Win or Lose, Dallas Cowboys Will Make a Statement This Sunday Against Eagles

On Sunday night the Cowboys will face the Philadelphia Eagles for first place in the NFC East.

Things are looking good right now; the Cowboys are riding high on a three-game winning streak, Wade Phillips has job security, Miles Austin is catching everything, Tony Romo looks like the quarterback everyone thought he was, and the Cowboys have no significant injuries. 

Basically things are great in Dallas, but on Sunday night they’ll make their biggest statement of the season, whether they win or lose.

The Cowboys have beaten up on some bad teams this season. With the exception of the Falcons, the combined record of the other four teams the Cowboys have beaten are 6-22. Yes, they lost to the Giants by three and Broncos by seven, and they’re both good teams. So what? No one ever went to the playoffs losing to good teams.

If the Cowboys win, it’ll be their biggest of the season and will show they’re past last year’s 44-6 embarrassment at Lincoln Financial Field. It’ll also show that the Cowboys are finally growing up as a team and playing to their abilities instead of just listening to the hype. 

A win would also benefit Wade Phillips. One of the reasons he’s on the hot seat is because of his nice guy personality; the Cowboys haven’t responded to it very well, and some analysts think that a more hard-nosed coach would benefit the team. If the Cowboys can keep winning, it’ll show owner Jerry Jones that Phillips has control of this team without being that angry coach.

A win would also give them some leverage over the Eagles, which could benefit them down the road. The Redskins are out of the division race, and winning a game is their only concern for the rest of the season.

The Giants are falling apart with all the injuries in their secondary, and Eli Manning’s foot is bothering him more than he’s letting on. It’ll take a lot for the Giants to get back in it, even if Manning finds his game, because their defense can’t generate a pass rush and their safeties are a running joke.

That leaves the Cowboys and Eagles to take the division crown.

If the Cowboys lose, everything changes. 

A loss will make the Cowboys another average team that’s able to beat inferior talent but can’t win statement games against the top-tier teams in the league. With the talent the Cowboys have, that’s not acceptable.

The Cowboys have a top-tier QB in Romo, a receiver in Austin who’s playing at a Pro Bowl level, two other wideouts who are finally finding themselves, three running backs who would be starters on any team in the NFL, and one of the most talented and aggressive defenses in the league. Losing games like this isn’t an option.

Also, this is the weak part of the Cowboys’ schedule, so they need to take advantage. After Sunday night’s game, the Cowboys play the Packers on the road and then the Redskins and Raiders at home before December hits. Any fan knows how hard December has been recently, and this season is no different.

The Cowboys start December at the Giants, then the Chargers at home, and then the Saints on the road before a layup against the Redskins.

If they win out before December, they’ll be 9-2 going into the game against the Giants, which will give them margin for error; unlike last season, where they dropped what could’ve been wins against the Steelers and Ravens and were fighting to get into the playoffs in the last week.

If the Cowboys can’t take advantage, it’ll only reaffirm that they’re not playing to their potential, and you can’t blame the players. The coach has to take the blame.

The Cowboys know this game is important from a revenge standpoint and just to get another win and keep riding high. However, they’ve already dropped two games against quality teams that they were in until the last minute—now it’s time to win one.

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Cowboys Injury Report: Nov. 3

The Cowboys had no injuries in their game against the Seahawks and heading into their game against the Eagles have only one significant injury.

Linebacker DeMarcus Ware is still suffering from the stress fracture in his foot, but since the news about the injury has come out he’s recorded five sacks, played in every game, and hasn’t missed a practice. It’s safe to say he’s fine.

Safety Gerald Sensabaugh has played in the last two games since breaking his thumb and hasn’t missed a practice. His availability has kept rookie Mike Hamlin inactive the last two weeks although he’s healthy and that will continue.

Defensive Tackle Jay Ratliff suffered a mild knee sprain last Friday, but played in Sunday’s game against the Seahawks and will practice and play this week.

According to Wade Phillips, kick returner Allen Rossum is still suffering from a hamstring pull and is expected to miss two more weeks. But Patrick Crayton has been terrific as the punt returner and Rossum may not stick with the team long once he comes back.

