From: jmartin@ntmtv.UUCP (Jeff Martin)
Subject: Re: Random Dallas THoughts
Originator: jmartin@cleomed
Organization: Northern Telecom Incorporated
Date: Tue, 12 Jan 1993 16:27:46 GMT

From article <24685@hacgate.SCG.HAC.COM>, by cwalker@Pterodactyl.scg.hac.com (Clint Walker):
      [ Stuff deleted ]
> 
> I was a little disturbed by the conservative style of play after the first
> touchdown drive.  It seemed that the team was playing not to make a costly
> mistake rather than playing aggressive offense.  Near the beginning of the
> second quarter with the score 7-3, Dallas had the ball in their own
> territory in a third and long situation.  Up to this point, the Eagles had
> shown the ability to move the ball, so I was concerned when they called a
> handoff up the middle to E. Smith and then punting the ball.  It appears 
> that I was wrong based on the outcome of the game, but I wonder id this
> conservative style of play will work against SF.  I think Dallas will have
> to match SF score for score to win the game and the SF offense is 
> certainly more potent than any that the Dallas defense has seen this year.
> 

On the other hand I thought the coaching & play selection was just
what was needed. The 'Boys were patient through the first half taking
only was was given them. Trying to force something against the Eagles
deep in your own territory plays to their strength. Just look at the
Oct 5 game or even at the Saints last week. The awlful little secret
about Philly is that their offense is dependent on the Eagle defense
giving them a short field. The eagles are a very opprotunistic bunch
and will take advantage of mistakes. No mistakes (turnovers) and many
teams can beat the Eagles (even the Seahawks took them to OT).

Now this week is a different story. The 9er offenses is very capable
of making its own breaks and they will score points this weekend. The
key for Dallas is to establish a time consuming running attack to
keep the ball away from Young & Co. Yes the 49ers appear very strong
against the run this year allowing only 81 yards per game, but the
average run went for 4 yards, way above the league average.  What
appears to have happened is that the highpowered 9er offense gave
them leads early enough to force teams to abandon the running game
and go to the pass. That skewed the numbers making the 49er run
defense look better than it really is and the pass defense worse than
it really is.

> One thin that disturbs me about the current Cowboys is some of the 
> classless displays that they are allowed to make after big plays,
> Landry would not have tolerated in his days.  Actually, the only player 
> that bothers me is Kenneth Gant.  His "dance" is more of a taunting 
> nature than celebratory.  I don't mind enthusiastic celebration, but the
> trash talking and taunting has got to go.
> 

I wouldn't read too much into this. The game against the Eagles was
very emotional game. I was at the the game and it was clear that the
"celebrations" you speak of were directed at the crowd rather than
the Eagles. I doubt too much of that will be going on on the road. In
fact the only person to be penelized for taunting was Calvin Williams
after the very late ge'me touchdown. I guess Calvin forgot his team
was still on the receiving end of a severe butt-kicking.

> 
> Clint Walker                           cwalker@hac2arpa.hac.com
> 
Jeff Martin
Newsgroups: rec.sport.football.pro