Are the Cowboys sacked? Five random thoughts to ponder
Nov 8, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Greg Hardy (76) leaves the field following a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Eagles won 33-27 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports
2) Nobody really wants to talk about Greg Hardy. So, you know what? I will!
I think that Greg Hardy’s past caught up to him emotionally. With Deadspin dropping breaking news and photos about Hardy’s incident a year and half ago with Nicole Holder, the situation became a distraction from football at a time when Dallas needed Hardy at his very best.
According to an ESPN write-up, Eagles lineman Lane Johnson pulled a few punches saying Hardy was distracted and wasn’t mentally all there.
"“He wasn’t all that emotional in the game. I guess he is in other games. I don’t know if the stuff got to him on the news, but he kind of seemed out of it a little bit.”"
Now, that might be the Eagles lineman taking advantage of some of the spotlight after a big NFC East win, but Hardy overall played well, though a bit oxygen deprived at moments. (But who on the defense wasn’t?) He finished the game with three tackles and one sack.
In four starts, he has 15 tackles, four sacks, a forced fumble and an interception.
3) Let’s get to know David Irving (DL)
The rookie out of Iowa State is the latest “who is that guy, let me Google him” for the Dallas Cowboys.
The six-foot seven, 273 pounder is only 22. His birthday was last August. After signing him off the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad on September 29th, Irving has seven tackles and one blocked field goal in five games played.
If anyone deserves some praise in this six-game losing stretch, it’s Irving.
4) Speaking of praise, let’s talk about someone who deserves a lot of claps: Byron Jones.
In eight contests, Jones has 31 tackles and six pass deflections. He is the warrior in this sometimes bleak and absent defense. He is a rookie. He is young at 23. He is a first rounder, and a darn worthy one too. And he is just getting started.
Started as in, this guy is going to steal someone’s starting job. In fact, why hasn’t he replaced someone in the secondary?
J.J Wilcox and Barry Church are mediocre at best, and that’s a compliment. I say Morris Claiborne deserves his starting spot. Brandon Carr? Did Jerry Jones or Stephen Jones keep their receipt on that purchase?
The point is, plug-in Jones right now as the starter at any of the secondary positions and the Cowboys will be fine — maybe even better.
The 27th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft was a smart one.
Next: #5 - Are The Cowboys Sacked For 2015?