Cowboys Injury Report. Dec. 15th

The Cowboys suffered two big injuries last week against the Chargers, but they could have their best pass rusher back a lot sooner than anyone thought.

Linebacker Demarcus Ware was carted off the field during the fourth quarter with a sprained neck, and was released from the hospital later that night and drove himself home. It was reported on ESPN that Ware wouldn’t play this week, but Head Coach Wade Phillips said that wasn’t true, and that Ware was doing a lot better on Tuesday than anyone expected.

Ware was asked on the Cowboys website yesterday about how his neck feels:

“You know what’s weird, it feels better than it did yesterday. Yesterday, you couldn’t move it or anything; today it feels like I’m ready to play the game on Saturday to be honest. I cleared the little test they give you where you push and pull your neck to check all your strength—I didn’t have any last night, but today I had all my strength and everything back.”

The Cowboys will continue to evaluate him during the week, and if he is cleared by doctors, he will play Saturday night.

Safety Patrick Watkins suffered a sprained PCL, the same injury that Felix Jones suffered earlier in the season. Like Jones, Watkins is expected to miss 2-4 weeks meaning unless the Cowboys make the playoffs, he won’t play again this season.

Tight End Martellus Bennett has been ruled out for Saturday’s game against the Saints as he’s still suffering from concussion like symptoms. Bennett couldn’t pass the mandated concussion tests last week and therefore was ruled ineligible by the league to play. Backup tight end John Phillips will take his place.

Safety Ken Hamlin is expected to work back into practice this week but it’s unlikely he’ll play this week as he works his way back into football shape. If he doesn’t play, Alan Ball will once again take his place at the free safety spot.

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Cowboys Squander Opportunites, Lose To Chargers 20-17

The Cowboys needed to play with a sense of urgency and desperation to win at home against San Diego this week.

Instead  mistakes in coverage, a four and out at the goal line and a untimely missed field goal gave the Cowboys another loss in December and knocked them out of first place in the NFC East.

The Cowboys got off to a good start when Felix Jones (10 carries, 51 yards) ran back the opening kickoff to Dallas’ 41-yard line. The Cowboys drove in Charger territory but were finally stopped and Nick Folk hit a 31-yard field goal to give the Cowboys a 3-0 lead. 

The Chargers got the ball and moved right down the field to the Dallas 40-yard line when safety Gerald Sensabaugh was called for a 38-yard pass interference penalty, giving the Chargers the ball at the two. Running back LaDainian Tomlinson (21 carries, 50 yards and one TD) ran the ball in for a TD two plays later. The Chargers then added a field goal on their next drive.

The Cowboys took the ball with 10 minutes to go in the second quarter and drove 68 yards (all on runs) to the Chargers 1-yard line, but Marion Barber (14 carries, 47 yards) was stuffed four times and the Cowboys turned the ball over on downs. 

However, Phillip Rivers (21-32, 272 yards, one TD, one interception) threw an interception to Terence Newman at the Chargers 25-yard line, giving the Cowboys a second chance before the half. Unfortunately, Nick Folk missed a 42-yard FG and the half ended 10-3 Chargers. 

The Cowboys scored first in the second half on a 99-yard drive that ended with a one yard TD catch by Miles Austin.

The score was tied going into the fourth quarter, but that’s  when the Cowboys lost their best pass rusher.

On second-and-seven Rivers dropped back for a pass and DeMarcus Ware was rushing and as the play expired he ran into Chargers right tackle Brandyn Dombrowski head first. Ware was carted off the field and taken to the hospital for precautionary reasons but was released late last night with just a sprained neck.

After Ware was taken off the field, the Chargers faced a third-and-12 but Rivers connected with Vincent Jackson (seven catches, 120 yards) for a 39-yard pass and on the next play tight end Antonio Gates (four catches, 44 yards, one TD) caught a 14 yard TD pass that put the Chargers up 20-10.

After the Cowboys went three and out on the ensuing drive, the Chargers added a field goal and the Cowboys scored a TD with just three seconds left in the game to close the gap.

The Cowboys have lost their second game in a row because they weren’t able to close out the half for the second straight week. Nick Folk has missed at least one field goal in each of the last five games.

Tony Romo (19-30 for 249 yards and two TDs) played well again this week and so far this December has not committed a turnover and is quieting critics about his performances in the Christmas month.

Roy Williams and Miles Austin were the leading receivers for the Cowboys. Williams caught four passes for 74 yards and Austin caught six balls for 71 yards and a TD.

