O Back to the Big D (M18)







                          Gameday Preview: NFC Championship


                          One more game is all the stands between us and the Promised Land, but on the other side of the field are the red hot New Orleans Saints.

                          We have a nice geographic rivalry here for you here tonight, in the most important game in recent memory for both of these teams. The Saints last played in the NFC Championship in the 2009 season, the year Sean Payton and Drew Brees went on to give New Orleans a much needed title, as the city was still recovering from Hurricane Katrina. For the Cowboys, it's been a long time since they've gotten this far. The team known for playoff one-and-dones hasn't been to the ultimate NFC game since 1995. So much has changed since then. Coach Freday wasn't even born at that point. But, now, here he is, ready to go.

                          What makes this Saints team so different from the teams of the last few years that were mediocre at best? Well, the defense is much improved, and New Orleans is finally enjoying an effective running game, taking some of the pressure off the now 38 year old Drew Brees. That running game has three heads, all of which excel in different areas. Adrian Peterson has found new life here in NOLA as the same downhill force he has always been. Mark Ingram excels out of the backfield as a receiver, but can also be counted on in the power run game. Finally, the Saints can hit you with some speed, and rookie Alvin Kamara. But, the Saints make their money on the arm of Brees and the passing game. Michael Thomas might only be in his second season, but is emerging as one of the best wide receivers in both the NFC South, and the league as a whole. And then, if for some reason Thomas gets covered, Brees can go to Willie Snead IV if he wants sure hands, and can throw a deep ball to Ted Ginn, Jr. if he wants an over the top speed threat. Plus, there's also his tight end, Coby Fleener.

                          The defense has a bunch of fresh faces, explaining why they have been so improved this season, but the team is still anchored by Cameron Jordan, the team's Walter Payton Man of the Year Nominee, who is also a commanding force on the field, always in the grill of opposing QBs. The rest of the defensive line doesn't feature household names, but that doesn't mean they can't ball. There is a key injury to Nick Fairley, leaving Sheldon Rankins and Tony McDaniel to fill the void at the tackle position. On the other end, Jason Jones tries to distract offensive linemen from Jordan, forming a mutually beneficial relationship. Once again, among the Saints linebacker, you struggle to find a household name, but they mesh well together, and have been especially effective stopping the run (but still nowhere as effective in that department as the Cowboys defense). Stephone Anthony, Craig Robertson, Manti Te'o, and Sean Weatherspoon are these LBs. In the secondary, Marshon Lattimore has become a superstar in just his rookie season, and will be isolated on Dez Bryant. But, there are other corners on this team, like Sterling Moore, P.J. Williams, and Ken Crawley. The Saints also have two very good safeties in Kenny Vaccaro and Vonn Bell.

                          Matchup Preview *|* January 21, 2018
                          @
                          New Orleans Saints
                          (13-4-1, 7-2 Away)
                          Dallas Cowboys
                          (13-4, 8-1 Home)
                          Injury Report
                          DT Nick Fairley (Chest)
                          7 weeks
                          HB Ezekiel Elliott (Hamstring)
                          2 weeks
                          OLB Dannell Ellerbe (Knee)
                          7 weeks
                          TE Geoff Swaim (Abdominal)
                          2 weeks
                          CB Delvin Breaux (Wrist)
                          5 weeks (IR)
                          OLB Sean Lee (Groin)
                          4 weeks (IR)
                          Game Notes
                          Time: 5:40 PM CST
                          TV: FOX (Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews, Chris Myers)

                          Streaks:
                          Saints: W6
                          Cowboys: W1

                          Last Meeting:
                          Saints 26, Cowboys 20 - New Orleans, Louisiana (10/04/2015)

                          Last Week:
                          #4 Saints 34, #1 Lions 27
                          #2 Cowboys 24, #3 Seahawks 19
                          Red Sox|Patriots|Celtics|UConn

                          Comment

                          • Hellisan
                            Fan of real schools
                            • Jul 2002
                            • 1893

                            #133
                            Re: We Dem Boyz: Bringing Big O Back to the Big D (M18)

                            Interested to know, and I apologize if I missed it somewhere else: How do the Saints stack up in terms of points/yards as an offense against the rest of the league? Does M18 do a good job of representing how these teams play on the field? In other words, is it going to be a total B word to face this offense or just another game? I wish you good luck in this one, but I'm really holding out for the offseason as well....

