The Cowboys faced a must win game and they were all business as they ran all over the hibernating Bears. Murray gashed the Bears defense for 179 yards as we earned our 9th victory, a first for Jason Garrett.
No more 8-8 seasons, but the work is not close to being done. At 9-4, the Cowboys have an opportunity to avenge their embarrassing Thanksgiving loss next week against the Eagles.
If the Seahawks take care of the Eagles this Sunday, then next week will be for first place again.
Here are my thoughts on the game:
— DeMarco Murray is having a career year. 179 yards against the #10 run defense was pretty amazing.
— Zack Martin stands out and there could be an argument that he is playing the best amongst a pretty solid line.
— Cole Beasley redeemed himself with a breakout game, nabbing two clutch touchdowns. Beasley will need to keep up this production the rest of the way. Nice game.
— Orlando Scandrick. We need more players on defense with his fire and no-nonsense approach to the game. Played a very physical game today.
— Brandon Carr had a few moments, but still playing below average ball. Sterling Moore had a better game than Carr.
— We needed the playmaking Rolando McClain back in this game and he showed up with 10 tackles to lead the team. He wrapped up his players at point of contact through out the game. Very physical today.
— Josh Brent got snaps today and still needs work. Long mauled him nasty a few times.
— Rod Marinelli cannot be pleased about the 4th quarter defense. The final score did not reflect how good the defense played for 3 quarters, but the 4th was teetering on an implosion. Thankfully, Scandrick iced the game with his INT. We need to focus on playing a full 4 quarters, that let-up BS is not going to fly the rest of the season.
— Dez Bryant wanted to keep the pedal to the medal and his emotions were on display. Nothing wrong with this, we need more players that want to crush opponents.
— Special teams did better tonight.
— Joseph Randle looks good behind our offensive line, very fluid and elusive. He could be a fallback if Murray hits free agency. I’m not saying let Murray walk, but there could be something there with Randle. Keep an eye on this one.
— Anthony Spencer’s forced fumble on Matt Forte was the turning point in the game. He came through big with the strip. We need more of this from the complimentary players.
— The absence of a pass rusher is hurting us. It’ll be #1 priority this offseason. We are getting close, but that’s not going to cut it.
— Instead of “Where’s Waldo?”.. Where’s Terrance Williams? 0 catches. This could be the reason we are seeing more Beasley in the passing game.
— We now get 10 days to prepare for the Eagles. We will be there to play in the rematch. Let’s hope the Seahawks beat them up as well.
What’s next: @Eagles; Colts; @Redskins
This was a solid win despite the 4th quarter. The coaches had everyone playing well and the gameplan execution was reminiscent to the success we had earlier in the season. We took over this game with the offensive line and Murray running all over the place. Good game Dallas.
Onward to Philly.
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