Just Your Average Dallas Cowboys

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Oct 21, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) reacts in the fourth quarter. The Cowboys defeated the Panthers 19-14 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-US PRESSWIRE

The Dallas Cowboys won yesterday,  beating the Carolina Panthers and their dynamic, star QB, Cam Newton by a not so dynamic score of 19 -14.  A pedestrian final score, for sure, considering that these teams prolific offenses are used to reaching the end zone a lot more often… But that was last year.   This year, the now 1 and 5 Panthers are – like the Cowboys – struggling.

We are hearing that Cam Newton has regressed this year, (not unlike what we hear about Cowboys QB, Tony Romo).  We hear that the Cowboys should beat this Panthers team, but you never know with these Cowboys.  No longer, by no fault but their own, are we just happy the Cowboys won.  Instead, many of us find ourselves relieved they won.

How many interceptions did Romo throw? (none in this game)  How many mistakes did the offensive line make?  How many balls did the receivers drop?  When will Cowboys Head Coach, Jason Garrett’s  game management skills, or lack there of,  show up and affect the outcome of the game?  Who will be the biggest disappointment in this game?  Who will get bit by the injury bug next?  These are the things we now look for when we sit down and watch our Cowboys.  This is what Cowboys Nation has been reduced to.

Maybe it’s just me.

Oct 21, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Morris Claiborne (24) celebrates with linebacker Orie Lemon (58) after making an interception in the end zone in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-US PRESSWIRE

I want be be excited and happy again when our Cowboys win:  “Garrett, you Red Headed Genius, you!.  “Man, Romo was lights out today!” “SuperBowl, here we come!”.   I want to be mad as hell when we lose:  “Romo sucks!”  Garrett sucks!”  “Jerry Jones sucks!”  But right now, so far this year, that elation has been beat out of me by the combination of the roller coaster ride the Cowboys are on, the individual play of the stars on our team, and all  the chatter that the team generates in the sports media.  I’m calling it, ‘Post traumatic Dallas Cowboy’s fan syndrome’

The Cowboys won and that’s whats important.  Let’s hope we can get on a role and break (me) out of this malaise.   As for today,  the Cowboys have 3 wins and 3 losses – 99 wins and 99 losses for the decade.  Just your average Dallas Cowboys.

Points and Observations:

-with all the offensive struggles,  I sometimes forget that our defense is pretty good – especially when DE Anthony Spencer plays.

-It was a little scary to see LB, Sean Lee, go out of the game with an injury (big toe) but LB, Dan Conner, filled in admirably.  A pleasant surprise.

-Congratulations CB, Mo Claiborne, on your first NFL interception.  Here’s to many more.

-Right about now, back up center, Ryan Cook, looks like a great pick up in a trade at the last minute of the pre season.  At the same turn, how bad is our offensive line that we are so pleased by this off-cast lineman from the Minnesota Vikings and then the Miami Dolphins?

-Judging by Romo’s reactions, the Cowboys receivers are not on the same page.  All 3 starting WRs were on this team the last couple years, so when did this happen?

-Artie Cappello