The Cowboys now head to New Orleans to take on the undefeated Saints without DeMarcus Ware, who will miss at least one game. This could mean a third loss this December and the end of the Cowboys season.

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Week 14: San Diego Chargers Vs. Dallas Cowboys.

The San Diego Chargers bring their seven game winning streak into Dallas to face the desperate Cowboys.

The Chargers haven’t lost since October, have scored at least 21 points in every game during their winning streak and have scored 30 points five time in those seven games.

Quarterback Phillip Rivers will spread the Cowboys’ defense out and attack them through the air exploiting one on one matchups. 

Rivers is having an outstanding season going 242 of 374 for 3311 yards, 21 TDs and just six interceptions. Rivers has been hitting tight end Antonio Gates all season and Gates is looking at another Pro Bowl with 67 receptions for 994 yards and four touchdowns. Vincent Jackson is also having a great season with 51 catches for 869 yards and seven TDs. 

The Chargers’ running game isn’t great statistically as they rank 30th in the NFL averaging 88.7 rushing YPG, and has not had a game where any back has ran for 100+ yards this season, but it’s very dangerous. LaDainian Tomlinson leads the team with 168 carries for 561 yards and nine TDs. Darren Sproles is second on the team with 76 carries for 254 yards and one TD he’s also a big factor in the passing game racking up 39 catches for 449 yards and three TDs.

The Chargers’ 12th ranked defense is led by linebackers Stephen Cooper and former Cowboy Kevin Burnett. The two have 146 tackles between them and 2.5 sacks. Shawn Merriman is also dangerous, although he’s having a down season with just 31 tackles and 4 sacks this season.

Linebacker Shaun Phillips (Ankle) and safety Eric Waddle (Knee) have yet to practice this week and are most likely out for this game. This could hurt the Chargers as they’re ranked 21st against the run giving up 117.8YPG and Waddle is the Chargers leading tackler.

The secondary makes up for the front seven as the Chargers passing defense give up just 204.4YPG. leading the group is Quentin Jammer who has eight passed defended on the season and two interceptions. Antonio Cromartie who has six passes defended and three interceptions.  

The Cowboys return home in desperation mode for this game after losing to the Giants.

Quarterback Tony Romo had career highs in completions (41), attempts (55) and yards (392) last week. This won’t be a career game but Romo should be solid and continue to not turnover the ball.

Romo will have his best targets for this week. Miles Austin (52 receptions, 928 yards and nine TDs) is having a Pro Bowl season and Jason Witten (73 receptions, 774 yards and one TD) has come on strong since Thanksgiving. Roy Williams hooked up with Romo for two TDs last well and would love to have a couple more this week.

Backup tight end Martellus Bennet will be out for this game with concussion like symptoms.

Last week Romo had no running game to support him, that won’t be the case this week. Expect the Cowboys to run a lot. The Chargers don’t have a great run defense and they still use the defensive scheme that Wade Phillips brought to their team as a coordinator so he’ll know how to attack it.

Marion Barber will want to redeem himself after gaining just 36 yards on 15 carries and fumbling last week against the Giants. Felix Jones had just six yards on six carries and will want to bring his big play ability to the game.

Safety Ken Hamlin will be out again this week, but everyone else on the defense will be there and they’ll need to stop the big play ability of the Chargers passing offense.

This is the start of a long two games for the Cowboys’ secondary. Terence Newman, Orlando Scandrick, Mike Jenkins and others will have to play their best games of the season over the next two weeks. Last week the secondary let Steve Smith run all over them, they can’t allow Jackson and Gates to do that. 

The Cowboys ninth ranked rushing defense will have to stop Tomlinson and Sproles and make the Chargers one-dimensional so they can blitz and pressure Rivers. Keith Brooking will lead the front seven with his 85 tackles and three sacks, along with Bradie James (85 tackles) and DeMarcus Ware (47 tackles, nine sacks)

The Cowboys need this game bad, there’s no other way to put it, if they can come out early and put some points on the board they have a chance to end the Chargers seven game winning streak, but they have to play their best, no turnovers or stupid penalties and they can’t fall behind. The problem is those are things the Cowboys usually have to work around in order to win.

The Chargers will spread the Cowboys defense out and attack them through the air, so the ‘Boys better stop the Chargers on third downs or it’ll be a long day. Romo will see a lot of blitzes, but the run game should take some of the pressure off of him.

