Cowboys Killer Instinct is Back

The Cowboys are playing some very good football on both sides of the ball. Winning on the road in one of the toughest venues in the NFL was a quite impressive feat, especially with two rookies taking lead and two pro bowl vets out again.

Are we seeing a revitalization of the 1990’s Cowboys teams? Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, but there is something to be said about the level this 2016 squad is playing. Not only is the offense humming, but the defense is getting it done.

This is Rod Marinelli’s 3rd year as the Cowboys’ Defensive Coordinator, and I think the 4-3 may be finally coming together, even without the big names. The move that the Cowboys are probably benefiting from the most was the addition of Greg Jackson which in turn moved Joe Baker as the cornerbacks coach. The defensive backs have been locking down players and playing with swagger.

Six games into the season and the defense has become an asset and not a liability. Fans are noticing. I took this flash poll after the game and these were the results.

Cowboys victorious, and the game ball goes to? #DallasCowboys #CowboysNation #DALvsGB

— CowboysBlog.Net (@CowboysBlogNet) October 17, 2016

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I had some love for the defense as well. Their play really stood out.

Cowboys killer instinct is back. What a game on the road! #DallasCowboys #CowboysNation #DALvsGB

— CowboysBlog.Net (@CowboysBlogNet) October 16, 2016

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How bout the defense today!! #DallasCowboys #DALvsGB #CowboysNation

— CowboysBlog.Net (@CowboysBlogNet) October 16, 2016

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Right now you have to believe the Cowboys can line up against any team in the league and dictate the game. This season I no longer feel like we are the under dog going into any game. We’re playing with swagger and killer instinct.

Here are my notes on the victory:

• Ezekiel Elliott broke the century mark again, but more impressive is he is the first rookie to have 4 consecutive games with 130 yards or more.
• The Cowboys are winning without Dez Bryant and Tony Romo
• Hats off to the secondary. Everyone made plays back there. Byron Jones and Mo Claiborne had good games. Barry Church played well despite being dinged up a bit. Even Brandon Carr had a solid game.
• Dak Prescott is only the 2nd rookie QB in history to beat the Packers at Lambeau. Andrew Luck was the other.
• Sean Lee is having a Pro Bowl season. Leads the team with 57 tackles.
• David Irving forced 3 fumbles against the Packers. Impressive game. Keep it going!
• Jason Witten is just 416 yards away from passing Michael Irvin for Cowboys’ all-time receiving yards leader in franchise history.
• Cowboys #1 rushing offense obliterated the Packers #1 rush defense.
• Zack Martin is mauling people, his contract extension will be enormous and well deserved.

Other thoughts:

Ron Leary is playing great, and you have to wonder if the Cowboys would consider re-signing Leary at LG and moving La’el Collins out to RT in 2017? For me, I think they end up letting him get a nice contract for himself elsewhere, he’s been a soldier and deserves and nice payday.

Demarcus Lawrence was no where to be seen, he did not make the stat line. Let’s go man!

Damien Wilson is slowly getting more opportunities and quietly had a nice game with 3 tackles and around the ball.

Is Anthony Brown the future at slot CB? Brown has played very good in Orlando Scandrick’s absence. 9 tackles and a forced fumble against the Packers. Solid.

Does Dak Prescott’s impressive win keep Tony Romo in recovery mode a few more weeks? I’m not so sure the return of Tony Romo is a lock now, I really don’t. We’re starting to get to the halfway point of the season, and Dak keeps winning and keep improving. At some point you would think the longterm chemistry should not be changed by altering the ingredients.

Next game: BYE WEEK

Keep it going Dallas!