                            Comment

                            • RoundingThird
                              Leyenda
                              • Aug 2012
                              • 3468

                              #134
                              Re: We Dem Boyz: Bringing Big O Back to the Big D (M18)

                              Originally posted by Hellisan
                              Interested to know, and I apologize if I missed it somewhere else: How do the Saints stack up in terms of points/yards as an offense against the rest of the league? Does M18 do a good job of representing how these teams play on the field? In other words, is it going to be a total B word to face this offense or just another game? I wish you good luck in this one, but I'm really holding out for the offseason as well....
                              Yeah, no problem. The reason I don't include stats in the playoff game previews is because they aren't updated after each playoff game. So, through the regular season, their offense is in the top 10 in every major category (yards, passing, and points), except for rushing, where they are #11. Specifically, they are the 4th best passing offense, and the 5th best overall.

                              I hope to get this game up soon. As you may or may not know, I play all my games right before I post them. I just had to hit the restart button on the game the first time through, because the UConn WiFi is on the fritz, and it crashed on me multiple times, preventing me from getting pictures. I was going to win that game, so it's not like I'm a sore loser or anything. I will play the game again when I get a chance (either today or tomorrow), and I will do so by connecting to the hotspot on my phone. Thanks for the patience. That goes to everybody.
                              Red Sox|Patriots|Celtics|UConn

                              Comment

                              • RoundingThird
                                Leyenda
                                • Aug 2012
                                • 3468

                                #135
                                Re: We Dem Boyz: Bringing Big O Back to the Big D (M18)





                                Game Recap: Cowboys 26, Saints 13
                                Dak leads Cowboys to Super Bowl


                                James Hanna breaks wide open on his corner post, and hauls in the go ahead touchdown early in the 4th quarter.

                                Dak Prescott waited until the most important game of the season to have his best game as passer, and it’s a good thing he did, because for 3 and a half quarters, Alfred Morris and the Cowboys running game was bottled up. Give credit to the Saints. They came to stop the run. They weren’t going to let their season end by getting beat on the ground. They forced Dak Prescott to beat them with his arm, and that’s exactly what happened. Dak Prescott did have one interception, but it wasn’t as much an interception as it was a fantastic defensive play by Sterling Moore, holding off Dez Bryant with one hand, getting the ball to stick like glue to his other hand. That was right before halftime, with the Cowboys nursing a 13-10 lead, and looking for more. At the time, Coach Freday thought the Saints would be able to get back into it before the break, but they couldn’t, and since the Cowboys got the ball to start the 2nd half, they were off and running.

                                The first drive of the evening was brutal in every sense of the word. The Saints came marching in. The New Orleans offensive line came to play, and singlehandedly fought out both DeMarcus Lawrence and David Irving, holding Lawrence without a sack, and knocking Irving out early in the fourth quarter with an injury. So, predictably, Drew Brees had all day to throw, and a man that accurate will make you pay for that extra pocket time. The Saints picked their way down field in a drive that ended up taking up half of the quarter. Adrian Peterson came in to pick up short yardage first downs, but other than that, everything was through the air. But, in the red zone, the Cowboys managed to hold the Saints to a field goal after their Prevent defense came through for them once again. So, all in all, it was a win. 3-0 New Orleans. The Cowboys came back with a similar drive. They tried to run the ball more, but like we said, the Saints were prepared for it all day, so they shut it down. Two plays into the day, Dak Prescott threw a missile into Jason Witten for a first down on third and long, which ended up setting the tone. 5 passing attempts and 5 completions later, the Cowboys were down inside the 5 yard line as well, but on 3rd and 1, Morris was stuffed once again, and not wanting to be too aggressive so early in the game, Coach Freday sent out Dan Bailey to make a chip shot field goal. 3-3.

                                The next drive for the Saints was much of the same. The Cowboys were still finding a way to slow down the passing attack, since for the first time all year, they could not get consistent pressure on the quarterback. Justin Durant did get home on a play action blitz to set up third and long, but then Drew Brees turned right around and found Michael Thomas for a first down. The Saints were able to finish this drive, however, as they got the Cowboys to guess wrong at the goal line, setting up an easy one yard run by Mark Ingram straight up the middle for a touchdown. The Cowboys countered with another red zone trip of their own, but a potential touchdown pass to Cole Beasley on 3rd and 4 from the 7 yard line was broken up by P.J. Williams, and Dan Bailey had to make another gimme to cut it to 10-6. The Cowboys desperately needed a stop.

                                Three plays into the next drive, they got just that. Adrian Peterson was giving Brees a breather, and ran it on two consecutive plays, almost unheard of for this offense, even though they have been successfully running the football. Jaylon Smith couldn’t break off his blocker, but dove at the legs of Peterson, getting just enough contact to trip up one of the best to ever play the position. As AP was trying to stabilize himself, the ball came loose, and Anthony Brown was in the right place at the right time. The Cowboys almost went three and out, needing another clutch third down conversion through the air to avoid a third field goal, which gave Dak Prescott the confidence he needed to take it in himself from three yards out to put the Cowboys in front for the first time all day. After that, the Cowboys finally forced a punt with enough time left in the first half to score again, but that effort fell short due to the incredible, almost unrealistic pick by Sterling Moore. The half ended pretty quietly after that, the Cowboys holding onto that slim lead.