I can’t see the Cowboys winning this game. They dropped a important game against the Giants and now the pressure is on, and in the past they haven’t come through in this spot, especially in December. Chargers 28-21.

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Cowboys Next Two Games Will Define Season and a Lot More

Dallas Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips has worn the face in the picture above a lot this season.  If he can’t motivate the Cowboys to play their hearts out in the next two games, he’ll be wearing it again when it’s reported that he won’t be resigned to coach the Cowboys.

During a press conference on Monday afternoon, Phillips called the Dallas Cowboys winners and Steve Dennis of CBS 11 made it abundantly clear that the Cowboys haven’t done much winning in December and as usual Wade Phillips didn’t get mad, he didn’t yell, he just talked in that monotone voice of his and said “They’ve won eight games this season, I’m not going to call them losers.”

While Phillips didn’t show much fight but his players did as several of them were seen yelling at Dennis at the end of the media session in the locker room on Wednesday.

Linebacker Demarcus Ware said, “You’re going to have guys in this locker room that’s pushing for him, playing hard for him and letting everybody know that he’s a great coach.”

Phillips is right, the Cowboys aren’t losers…yet, but if the Cowboys don’t play with a sense of desperation and urgency this week and next Saturday, it’ll be too late for them.

With the emergence of the Green Bay Packers and the Arizona Cardinals, only two teams from the NFC East are going to the playoffs. The Cowboys could’ve put the debate of who those teams are going to to to bed, but their loss to the Giants changed everything.

The Cowboys Sunday afternoon match-up against the Chargers isn’t the only game that’s important for the ‘Boys; Sunday night’s game between the Giants and the Eagles is just as important as the Cowboys beating the Chargers.

If the Eagles win they hold serve with the Cowboys for first place in the NFC East (assuming the Cowboys win) if the Giants win they and the Cowboys lose all three teams are tied for first place and Dallas would be in second with the tiebreaker over the Eagles.

The Cowboys also have the hardest remaining schedule of any NFL team, after the Chargers this week, they play the Saints, the Redskins on the road, and finish the season at home against the Eagles.

Meanwhile, the Giants have the Washington Redskins next week followed by the Panthers and the Vikings. The Eagles play the 49ers and Broncos before finishing the season against Dallas.

If the Cowboys lose the next two games, they’ll be 8-6 and on the outside looking in. It won’t be easy for the Cowboys to win these games as the Chargers and Saints are two of the best teams in the NFL, but last week the Cowboys played like they didn’t need to win the game.

Flozell Adams was called for unnecessary roughness, Marion Barber fumbled in his own territory leading to a Giants TD, Anthony Spencer was called twice for offsides in  Cowboys territory and the secondary let Steve Smith run wild over the middle of the field. Most of this happened during the Cowboys two minute collapse at the end of first half and they weren’t able to recover. 

This is the time for a coach to be screaming and yelling, this is time to get your team motivated and to let them know what time it is; if we don’t get it done, were watching the playoffs instead of preparing for it and I’m out of a job.

This won’t happen however, Phillips will just talk in that same voice and say, everything is ok, don’t worry, cause I’m not. There’s no need for urgency, so relax guys, and just go out and play.

This means the Cowboys will have to motivate themselves, something few teams can do. but the Cowboys seem to be up for the challenge.

“I’ll go to fight for that man until I hang my cleats up and I’m done playing football, because I have the utmost respect for him.” said linebacker Keith Brooking

“I trust him, so I definitely want him to be around. We’re going to go out there and play our best and do everything he asks us to do.” nose tackle Jay Ratliff said

Talking about playing hard for Phillps is a great start but if it doesn’t translaste to the field it could be another December collapse and Phillips’ face is one fans and his supporting players won’t be seeing anymore.

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Dallas Cowboys Injury Report: Dec. 8th

The Cowboys came out of Giants Stadium with no new injuries and should get a defensive starter back.

Ken Hamlin could return this week. It’s been four weeks since he sprained his ankle. However, Wade Phillips hasn’t said that Hamlin would play. Hamlin worked with the training staff last week and tomorrow will be the big day for him as he’ll see if he can practice.

If Hamlin can’t go, Alan Ball with start again at safety with Gerald Sensabaugh playing the safety spot when the Cowboys are in a dime formation.

Linebacker Victor Butler played against the Giants despite a sprained knee he suffered a week earlier against the Raiders. He shouldn’t miss any practice time this week. 