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Week 8: Cowboys Drown Seahawks 38-17 Move Into First.

The Dallas Cowboys hosted the injured Seattle Seahawks on Sunday and after a slow start they jumped on the Seahawks and blew them out 38-17 moving them into a tie for first in the NFC East with the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Cowboys’ offense was on fire Sunday as Tony Romo was 21-36 for 256 yards and three TD’s. Romo also didn’t throw an interception for the third straight game, a personal record.

Romo’s first TD pass was to receiver Sam Hurd on a 36-yard catch and run where Hurd avoided three Seahawks defensive backs and tip toed into the end zone. Romo’s second score came when he found Roy Williams at the two yard line and Williams reached his arm out as he was getting tackled to get the ball into the end zone. The play was reviewed but upheld as the ball broke the plane before Williams lost it.

The last TD came in the third quarter when Romo threw to the corner of the end zone from the Seahawks three yard line to his favorite new target Miles Austin, who had team highs in receiving (61 yards) and catches (5). 

Patrick Crayton had 3 catches for 39 yards but had a punt return for a TD making him and “Bullet” Bob Hayes the only two Cowboys with punt returns in consecutive games. Crayton fielded the punt at his own 18-yard line and found a crease at the 30 then stiff armed Seahawks punter Jon Ryan, who was the last defender and that left Crayton all alone to take it to the house.

Cowboys running backs Smash, Dash, and Tash combined for 26 rushes and 103 yards on the day. Marion Barber had the high in both for the group with 14 carries for 53 yards. Felix Jones had 8 rushes for 39 yards and a 30 yard reception and Tashard Choice had four carries for 11 yards.

The Cowboys’ defense took advantage of the Seahawks depleted offensive line as DeMarcus Ware, Bobby Carpenter, and Keith Brooking each had a sack and the Cowboys forced two fumbles and recovered both.

Brooking led the team with 11 tackles on the day as the Cowboys blitzed relentlessly and stopped the Seahawks’ run game holding former Cowboy Julius Jones to just 57 yards on 15 carries and the Seahawks had only 79 yards rushing as a team. Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck had a good game (22-39 249 yards and two TD’s) but was hit constantly and beat up throughout the game.

The Cowboys are now on a three game winning streak but face the Philadelphia Eagles next Sunday who they share the top spot in the NFC East with. After beating up on soft competition we’ll find out which Cowboys team this really is; the team that’s shown up in the last three games or the team that commits penalties, turns the ball over, and misses assignments on defense.

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Week 8: Seattle Seahawks Vs. Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys will try to continue their winning streak in Dallas as the Seattle Seahawks come to town.

The Seahawks (2-4) sit in third place in the NFC West and bring a banged up team into Dallas.

The Seahawks will be without linebacker Lofa Tatupu (pectoral) and offensive lineman Walter Jones (Knee) as they have been put on injured reserve by the team. QB Matt Hasselbeck also hasn’t practiced this week because of a rib injury but Coach Jim Mora said that Hasselbeck will play on Sunday.

Hasselbeck is having a good season when he’s been able to stay on the field. He’s 65-113 for 729 yards with seven touchdowns and three interceptions. The Seahawks are 18th in passing with receiver Nate Burleson leading the way in receptions (38) yards (398) and TD’s (3). #2 receiver TJ Houshmandzadeh is having a good first year with the Seahawks with 31 receptions for 359 yards and two TD’s.

Former Cowboy Julius Jones will look to get some revenge on the team that wouldn’t resign him two years ago. However the Seahawks are 28th in rushing yards per game so it will be an uphill battle for Jones with the Cowboys’ stout run defense and the Seahawks missing two starters on their offensive line.

This season Jones has 74 carries for 290 yards and one TD. Last year Jones was non-existent against the ‘Boys carrying the ball 11 times for just 37 yards. Edgerrin James and Justin Forsett complete the Seahawks running game but they have just 211 yards on 58 carries and no TD’s. The Seahawks as a team have just two rushing TD’s and one is by backup QB Seneca Wallace.

