Kit-Kitna I watched the Philadelphia Eagles-Dallas Cowboys game from the kinda-friendly confines of the newish Cowboys Stadium. I mean, it's two years old already, but it still has that new stadium smell.
Anyway, watching the game was kind of dicey, considering my seats (end zone), fights and the amazing amount of talent in the stands.
The one glaring detail I took away from the Cowboys' 30-27 loss to the Eagles, making them 1-6 at the Death Star were third downs.
The Cowboys were a game-losing 3-11 on third downs. On at least four instances, they had a manageable third down (10 yards or less) and proceeded to run or execute a play for less yards than they needed. Thanks to a brilliant effort from Kevin Ogletree, it would have been a fifth.
I do not understand certain principles in sports. Missing free throws if you shoot 40 percent from three-point range is inexcusable.
Running a route for five yards on third-and-7 is another concept that I don't grasp and maybe it's because I'm a dumb fan that's never played the game and I'll never understand anything because I'm so pathetically stupid. But I've played enough Madden in my life to know that you at least try for seven yards.
There is no difference between executing a third-and-7 for five yards and not executing a third-and-7 for eight yards.
Then there's the after-game fiasco. Jason Garrett smiling like the cat that just ate the canary. Tashard Choice getting Michael Vick's dog-blood stained autograph ... on the field.
I don't care who's coaching this thing: These dudes are losers. L-O-S-E-R-S. And I'm talking from the quarterback, to the secondary, to the linebackers to the third-string running back. All losers. If Jerry Jones doesn't want to cede his general manager's title, fine. But he has to overhaul this football team. They aren't going to win a thing.
Also, why didn't Terence Newman clock DeSean Jackson on that touchdown run. As soon as he stopped and fell into the end zone, I would've ran up there and George Teague'd him through next Sunday. Screw it. The Cowboys are going to have a losing season. What does it matter if Newman or whoever is suspended or fine?
This team is a million light years away from who they were in the 1990s, and I know I shouldn't compare because it's a different age. However, the next press conference Garrett saunters into and lays down this Jimmy Johnson-like bullshit, I don't want to hear it. Cowboys got a snootful of Mickey Mouse over the past several years and I don't know if Garrett's stopping it.
Grades:
Quarterback -- C
Played it safe the entire game. Don't know if that's coaching or Jon Kitna, but nary a ball was thrown 10 yards down the field. All underneath, check-downs, screens and the like. I'd complete 70 percent of my passes, too, if I were throwing it eight yards. Safe killed them.
Running Back -- F
The Cowboys have a shitload of problems in the backfield. Problem No. 1: They're all getting paid. Problem No. 2: They all think they're good. Problem No. 3: Chances are, you're stuck with this crew for probably three more seasons.
Wide Receiver -- F
Did we think Roy Williams and Miles Austin would pick up Dez Bryant's slack? Four catches, 45 yards. Yikes. Kitna has apparently zero chemistry with Austin. However, Kevin Ogletree doesn't see the field in a year and him and Kitna are like peas and carrots.
Tight End -- C
Great games. Again, how many playoff games and Super Bowls are won by teams that focus on their tight ends? Opponents dare the Cowboys to throw to their tight ends because they know Jason Witten and Martellus Bennett can't really hurt them.
Offensive Line -- B
Frankly, didn't notice them much. Kitna was flushed out a couple of times. Never felt he was getting knocked around too bad.
Defensive Line -- B
I was floored to see that LeSean McCoy had 140-odd yards. Thought they did an awesome job of containing Vick (eight attempts, 16 yards) and even harrassed him a couple of times resulting in good plays.
Linebackers -- B
Thought DeMarcus Ware had his best game in eight weeks. Very active group. Played the pass really well and, again, helped keep Vick in the pocket, throwing the ball.
Secondary -- C
Outside of DeSean Jackson's four catches and 210 yards, they help hold the rest of the pass catchers to 12 catches and 61 yards. Orlando Scandrick looks like a different player, post-Wade. They let two plays go and it cost them everything.
Special Teams -- B
I think David Buehler is your kicker next season. He nailed a 50-yarder and was perfect all the way around. As long as he keeps booting it, he'll be around to soap up those honkers.
Coaching -- B
The general consensus in the stands after the game was that it was a lot closer than anyone thought it was going to be and that the Cowboys gave it their all. Again, it came down to two plays (both long Jackson receptions). Those two killed. Still, the Cowboys controlled the clock and were in control for a bulk of the middle of the game. These moral victories mean something. Eventually, they will be a pocketful of Indian nickels and washers. Results are eventually needed.