Lincebacker DeMarcus Ware (foot), safety Gerald Sensabaugh (wrist), tight end Jason Witten (foot) and Tony Romo (back) all are expected to fully practice and play this week against the San Diego Chargers.

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Dallas Cowboys Drop Ball Against New York Giants, Lose 31-24

The Cowboys had a chance to put the Giants out of the playoff picture yesterday and let all doubters know that this December will be different.

Instead, the Dallas defense and special teams gave up big plays in the second half and left New York City with a 31-24 loss, making the rest of the month even harder on them.

The offense had a good day despite the running game gaining just 45 yards on 23 carries.

Tony Romo had a career-high in completions, attempts and passing yards, going 41-of-55 for 392 yards and three touchdowns. He didn’t throw an interception and constantly kept the Cowboys moving with an ineffective running game.

The Cowboys went up 10-0 when Roy Williams caught his first touchdown on a jump ball, beating Corey Webster. It was at that point the Cowboys defense changed for the rest of the game.

The Giants took the ball with three minutes left and drove down the field in just 1:28 after three consecutive 16-yard plays. Eli Manning capped the drive by when he connected with Hakeem Nicks for a 21-yard touchdown pass.

Romo tried to get the Cowboys down the field before the half, but running back Marion Barber fumbled on a screen pass. Osi Umenyiora returned the fumble to the Cowboys 28-yard line, and four plays later Brandon Jacobs’ one-yard touchdown run gave the Giants a 14-10 halftime lead.

In the second half Dallas struck first, as the Cowboys started their third drive of the quarter at their own 44 and Romo drove the offense to the Giants five-yard line. After faking a hand-off to Barber, then faking a pitch to Austin, Romo found Williams wide open in the back of the end zone, making it 17-14 Cowboys.

Once again, the Cowboys’ defense failed to hold the lead. On the first play of the Giants next possession, Brandon Jacobs caught a check-down pass from Manning and ran 74 yards for a touchdown.

Special teams was also a huge let down for Dallas as Domenik Hixon returned a punt 74 yards late in the fourth to seal the game. After the Cowboys added a touchdown, their onside kick attempt was unsuccessful and the Giants ran out the clock. Nick Folk also missed two field goals, making him 16-for-24 on the season.

Romo shared the ball with his three favorite receivers who had solid games. Williams had arguably his best game as a Cowboy with six catches for 60 yards and two touchdowns. Jason Witten had a career-high in receiving yards with 156 on 14 catches. Miles Austin had 10 catches for 104 yards and one score.

Terence Newman, Orlando Scandrick and Mike Jenkins once again let Steve Smith run wild as he caught six balls for 110 yards. He would’ve had more had he not dropped two passes that hit him right in the hands. Jenkins did have an interception in his own end zone that stalled a potential scoring drive for the Giants in the third quarter.

Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips didn’t seem too concerned after the game, but he should be. The Cowboys now go home to face the San Diego Chargers, who’ve won seven in a row. They then face a short week against the Saints in New Orleans.

This two-game stretch could put the Cowboys at 8-6 heading into the last two weeks of the season. That could put the Cowboys out of the playoffs and Phillips out of a job.

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Week 13: Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants

The Cowboys head into December with a game against their division rivals, the New York Giants. The Giants and Cowboys have been talking all week and they don’t like each other, so you can bet that Sunday’s game will be a good one.

The Giants have stumbled after a great start and are now 6-5.

Eli Manning has been playing through a foot injury and has been up and down in recent weeks, but back in Week Two he torched the Cowboys through the air going 25 for 38 for 330 yards and two TDs. He’ll try to duplicate that this week although it may be difficult with the Cowboys’ corners improving greatly since that game.

The Giants top three wide receivers all have at least 500 yards receiving and four TDs. Steve Smith (72 receptions, 869 yards, and four TDs) and Mario Manningham (42 receptions for 665 and four TDs) are both having great seasons and were a huge part of why Manning was so successful in week two. Third receiver Hakeem Nicks is also having a big rookie season with 32 receptions for 538 and four TDs.

The running game for the Giants is hurting as backup Ahmad Bradshaw (ankle) is questionable and Danny Ware (concussion) is out for this week’s game. That could leave Brandon Jacobs (174 carries for 683 yards and three TDs) and rookie Gartrell Johnson, who has 11 carries for 39 yards on the season, as the only backs for the Giants, limiting their offense.

