Cowboys’ Wheels Fell Off in 39-28 Loss

Well, today the Cowboys did their best Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde impersonation today in an ugly loss to the Falcons. The Cowboys teased fans with a pretty solid first half that showcased their offensive line and running attack, but then the other personality showed up in the 2nd half and it was over.

The multitude of injuries have caught up to Dallas and today further highlighted why it’ll be hard to win with backups in starting roles. Brandon Weeden is not the answer for a primary backup. After the game I saw all the tweets here and there, some suggesting Weeden actually had a good game — yeah ok whatever makes you feel better. The playbook was watered down, and thus the Falcons were able to adjust and shrink the field down.

The Cowboys don’t trust Weeden with passes over 5 yards, this is why we saw so many quick escape valve throws to Dunbar. Dunbar had 10 catches for 100 yards. Beasley and Witten got in the game too with little dump-off passes. The big splash games in the passing game did not come today and it hurt us in the second half.

I love this tweet from Dave Helman from DallasCowboys.com, and he hit it right on the head:

If a RB is your top receiver, it means something is drastically wrong with your WRs. Which is the case w/ DAL. https://t.co/m9kXaUMrXt

— David Helman (@HelmanDC) September 27, 2015

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You couple Weeden and the lack of a #1 WR and you’re asking for too much from the aerial attack. This team needs another wide receiver that can stretch the field besides Terrance Williams. The Falcons shutdown Williams and Williams shut himself down with more dropped passes.

Remember when Derek Dooley looked mad in the war room during the draft? He knew his squad needed another playmaker and he didn’t get his guy. Devin Street made this team by default and no one to challenge him off the team. We need another weapon in the passing game, a deep-pass threat to be exact, because we don’t have that dimension right now.

Here are my other takes on the game:

— This really was a complete breakdown from players to coaches today. We ran the ball effectively, but once the Falcons adjusted in the 2nd half, the Falcons were able to shutdown the run and they were able to shrink the passing game with their coverages. The Cowboys had an embarrassing 52 yards of total offense in the 2nd half, and we ran the ball just 5 times as well. Terrible, absolutely terrible adjustments from the coaches.

— Weeden will be a free agent after this year, and thank goodness

— Joseph Randle ran the ball well and effectively, 3 rushing TDs in a game which tied Emmitt Smith in 1998

— Ryan Russell getting activated provided nothing for the Cowboys pass rush, and nothing in run defense — real disappointing

— Missing Jeremy Mincey showed up considerably against the Falcons. Mincey usually shows up in the middle on nickel downs and the Falcons destroyed us with their running attack in his absense. Mincey’s value was on full display today, what a shame no one showed up in his place

— The defense needs Greg Hardy and Randy Gregory back in the worse way, this game would have been completely different with a pass rush in Ryan’s face. Today there were zero pressure on a seemingly average Falcon’s offensive line. I thought I was watching a Monte Kiffin lead defense today, they played like shit straightup man. Too many half-ass tackles, and no pressure. You cannot do that against the Falcons or anyone for that matter

— The Cowboys are still in first place at 2-1, but the rest of the NFC East will be making a move next week. The Cowboys need to beat the Saints next week, must win mode already early in the season.

— Adding Rolando McClain in two weeks will get this defense more physical play up the middle and will make runners think twice about running up the gut

— Let’s hope Drew Brees in out again next week, but either way, the defense needs to play more sound football, today was not a good showing

— Gavin Escobar was no where to be found, I understand Hanna was in there today, but Escobar could have helped this passing attack in the 2nd half

— The Cowboys offensive line didn’t have a flag ladened game today, but they still seem a bit off.

NFC East Next week:

Cowboys (2-1) @ Saints (0-3)

Giants (1-2) @ Bills (2-1)

Eagles (1-2) @ Redskins (1-2)

Next week can be favorable for the Cowboys longterm prospects, but they need to beat the Saints to stay in the lead.

What are your thoughts on the game? Who’s stock is up who’s is down? Sound off in the comments!