The Seahawks defense is the strength of their team. They shut out their opponents in both of their wins. (granted they were against the Rams and Jaguars, but I have to give them something) Rookie Aaron Curry leads the team in tackles with 37 and is second on the team in sacks with two. Patrick Kearney leads the team in sacks with four, but is questionable for Sunday’s game. The Seahawks are tied for 8th in the NFL with 16.

The Seahawks blitz a lot and don’t give up many yards. They’re in the top 16 in both rushing (99.3) and passing yards (220.3) against per game. Safety Ken Lucas leads a Seahawks secondary that includes 10-year veteran Deon Grant. The Seahawks are a good coverage team but don’t create many turnovers, they have just three interceptions and five fumble recoveries on the year.

The Cowboys are still riding high from their first signature win of the season against the Falcons last week. However they need to stay focused because this has trap game written all over it. 

Tony Romo had his second 300-yard passing game in a row last week. On the season Romo is 117-194 for 1652 with nine TD’s and four interceptions. Romo will need to use his elusiveness to keep the Seattle front seven off him and to get the ball out to his receivers as the Seahawks are good at getting to the QB.

Miles Austin will once again be targeted a lot by Romo. In just two weeks Austin has become the Cowboys leading receiver in yards (502), yards per catch (23.9) and TD’s (5) The Cowboys #1 receiver Roy Williams needs to step up, this could be a big game for him and Patrick Crayton is back in his element as the third receiver.

Tight ends Jason Witten and Martellus Bennett were a big part of the passing game last week combining for eight catches and 85 yards.

The Cowboys running game wasn’t at its best last week but still productive. Felix Jones proved that he’s 100% as he carried the ball eight times for 37 yards and will resume his kickoff return duties this week as well. Marion Barber got the bulk of the work carrying the ball 14 times for 47 yards and showed his toughness playing with a broken thumb.

The Seahawks have a good run defense but the Cowboys rarely get away from their running game, instead letting it take it’s time to develop so expect the Cowboys to feed Jones and Barber a lot.

The Cowboys defense will be very aggressive with two of the Seahawks starting linemen out. Linebacker DeMarcus Ware will be lined up against Damion Macintosh, a ten year veteran who was signed two weeks ago by the Seahawks. That should be an advantage for the Cowboys and knowing Wade Phillips, the Cowboys front seven will be very aggressive in this game. 

The Cowboys secondary was dominant last week against the Falcons and will try for a second week in a row. Terence Newman, Mike Jenkins and Orlando Scandrick all made plays in last week’s game.

Jenkins and Scandrick had one interception each and Jenkins had a huge hit on Falcons receiver Marty Booker in the fourth quarter, on the very next play Newman blew up receiver Roddy White after he caught a pass and forced him to fumble. They also held tight end Tony Gonzalez to 37 yards on four catches.

This week they have their work cut out for them with Houshmandzadeh being a deep threat and Burleson known as a great route runner, however if the Cowboys can get pressure they should be able to intercept a ball or two like they did last week.

The Cowboys should win this game as they’ve been able to beat second tier teams. Romo may get hit once or twice but he’ll have another good game and If the Cowboys can cut down on their penalties they should have control of this game by the third quarter. It won’t be a blowout but the Cowboys will keep the lead large enough to put it away early in the fourth. 35-20.

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Does Dallas’ Roy Williams Need To Be Demoted?

Two weeks after Miles Austin’s record setting game against the Chiefs, head coach Wade Phillips promoted Austin into the second receiver spot and demoted Patrick Crayton to the third receiver spot.

But did Phillips demote the wrong receiver?

Since Cowboys owner Jerry Jones traded for Roy Williams, he’s done nothing but underachieve. Williams used to make catches like this every once in a while if nothing else, but not anymore. Instead, he just drops passes or doesn’t even get targeted by  Tony Romo.

During the preseason many analysts said that Romo and Williams need to develop some chemistry, but that hasn’t happened yet. Williams is fourth on the Cowboys in yards, hasn’t had a TD since week 1 and running back Tashard Choice has more receptions than Williams.