The Giants defense has gotten healthy over the past few weeks but hasn’t improved much in any games. They’ve given up at least 20 points in six straight games and 40 in two of those games.  Despite that, the Giants still have the fourth best defense in the NFL.

Linebacker Antonio Pierce is out for the rest of the season with a bulging disc in his neck but Chase Blackburn has been efficient in his place with 50 tackles and three for a loss. Linemen Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck are still scary bookends on the Giants’ defensive line. They have nine-and-a-half sacks combined and seven tackles for a loss, however, Umenyiora will not start as the Giants feel he hasn’t helped much in the run game. 

Former Cowboy Chris Canty will also start for the Giants in place of Fred Robbins as the Giants want to make sure they’re not burned by the Cowboys three man running game.

The Giants secondary is fourth in the NFL in yards per game, giving up just 182.6 YPG. Corey Webster is the leader of the secondary and with Aaron Ross back after missing the first half of the season, it’ll be hard for the Cowboys receivers to get open. Second year corner Terrell Thomas leads the team with four interceptions.

The Cowboys still remember the Giants ruining their home opener with a last second win and want revenge. Tony Romo wants it more than anyone as he took the blame for the loss as he threw three interceptions in their week two matchup.

Miles Austin wasn’t a big factor as it was before his breakout game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Austin had just one catch for 20 yards in that game. He’ll try to be a factor in this game. Jason Witten will also be a target as he’s always performed well against the Giants. Roy Williams needs to make some plays in this game but he’s been inconsistent all season.

The Cowboys will run in this game, a lot. They racked up 251 rushing yards as a team in the first matchup including Marion Barber’s 124 yards on 18 carries. Felix Jones had 96 yards on just seven carries.

With Smash, Dash, and Tash healthy you can bet that Offensive Coordinator Jason Garrett will be calling their numbers often, especially with the Giants defense being suspect lately. 

The Cowboys’ defense has been doing a lot of talking this week and Bradie James has been at the front of the line. James wants redemption for Eli Manning signing the visitor’s locker room after beating the Cowboys in week two.  

With the Giants line playing inconsistent of late, James, Keith Brooking (82 tackles, three sacks), and DeMarcus Ware (40 tackles, eight sacks) will be coming after Manning. Jay Ratliff will also be looking for Manning and Jacobs as the Cowboys also want to stop the Giants running game.

Look for the Cowboys to blitz more than they did in the first game as Manning has problems moving around on his injured feet.

The Cowboys’ secondary has been playing solid lately and will want to continue that stretch. The Cowboys will have to stop Steve Smith if they want a chance to win this game. Manning loves to go to him, especially on third downs.

Terence Newman, Orlando Scandrick, and Mike Jenkins didn’t play well at all in week two, but since then have worked out the kinks and look to be ready for this game. Alan Ball will make his third start at safety while Ken Hamlin is still nursing a sprained ankle.

Despite the Giants recent struggles, this will be a close game because both teams need it—bad. If the Cowboys can run like they did in week two, you can bet that Romo will not be throwing often; every time he threw in their first matchup the Cowboys were in trouble.

The Giants need to find their stride on defense. They can’t stop anything right now and the Cowboys’ defense is too good for the Giants to be successful in a shootout.

The Cowboys win this game just like they beat the Giants last December, with a solid running game and a defense that bends but doesn’t break.  Romo will also make one significant play in the game that will benefit the Cowboys, besides that he manages the game and doesn’t take many chances.

Cowboys 24-17.

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Will the Cowboys Have a December to Remember or Another Forgettable Season?

Well, Cowboy fans, here it is—the month you’re all scared of, the month that for the past three seasons marked the end of the high scoring, aggressive defense, and well-coached games.

For the past three seasons December has given way to an inept offense, a defense that’s on the field too long, and a combined 4-8 record.

This December won’t be easy as the Cowboys’ schedule isn’t in their benefit.

Can the Cowboys overcome their demons and finish strong, or will they once again drop as fast as the temperature?

The Cowboys start this December on the road against the lowly Giants. While the Giants have a 6-5 record and a ton of injuries, they still have a passing game that lit the Cowboys up in Week Two, as Eli Manning was 25 of 38 for 330 yards and two TDs and wasn’t sacked once. Receivers Steve Smith and Mario Manningham ran a clinic against the Cowboys’ secondary.

