Cowboys Provide Optimism By Successfully Reintroducing Themselves

Finally, I get a chance to officially talk about the Cowboys performance in the Hall of Fame game. I’m now completely confident that we are moving in the right direction. It was just a preseason game and numerous memes were created to remind Cowboy Nation that we didn’t win the Super Bowl on Sunday. I’m sure most of those came from Redskin fanatics that had an orgasmic experience when Robert Griffin III did a few jumping jacks during the NFL draft. Let’s keep things in perspective.

Aug 4, 2013; Canton, OH, USA; Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker DeVonte Holloman (57) intercepts a pass against Miami Dolphins wide receiver Chad Bumphis (16) and returns it for a touchdown during the second quarter at Fawcett Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

I’m excited because that preseason game provided many things that were missing from our Cowboys last year. We can start with defensive turnovers which seemed non-existent last season. The first turnover was a gift from a bad Dolphin handoff, but at least DT Nick Hayden recovered it. Usually, we haven’t been fortunate to get those lucky bounces that result in excellent field position and easy points. The 75 yard pick six (an interception returned for a touchdown) by LB DeVonte Holloman was the most memorable interception since Carr intercepted Steelers’ QB Roethlisberger’s pass in overtime.

Another statement made to the other teams in the league was the display of the Cowboys running game. The running game didn’t wave to the crowd from the corner, it jumped on staged, grabbed the microphone and screamed, “Allow me to reintroduce myself!” Don’t think it was a coincidence that the Cowboys started the game with multiple running plays. Not only did they rush for a total of 151 yards, but they also had two rushing touchdowns. Those two rushing touchdowns are eight more than they had last season. (Get used to it, I like to exaggerate!)

Aug 4, 2013; Canton, OH, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Joseph Randle (35) runs the ball in the third quarter of the 2013 Pro Football Hall of Fame game against the Miami Dolphins at Fawcett Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

It’s unrealistic to believe that the Cowboys will enter the season with five active RB’s on the roster: Murray, Dunbar, Tanner, Randle and Lawrence, but I wouldn’t want to cut any of them. Hopefully, the bottom two guys will excel in special teams and remain with the squad. As much as I hate the way it affects fantasy leagues, with this collection of young talent, a running back by committee approach could work.

I knew what we were getting with Joseph Randle, so Lawrence was the guy I wanted to see the most. Thanks to an article by Roger Light, I was warned about his potential. Lawrence’s seven yard touchdown run made me want to compare him to retired RB LaDainian Tomlinson, but it’s still early.

Since I’m giving individual kudos, TE Gavin Escobar displayed impressive blocking skills. You don’t have to pancake every defender to be an effective blocker. Sometimes, the art of blocking is just to get in a defenders way and it seems his blocking has either improved greatly or were initially underrated.

Kudos to the defensive line for constantly providing QB pressure, can’t wait to see what you do against the Raiders on Friday night. Nobody expected to see sacks without DE Anthony Spencer and DE DeMarcus Ware in the line-up. Also, kudos to the offensive line for showing the league and Cowboys Nation that the Cowboys will be able to run the ball this year, especially on the goal line.

Aug 4, 2013; Canton, OH, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Kyle Orton (18) takes the snap from center Travis Frederick (70) against the Miami Dolphins in the 2013 Hall of Fame Game at Fawcett Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Kudos to WR Jared Green and his father Washington Redskins legend Darrell Green for making the right call and placing family first. Jared Green made a nice 32 yard catch along the sideline between two Dolphins defenders. While he may be a long shot to make the team, considering our crowded WR group, watching Darrell Green cheer for his son (and the Cowboys) caused an outrage in DC that hasn’t been seen since the Supreme Court’s approval of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). Knowing Darrell Green will be at RFK (oops Fed-Ex Field), in a Dallas Cowboys jersey, plus the fact Jared is making tough catches, should get special considerations when it comes to the final roster spot!

Speaking of Super Dad’s – Allow me to take a second to wish my son a happy fourth birthday tomorrow. Thanks for helping me grow up, while also allowing me to be a kid again. Love you son!

Next game: Friday against the Raiders – 7:00 PST (Which I believe is 3 am EST? No, 10 pm EST and 2200 EST for my military friends)