Since Williams joined the Cowboys he’s played 17 games caught 31 passes for 428 yards and two TD’s.

In the last two games, Austin has 16 catches for 421 and four TD’s. Now I’ll be the first to admit that Austin’s last two games were fantastic, but that’s what happens when a receiver does his job.

Williams has been called out on NFL Network’s Playbook and ESPN’s NFL Live as being lazy in and out of his breaks and waiting for the ball to get to him instead of going after it.

Williams was targeted five times in Sunday’s game against the Falcons but only caught one pass for 15 yards, and dropped two passes. One drop came on third down of the first possession for the Cowboys and Williams’ drop forced them to punt.

Meanwhile, Crayton hasn’t been great but his demotion motivated him. He had just two catches for nine yards but made the most of it with a TD and a punt return for a TD. He’s also third on the team in catches and yards.

Crayton also had something to say after Sunday’s game.

“There you go,” Crayton said of winning the punt return job back by default last week. “I’ve been dealing with that my whole career. He can’t get it done. He’s too slow. He can’t run. He ain’t fast. He ain’t a deep threat. We’ve got him back there to catch punt returns because he can catch them. Not really to score, just to catch them. Good. I appreciate that.” 

Crayton is the type of guy who lets criticism motivate him, He wasn’t upset at all by the demotion at punt returner or wide receiver, instead he just went out and did his job.

Despite all of this evidence, Williams won’t get demoted no matter what and the reason is simple; Wade Phillips.

Jerry Jones owns Phillips, and Jones doesn’t want to admit that Williams has been a disappointment since he got to Dallas, and in a contract year, Phillips won’t go against Jones.

Jones said on his radio show last week, “I’m glad we got him because we got where we want to be – a young wide receiver in Miles Austin on the way up and a chance to stretch the field, and then Roy Williams as your No.1 receiver with a chance to have a great year because of how hard he’s been working.”

Williams either has Jones deceived or Jones simply won’t admit his mistake considering he has Williams locked up for another four years. Right now, Williams’ isn’t a No. 1 receiver; he hasn’t been since the day Calvin Johnson was drafted.

Williams needs to be demoted, simply because Romo barely looks at him. At some point Austin’s production will slow down, and Romo will have to look at his tight ends a lot more without another receiver able to get open.

 

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Cowboys Injury Report: Oct. 27

The Cowboys had some injury concerns going into Sunday’s game against the Falcons, but all of their ailing players came out of the game just fine except for their newest acquisition.

Kick returner Allen Rossum injured his hamstring and didn’t return to the game. His status for next week is unknown, but considering that Patrick Crayton returned a punt for a TD, Rossum could be cut to make room for another player.

Running back Felix Jones ran eight times for 37 yards and one fumble, but Wade Phillips said he was fine and should participate fully in practice this week and will play on Sunday against the Seahawks.

Running back Marion Barber played with a cast on his hand and started. Phillips said that he was fine throughout the game and expects him to play again this week.

Linebacker DeMarcus Ware had two sacks and a forced fumble, proving that the stress fracture in his foot has no effect on his game. His new $78 million contract should also keep that foot nice and healthy.

Safety Gerald Sensabaugh started on Sunday against the Falcons and tied for the team lead with seven tackles. With Sensabaugh starting, Pat Watkins returns to his special teams duties and although Michael Hamlin is now healthy, he wasn’t put on the active roster last week and didn’t dress for the game.

Receiver Roy Williams also came out of Sunday’s game healthy although he had just one catch in the game. He is also expected to return to practice and to start next week.

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Cowboys-Falcons: Dallas Dominates Matt Ryan and Co. in Statement Win

The Dallas Cowboys came into Sunday knowing their game against the Falcons was a statement game, and the Cowboys made one on both sides of the ball as they claimed a convincing, 37-21 victory.

The Cowboys’ defense gave up a touchdown on an 80-yard drive by the Falcons to start the game, but gave up little else throughout. Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan had a rough day as he went 19-of-35 passing for 198 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions.