Still, the Cowboys only lost by two points, and much of the blame was put on Tony Romo and his three interceptions. Romo hasn’t thrown more than one interception in every game since, and the Giants’ secondary is a shell of what it used to be after various injuries.

On Dec. 13 the Cowboys host the San Diego Chargers, a team that beat both the Giants and Eagles. The Chargers are currently 8-3, including 4-1 on the road, and have won six in a row after a rough start. They’ll probably win this weekend against the Cleveland Browns, making it seven in a row.

Six days later the Cowboys face the New Orleans Saints on Saturday night in Louisiana. The Saints are undefeated after dismantling the Patriots last night, and Drew Brees has thrown for at least 300 yards in six of the Saints’ 11 games. Including this season and last season, the Saints are a combined 12-2 at the Superdome.

The Cowboys then finish December against the Washington Redskins, who they beat two weeks ago 7-6. Although the Skins controlled much of the game, the Cowboys got themselves collected enough to drive down the field late in the game and score, then intercepted a Jason Campbell pass to put the game away.

There are some signs that the Cowboys can be successful in December. Their offense fixed some kinks in a tune-up game against the Raiders on Thanksgiving, and Keith Brooking, along with DeMarcus Ware, leads a defense that hasn’t given up more than a TD in two straight games and hasn’t give up 20 points since October. 

Romo has found himself again after two subpar performances against the Packers and Skins. Felix Jones seems to be 100 percent for the first time since coming back from his PCL sprain, and Jason Witten had a season high in receiving yards with 107 on a sprained foot last week.

If the Cowboys can go 2-2 in December, they should lock up a playoff berth, and if they win three games in December, they should have the division wrapped up by the time they play Philadelphia to finish their season, making that game irrelevant for them. But in order to do that, they need to play their best while Wade Phillips and Jason Garrett call good games.

This month means a lot for the Cowboys: a chance at the playoffs for the team and a chance for Garrett and Phillips to keep their jobs. The hot seat has cooled off a bit, but you can bet if the Cowboys start dropping games, Bill Cowher and Mike Shanahan (provided he doesn’t take the Bills job) will be getting calls from Jerry Jones when the season ends.

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Cowboys Crush Raiders 24-7, Face Tough December

The Cowboys know that December is going to be a tough month and with a game against the lowly Raiders the Cowboys didn’t play with their Thanksgiving food as they dominated the game start to finish.

The Cowboys’ offense was as perfect as a Thanksgiving turkey. Tony Romo went 18-for-29 for 308 yards and two TDs. Receiver Miles Austin and Tight End Jason Witten benefited from Romo’s good day as they had plenty of balls to catch.

Jason Witten had five catches for 107 yards, his longest catch coming in the third quarter when Romo avoided a sack and hit Witten for a 44-yard catch and run that led to a Roy Williams TD. Witten was questionable on Monday but his sore foot improved during the week and he showed no signs of the injury during the game.

Miles Austin had been held in check the last two games but busted out on Turkey Day with seven catches for 145 yards and one TD. Austin beat pro bowl safety Nnamdi Asomugha a few times and was able to score on a screen pass after his TD two plays before was overturned after a official challenge.

The running game for the Cowboys was great. Smash, Dash and Tash each had one run of over 30 yards and finished with 196 yards combined. Marion Barber had 61 yards on 14 carries and also added a 42-yard catch. Felix Jones finished with seven carries for 68 yards including a 46-yard TD run that gave the Cowboys a 10-0 lead. Tashard Choice ran mainly out of the Wildcat and finished with three carries for 67 yards including a 66-yard scamper that set up a Nick Folk Field goal to make it 3-0.

The Cowboys defense gave up less than 10 points for the second straight game. Bruce Gradkowski (18-for-35, 200 yards and one TD) was pressured throughout the game and sacked three times. Gradkowski connected with Darrius Heyward-Bey for the Raiders only TD in the third quarter.

Linebacker Anthony Spencer finally got his first two sacks of the season while the man he replaced Greg Ellis, sat on the Raiders bench with a swollen knee. DeMarcus Ware also had a sack and a forced fumble recovered by Jay Ratliff to end the first half.

The running game for the Raiders was successful early in the game, but as the game went on the Cowboys front seven took control. Justin Fargas finished with 63 yards on 12 carries; Darren McFadden had eight carries for 23 yards and added 43 yards receiving.

The Cowboys secondary shut down the Raiders receivers as tight end Zach Miller led the team with 73 yards on five catches. Heyward-Bey, Chad Schilens and Louis Murphy combined for just six catches and 75 yards.