                                Adrian Peterson (28) can't quite hold onto the ball as he falls to the ground...


                                Anthony Brown (30) makes the recovery, with the hitman on this particular play, Jaylon Smith (54) watching.


                                Dak Prescott uses his willpower, determination, and man strength to put the Cowboys in front for the first time on the evening.


                                After a little misunderstanding between Dak Prescott and Dez Bryant, Sterling Moore (24) makes an unreal play on the ball, securing it with one hand.

                                The Cowboys began the half with a drive that lasted exactly six minutes; in other words, exactly half of the third quarter. But, they came away empty after realizing that field goals were probably not going to beat an offense as potent as the Saints offense. That is why the Cowboys went for it on a 4th and goal from the 4. The play call was perfect, a play action bootleg, and Dak would have had an easy touchdown to Dez if fullback Keith Smith had just done his job and picked up his block. But he didn’t, and Prescott took a hard sack from Cameron Jordan instead. But, it wouldn’t come back to bite the Cowboys in the way they figured, because their defense ended up getting another goal line stop after the Saints dominated another drive, controlling the ball as well as time of possession. With 18 ticks left in the third quarter, Will Lutz drilled a 22 yard field goal to tie the game at 13. Either way, we had ourselves a game going into the 4th quarter.

                                After Ryan Switzer fumbled the kickoff, recovered by the fullback Keith Smith, The run game finally showed signs of life. Alfred Morris was finally sneaking his way through what little holes there were, and the Cowboys got their balance back on offense, which is beneficial in so many ways, since it also keeps the defense guessing run or pass on virtually every play. The result? The quickest touchdown drive by either team on the day, as it took Dallas just over three minutes, before Prescott found James Hanna wide open on a corner post in the end zone. 20-13 Cowboys. On a huge third down on the ensuing drive, after taking a sack from Stephen Paea, Drew Brees was starting to feel the pressure of the moment, and forced one down the field to Coby Fleener, who was open, but was led too much on the throw, causing the ball to just go through his hands and fall harmlessly incomplete. Thomas Morstead came onto punt, Dez Bryant got a block and a 20 yard return, and slowly but surely, the fans in AT&T Stadium were starting to feel it.

                                But, the running game still wasn’t completely there yet, so the Cowboys could only safely do so much. They didn’t want to chuck it up unnecessarily, because let’s face it: They have been turnover prone this season, like last week in a similar situation against the Seahawks. So, they took what the Saints gave them, and settled for a field goal to make it 23-13. With 4 minutes to play, the Saints were by no means out of it. That is, not until Drew Brees threw a pass as blatantly awful as the one he did on the next drive, right to Justin Durant, whom he was trying to head fake out of the play. Durant didn’t budge, and the Cowboys sideline could feel it now. A stupid cheese play on third down of that drive prevented the Cowboys from getting the game sealing first down, and had to settle for another long field goal by Dan Bailey, his 4th of the day.


                                Look at this catch on third and long by Terrance Williams (83)! He holds on for a big first down that put the game virtually out of reach.


                                And then, Justin Durant (52) does ice the game by elevating to make this interception over Coby Fleener (82).

                                But, the Saints were just throwing it around at this point, and despite putting together a nice drive, with Drew Brees going over 300 yards passing, by time they reached striking distance, it was too little too late, and all they could do was chuck it up to the end zone and hope something good happened. As the clock ran out, Brees’ final Hail Mary fell short, and ended up in the hands of Chidobe Awuzie, who has been having some kind of playoff run. He took a knee in the end zone, and the Dallas Cowboys are going to the Super Bowl for the first time in more than 20 years!!!