Ryan was sacked just twice all season coming into this game, but the Cowboys’ defensive line housed the Falcons’ front line and sacked Ryan four times. DeMarcus Ware sacked Ryan twice and forced a fumble that linebacker Anthony Spencer recovered, and the Cowboys scored on the next play when Tony Romo found Miles Austin for a 59-yard catch-and-run.

Second-year corners Orlando Scandrick and Mike Jenkins each had an interception, and the Falcons gained only 298 yards total on offense. Marcus Spears and Jay Ratliff also had one sack apiece, and a Cowboys defense that had trouble generating turnovers and sacks early in the season recorded four sacks, two picks, and three forced fumbles against the Falcons. 

The Cowboys offense shined just as brightly as the sun did in Arlington yesterday.

Romo had his second consecutive 300-yard game as he went 21-of-29 for 311 yards and two touchdowns. Romo also didn’t throw an interception for the second straight game.

Austin made the best of his promotion this week, catching six balls for 173 yards and two touchdowns. The Falcons’ corners couldn’t stay with him and were called for holding on two plays, including Austin’s 22-yard touchdown catch.

Patrick Crayton, who was demoted to the third receiver spot, caught a five-yard touchdown just before halftime after Romo escaped the Falcons’ entire four-man rush and found Crayton wide open in the back of the end zone. In the fourth, Crayton put the game on ice when he returned a punt 77 yards for a score.

Tight end Jason Witten had five catches for 53 yards, and Martellus Bennett also got into the game with three catches for 38 yards.

The Cowboys running game combined for 28 carries for 115 yards. Marion Barber was the high man for Dallas with 14 carries for 47 yards. Felix Jones had eight carries for 37 yards. Surprisingly, Tashard Choice didn’t have a carry after owner Jerry Jones said that Choice would be the starter this week. Romo scrambled six times for 31 yards. 

The Cowboys have some soft games coming up with Seattle, Green Bay, Washington, and Oakland coming in the next five weeks. If they can build off this win, the Cowboys can really gain some position in the NFC East, as well as in the NFC.

The Cowboys need to stay consistent, though; next week’s game against the Seattle Seahawks has “trap game” written all over it. They better take advantage now, because, come December, they’re going to be fighting for their playoff lives.

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Cowboys-Falcons: Dallas Dominates Matt Ryan and Co. in Statement Win

The Dallas Cowboys came into Sunday knowing their game against the Falcons was a statement game, and the Cowboys made one on both sides of the ball as they claimed a convincing, 37-21 victory.

The Cowboys’ defense gave up a touchdown on an 80-yard drive by the Falcons to start the game, but gave up little else throughout. Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan had a rough day as he went 19-of-35 passing for 198 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions.

Ryan was sacked just twice all season coming into this game, but the Cowboys’ defensive line housed the Falcons’ front line and sacked Ryan four times. DeMarcus Ware sacked Ryan twice and forced a fumble that linebacker Anthony Spencer recovered, and the Cowboys scored on the next play when Tony Romo found Miles Austin for a 59-yard catch-and-run.

Second-year corners Orlando Scandrick and Mike Jenkins each had an interception, and the Falcons gained only 298 yards total on offense. Marcus Spears and Jay Ratliff also had one sack apiece, and a Cowboys defense that had trouble generating turnovers and sacks early in the season recorded four sacks, two picks, and three forced fumbles against the Falcons. 

The Cowboys offense shined just as brightly as the sun did in Arlington yesterday.

Romo had his second consecutive 300-yard game as he went 21-of-29 for 311 yards and two touchdowns. Romo also didn’t throw an interception for the second straight game.

Austin made the best of his promotion this week, catching six balls for 173 yards and two touchdowns. The Falcons’ corners couldn’t stay with him and were called for holding on two plays, including Austin’s 22-yard touchdown catch.

Patrick Crayton, who was demoted to the third receiver spot, caught a five-yard touchdown just before halftime after Romo escaped the Falcons’ entire four-man rush and found Crayton wide open in the back of the end zone. In the fourth, Crayton put the game on ice when he returned a punt 77 yards for a score.