The Cowboys now head into December where the Cowboys are 17-29 since 1999 and this December won’t be an easy one. The Cowboys face the Giants on the road, and then face the Chargers at home before going on a two game road trip to New Orleans and Washington.

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Week 12: Oakland Raiders Vs. Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys host the Oakland Raiders on their annual Thanksgiving Day game.

The Oakland Raiders come into Dallas riding high off their comeback win against the Cincinnati Bengals. Bruce Gradkowski is now the starting quarterback for the Raiders and played efficiently last week (17-for-34, 183 yards, two TDs and one INT)

This week Gradkowski will try to play better than the last time he faced the Cowboys. In 2006 as the QB for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Gradkowski went 10-for-20 for 120 yards and 2 INTs in a 38-10 loss on Thanksgiving Day.

The Raiders receivers haven’t gotten many opportunities this year and their numbers show it. They’re dead last in passing offense averaging 125 passing YPG. Tight end Zach Miller leads the team in receptions (34), yards (495) and TDs (2). The Raiders best wide receiver is Louis Murphy who has 17 receptions for 261 yards and two TDs. Rookie Darrius Heyward-Bey (seven receptions, 103 yards) hasn’t done much this season, only catching a pass in six games this season and hasn’t had more than two receptions in a single game.

The Raiders running game ranks 20th in the NFL. Michael Bush is second on the team in attempts (81) and leads the team in yards (377) and also has two TDs. Justin Fargas is the team’s second leading rusher with 336 yards on 90 carries and two TDs. Darren McFadden (57 carries, 182 yards and one TD) hasn’t had the season the Raiders thought he would as he’s battled injuries.

The Raiders defense has been on the field too long, ranking fourth in the league in plays from scrimmage with 669 plays. Oakland’s front seven can generate some pressure as former Cowboy Greg Ellis (5) and Richard Seymour (4) have combined for nine sacks this season. Linebacker Kirk Morrison leads the team in tackles with 84 and has five for a loss.

The Raiders secondary ranks 12th in the league, giving up 207.5 YPG. Chris Johnson leads the secondary with 49 tackles and is tied for the team lead with three interceptions and has 12 passes defended. Nnamdi Asomugah was a pro bowler last season and is having another good season. Safety Michael Huff is also having a good season with three interceptions and nine passes defended.

Tony Romo will try to revive a Cowboys offense that has scored just two TDs in their last two games. Even though Romo still has a sore back, he’s expected to start this week.

However he could be without his best friend, tight end Jason Witten who will be a game time decision with a sprained foot. Witten leads the team in receptions with 54 for 481 yards and one TD. If Witten can’t go then Martellus Bennett will take his place.

Romo will still have Miles Austin to throw to. Austin hit his stride late in last week’s game and finished with a team high 47 yards on four receptions. Roy Williams had no catches last week and he’ll need to make an impact if Witten is out. In last year’s Turkey Day game Williams had two catches for 51 yards.

The Cowboys running game seems to be back on track and should take advantage of the Oakland’s 30th ranked rushing defense. Last week against the Redskins the Cowboys ran the ball 31 times for 149 yards. Marion Barber was the high man with 20 carries for 99 yards, Felix Jones ran the ball 10 times for 49 yards and Tashard Choice ran the ball once for one yard.

The Cowboys defense is still riding high after holding the Redskins to just six points, and they’ll be looking to take Gradkowski down a few times. Keith Brooking (73 tackles, three sacks) and DeMarcus Ware (39 tackles, seven sacks) lead the seventh ranked rushing defense in the NFL. The Cowboys also rank eighth in the league with 25 sacks this season.

The Cowboys secondary also played well last week. Corners Terence Newman, Mike Jenkins and Orlando Scandrick have combined this season for 26 passes defended and five interceptions. Safety Alan Ball played great last week in place of Ken Hamlin who’s still out with an ankle injury. They also got help from linebacker Anthony Spencer who recorded an interception to put last week’s game away.

The Cowboys need to come out and make an impact early to kill Oakland’s hopes of pulling out a win—the longer the Cowboys keep the Raiders in the game, the more the momentum shifts to silver and black. They also need to get to Gradkowski, something the Bengals didn’t do last week. The Raiders will definitely make this game interesting but the Cowboys will keep their three game Thanksgiving Day winning streak alive. Cowboys 24-17.

 

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