The Big Three Make A Comeback For The Dallas Cowboys
By David Lewis
The playoffs are still in focus for the Dallas Cowboys and for now the fate of their season is in their hands. What a game right? I must say the Cowboys have a way of making even the easiest games look difficult, but it does get the adrenaline pumping.
As the game was going on this past Sunday I couldn’t help but notice several different flashes of brilliance on the field. When the game ended three guys stayed behind for an interview. The camera had a full shot of all three and I couldn’t help but make a comparison to the days of old. I don’t want to go so far as to call it a sign of prophecy but it sure felt like it. When the game ended the interviewees were Tony Romo, DeMarco Murray, and Dez Bryant. Without a doubt most of you reading this article have already colored me crazy but it took me straight back to the days of Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin. The new “Big Three” is here to stay.
Dec 2, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; NBC sideline reporter Michelle Tafoya interviews Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) running back DeMarco Murray (29) and receiver Dez Bryant (88) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Cowboys Stadium. The Cowboys beat the Eagles 38-33. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Obviously the circumstances are very different. There is no hard hitting Darren Woodson in the secondary to ward of daring offenses, but we do have a Demarcus Ware. There isn’t a Daryl “Moose” Johnston to open holes or catch balls out of the backfield, but ol’ Jason Witten does some nice blocking and has been known to make some big catches. By no means am I trying to say that this team is on the level of the Cowboys of old, but I do think that when it finally clicks, lots of people will be surprised.
The defense did not play well let’s just get that straight right now. Let’s face it, they gave up 33 points to a team with an o-line about on par with ours, almost 200 rushing yards to a running back not named LeSean McCoy, and they failed to get pressure on a rookie quarterback. I understand Foles has shown signs of brilliance but trust me the guy is no RGIII. While they did not play well they did capitalize on most drives where we needed them most. I’m mostly only referring to Mo Claiborne’s fumble return for a touchdown but this a feel good article so let’s try to keep the bashing to a minimum. Besides, there are no excuses but this defense is lacking a lot of the power it had to begin the season.
Now let’s get to the offense. The offensive line still was not great but they did do their job sufficiently. The deeper throws were there a few times and the middle of the field was open a at points too. What caused all of this? I dare to say that DeMarco Murray’s presence opened up a plethora of opportunities that this offense hasn’t seen in weeks. I still do not take any heat off of Jason Garrett as his play-calling was still very subject at moments, and he seems to not adapt well to major changes, but this game probably made his seat a little cooler. I guess I should say that DeMarco Murray made his seat a little cooler.
Now, back to the “Big Three” reincarnation, Murray’s presence fully exposed what the DezTony connection is fully capable of. These guys are very far from their accomplished predecessors, but the talent is there. If Romo can keep the mistakes under control, if Bryant can keep his nose clean, and if Murray can stay healthy, then I think something great this way comes.
Will the offense continue to play well, and can the defense tighten up? Those are the questions that remain to be answered, but if they can then there is no reason this team won’t be fighting for a playoff spot when the Boys head up to D.C.