Tight end Jason Witten had five catches for 53 yards, and Martellus Bennett also got into the game with three catches for 38 yards.

The Cowboys running game combined for 28 carries for 115 yards. Marion Barber was the high man for Dallas with 14 carries for 47 yards. Felix Jones had eight carries for 37 yards. Surprisingly, Tashard Choice didn’t have a carry after owner Jerry Jones said that Choice would be the starter this week. Romo scrambled six times for 31 yards. 

The Cowboys have some soft games coming up with Seattle, Green Bay, Washington, and Oakland coming in the next five weeks. If they can build off this win, the Cowboys can really gain some position in the NFC East, as well as in the NFC.

The Cowboys need to stay consistent, though; next week’s game against the Seattle Seahawks has “trap game” written all over it. They better take advantage now, because, come December, they’re going to be fighting for their playoff lives.

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Atlanta-Dallas: Falcons Soar into Texas for Week Seven Statement Game

The Dallas Cowboys host the Atlanta Falcons in a huge statement game. The Cowboys haven’t defeated a team over.500 all season and losing this game could be the difference between making the playoffs and finishing a game out like last season.

The Atlanta Falcons are second in the NFC South only trailing only the New Orleans Saints. Second year quarterback Matt Ryan is the reason the Falcons are a pass happy team; Ryan is having a solid season going 101-156 for 1162 yards, nine touchdowns and four interceptions.

Ryan’s favorite is receiver Roddy White, who leads the Falcons in receptions, yards and TD’s with 27 catches for 385 yards and four TD’s.

White along with tight end Tony Gonzalez is sure to create problems in the Cowboys’ secondary. Gonzalez is the Falcons second leading receiver with 23 catches for 267 yards and three TD’s

The Running game for the Falcons is ranked 24th in the NFL averaging just 98 yards per game.

Michael Turner leads the running game with 100 carries for 353 yards and six TD’s, but Turner has been fumble prone this season with four and two were recovered by the opposition. The Cowboys run defense has been their only bright spot on defense so the Falcons may have trouble moving the ball on the ground.

The Falcons defense gives up a lot of yards but not a lot of points. They’re 24th in yards per game, giving up 359. However they’re fourth in the league in points given up per game at 15.4.

Leading the Falcons defense is linebacker Curtis Lofton, who has a team leading 57 tackles on the season. John Abraham and Kroy Biermann are tied with three sacks each for the team lead. 

The Falcons defense is better at defending the pass than they are at defending the run. The Falcons give up an average of 241 yards passing per game which is 21st in the league but they give up 118 on the ground, which isn’t good because the Cowboys are third in the league averaging 160 rushing yards per game. So you can bet that Tashard Choice and Felix Jones are excited.  

For the Cowboys, this game could define their season. The turnovers, penalties and bonehead plays need to stop. 

Tony Romo had a good game two weeks ago against the Chiefs and will try to build on that after a week of rest and reflection on his game.

Romo will get more chances to throw to Miles Austin, who’s now starting opposite Roy Williams, while Patrick Crayton will now be the third receiver. However Williams’ status for Sunday is unknown as he’s still experiencing pain in his ribs, if doesn’t play then Crayton will start as the second receiver.

Romo will need to be accurate against a Falcons secondary that has five interceptions this season. He also needs to find a way to get Jason Witten involved; Witten is the team leader in catches with 28 and second in yards with 259 but has only one TD on the season.

The key to this game for the Cowboys offense is the running game. Choice will get the bulk of the carries according to owner Jerry Jones.

While Choice doesn’t have a 100-yard game this season, he did rack up 92 yards against the Chiefs and 82 yards against the Panthers.

Jones will be back from his PCL tear and will wear a knee brace, but he should be fine to back up Choice. Barber is still fighting his quad strain; he was also diagnosed this week with a broken thumb and will wear a cast Sunday, so he’ll probably get the least carries of the three.

The Cowboys’ defense had a week to get things squared for this game and should be fine. They’ve been successful in stopping the run but the secondary has been burned three times this season by the opposition’s two minute offense.