                                New Orleans Saints at Dallas Cowboys
                                Jan 21, 20181ST2ND3RD4THSCORE
                                New Orleans Saints (13-5-1)373013
                                Dallas Cowboys (14-4)31001326
                                Team Stats Comparison
                                NORDAL
                                Total Offense384424
                                Rushing Yards46146
                                Passing Yards338278
                                First Downs1823
                                Punt Return Yards018
                                Kick Return Yards099
                                Total Yards384541
                                Turnovers31
                                3rd Down Conversion6-12 (50%)6-11 (54%)
                                4th Down Conversion1-10-1
                                2-Point Conversion0-00-0
                                Red Zone Touchdowns/Field Goals3-1-2 (100%)5-2-2 (80%)
                                Penalties1-51-10
                                Posession Time19:4928:11
                                Scoring Summary
                                FIRST QUARTER SCORINGNORDAL
                                6:45(NOR) W. Lutz 23 yard FG30
                                1:12(DAL) D. Bailey 20 yard FG33
                                SECOND QUARTER SCORINGNORDAL
                                10:46(NOR) M. Ingram 1 yard run (W. Lutz kick)103
                                5:51(DAL) D. Bailey 23 yard FG106
                                1:54(DAL) D. Prescott 3 yard run (D. Bailey kick)1013
                                THIRD QUARTER SCORINGNORDAL
                                0:18(NOR) W. Lutz 22 yard FG1313
                                FOURTH QUARTER SCORINGNORDAL
                                9:08(DAL) J. Hanna 18 yard pass from D. Prescott (D. Bailey kick)1320
                                4:07(DAL) D. Bailey 47 yard FG1323
                                1:41(DAL) D. Bailey 51 yard FG1326
                                New Orleans Saints
                                PASSINGC/AYDSTDINT
                                Drew Brees29/4135402
                                RUSHINGATTYDSAVGTD
                                Adrian Peterson12363.00
                                Mark Ingram2105.01
                                RECEIVINGRECYDSAVGTD
                                Willie Snead IV813917.30
                                Michael Thomas68013.30
                                Ted Ginn, Jr.45313.20
                                Coby Fleener4297.20
                                John Kuhn12525.00
                                Mark Ingram4133.20
                                John Phillips188.00
                                Corey Fuller177.00
                                DEFENSETACKSACKINTTD
                                Craig Robertson160.000
                                P.J. Williams102.000
                                Kenny Vaccaro101.000
                                Sean Weatherspoon90.000
                                Vonn Bell70.000
                                Cameron Jordan51.000
                                Marshon Lattimore50.000
                                Tony McDaniel40.000
                                Jason Jones40.000
                                Sheldon Rankins40.000
                                Sterling Moore40.010
                                Stephone Anthony41.000
                                Manti Te'o20.000
                                Rafael Bush20.000
                                Nathan Stupar10.000
                                KICKINGFGXPPTSLONG
                                Wil Lutz2/21/1723
                                PUNTINGNOYDSAVGIN20
                                Thomas Morstead27839.00
                                Dallas Cowboys
                                PASSINGC/AYDSTDINT
                                Dak Prescott26/3230511
                                RUSHINGATTYDSAVGTD
                                Alfred Morris261234.70
                                Dak Prescott3237.61
                                RECEIVINGRECYDSAVGTD
                                Jason Witten710414.80
                                Terrance Williams46917.20
                                James Hanna44611.51
                                Alfred Morris5357.00
                                Ryan Switzer22211.00
                                Dez Bryant3227.30
                                Cole Beasley177.00
                                DEFENSETACKSACKINTFUM
                                Anthony Hitchens121.000
                                Byron Jones60.000
                                Robert Blanton60.000
                                Orlando Scandrick50.000
                                Anthony Brown50.001
                                Justin Durant40.010
                                Jaylon Smith30.000
                                Chidobe Awuzie30.010
                                Stephen Paea31.000
                                DeMarcus Lawrence30.000
                                David Irving20.000
                                Tyrone Crawford10.000
                                KICKINGFGXPPTSLONG
                                Dan Bailey4/42/21451
                                KICK RETURNRETYDSAVGTD
                                Ryan Switzer49924.80
                                PUNT RETURNRETYDSAVGTD
                                Dez Bryant11818.00


                                Dallas Cowboys 2017 Schedule
                                DATEOPPONENTRESULT
                                Sep 10vs New York Giants (SNF)Lost, 21-14
                                Sep 17at Denver BroncosWon, 19-14
                                Sep 25at Arizona Cardinals (MNF)Lost, 34-20
                                Oct 1vs Los Angeles RamsWon, 33-5
                                Oct 8vs Green Bay PackersWon, 31-7
                                Oct 22at San Francisco 49ersWon, 32-20
                                Oct 29at Washington RedskinsWon, 21-16
                                Nov 5vs Kansas City ChiefsWon, 17-13
                                Nov 12at Atlanta FalconsLost, 37-34
                                Nov 19vs Philadelphia Eagles (SNF)Won, 45-24
                                Nov 23vs Los Angeles Chargers (Thanksgiving)Won, 38-35
                                Nov 30vs Washington Redskins (TNF)Won, 45-17
                                Dec 10at New York GiantsWon, 52-7
                                Dec 17at Oakland Raiders (SNF)Won, 38-27
                                Dec 24vs Seattle SeahawksWon, 27-10
                                Dec 31at Philadelphia EaglesLost, 45-23
                                Jan 14vs Seattle Seahawks (NFC Divisional)Won, 24-19
                                Jan 21vs New Orleans Saints (NFC Championship)Won, 26-13
                                Red Sox|Patriots|Celtics|UConn

                                Comment

                                Working...