Linebacker DeMarcus Ware got his first two sacks of the season two weeks ago against the Chiefs, but Ware was diagnosed with a stress fracture in his foot earlier this week. He said that it hasn’t contributed to his lack of productivity and that he’ll be fine for Sunday’s game.

If he can’t go for some reason, expect Bobby Carpenter or Victor Butler to take Ware’s place, which would mean Anthony Spencer will need to step up. The Cowboys let Greg Ellis go because they thought Spencer was ready, but he’s shown little this season with just 13 tackles and no sacks.

Whoever is playing Wade Phillips will make sure that they’re blitzing, and often. Especially if the Falcons have trouble running the ball and are stuck in a lot of third and long situations.

The Secondary will need to have a stellar game this week. Terence Newman will most likely draw the assignment of covering Roddy White. Mike Jenkins and Orlando Scandrick will also have a heavy load as the Falcons like to spread the ball around.

It would also go a long way toward winning if the Cowboys could force a turnover, although that’s hard for them to do. The Cowboys have forced just four turnovers on the season in five games. 

This game will be close just like every game the Cowboys have played against elite competition, but I can’t see them winning. They haven’t beaten anyone respectable and that’s just what the Falcons are.

The Cowboys will keep the fans interested, but whether it’s a turnover, the defense failing with minutes left in the game, or the offense shooting themselves in the foot with penalties, they’ll do something that will cost them.

Falcons 24-20.

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Cowboys Injury Report; Crayton Gets Demoted

The Cowboys used the bye week to get their injured players healthy, but it’s still uncertain who will be ready for Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons.

Running back Felix Jones returned to practice for the first time since injuring his PCL against the Carolina Panthers. Jones wore a knee brace during the practice, and while signs were encouraging, it’s unknown if he’ll play on Sunday and how much he’ll play if he does.

The Cowboys will wear pads for the first time this week on Wednesday and that should give head coach Wade Phillips and the rest of the coaching staff a good indication on how healthy Jones’ knee is and if he can play at 100 percent this week.

Jerry Jones said today that Tashard Choice will get more carries this week than Marion Barber, who has been limited in the second half of the Cowboys’ last two games due to his thigh injury which isn’t 100 percent.

Safety Gerald Sensabaugh didn’t practice on Monday but said he will have his surgically repaired broken thumb re-evaluated today. However, he hasn’t been ruled out of Sunday’s game. Phillips said he wants Sensabaugh’s thumb to heal for a few more days.

If Sensabaugh can’t play, Pat Watkins will start in his place and rookie safety Mike Hamlin will be available, but the Cowboys will have to clear a spot on their 45-man roster for him to play.

Wide receiver Roy Williams also practiced on Monday and seems to have recovered from his bruised ribs he suffered during the Cowboys game against the Broncos. Williams missed week five against the Kansas City Chiefs, but will be ready on Sunday.

Miles Austin to take over second receiver spot.

Head coach Wade Phillips said that receiver Miles Austin will take the place of Patrick Crayton in the Cowboys’ base packages as the second receiver. Crayton will now be on the sidelines and will be in the slot when the Cowboys are in their three and four receiver formations.

Austin had a career day against the Chiefs two weeks ago, but this is more about the chemistry that Austin and Romo have and Crayton’s bad route running.

Austin is a better route runner than Crayton, has more speed, and isn’t afraid to compete for the ball in the air. Austin was supposed to be a huge part of the offense this season, but wasn’t on the field a lot as the Cowboys run game limited the number of plays the Cowboys ran with three receivers.  

Crayton had four catches for 135 yards in week one against the Buccaneers, but since hasn’t had more than four catches for 44 yards in any game.

Crayton, meanwhile, hasn’t been the same receiver since dropping two big passes in the Cowboys divisional playoff game against the Giants in 2007. Crayton can only run drag routes and hasn’t been able to get off man press at all this season.

While Crayton doesn’t mind taking a hit, most of the routes he runs over the middle are under the defense so he doesn’t get hit at the point of the catch.

 

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