5 Questions With Blogging The Boys

by Ted Glover on Oct 15, 2010 10:21 AM CDT

Dave Halprin, Blogger extraordinaire for the Cowboys site Blogging the Boys, was gracious enough to take some time out of his schedule to answer some questions about the team everybody loves to hate. This is a big game for both teams, and the loser will have a big hole to climb out of if they want to make the playoffs this season.

Just for the record, I fully expect that team to be Dallas.

Dave's answers to our questions, after the jump.

1. Statistically, Dallas looks pretty good so far. They are 2nd in the NFL in offense, at 421 yards a game, and 8th on defense, with just over 300 yards a game. Why are the Cowboys 1-3?

In a word, mistakes. The Cowboys have been killing themselves with stupid penalties, botched plays, turnovers; just a highlight reel that should be titled "How to Lose an NFL game". There has been just plain bad play too, the offensive line had a rough time against the Titans last week, and the secondary hasn't been as good as hoped. But as you noted in the question, all three games they lost, they could have easily won. The Cowboys throw the winning TD on the Redskins, it's wiped out by a penalty. The Cowboys score a late TD to tie up the Titans and grab momentum, then get a celebration penalty and give up a 73-yd kickoff return. The Cowboys are a team that can dominate a game statistically, then give the game away with penalties, mental breakdowns and plain ol' stupid play.

2. Jerry Jones just reiterated that Wade Phillips' job is "absolutely safe." If Dallas continues to struggle, will that status change? If Phillips is replaced, who would probably be the interim coach, and would he have a real chance at being named the permanent head coach?

Wade's status, I guess, could change at any time. If we were to really go into the tank this year, Jerry could do something. But he usually doesn't change coaches in mid-season. At the end of the year if this team fails to make the playoffs, then he could certainly go. If something did happen in-season, then offensive coordinator Jason Garrett would be the obvious choice for interim coach. Jerry's been looking at him as head coach material for a while, that's no secret. It's hard to speculate without knowing how the season plays out, but if Wade fails, Jerry would likely also look at the big names - Cowher, Gruden - and when Jerry zeroes in on somebody, he usually gets them.

3. Last week Felix Jones got the running game untracked, and seemed to give Dallas a much needed spark on the ground. Is Jones durable enough to be the #1 back, and will his production marginalize Marion Barber?

That's a question we all ask - is Felix Jones durable enough. His first few seasons were marred by injury, we only got a taste of his abilities and then he was gone. So we're naturally worried about that. I think we're about to find out if he is durable enough. The Cowboys run game look much better last week when they decided to feature Felix. It's a move many have been calling for and it appears the Cowboys are heading that way. Not only was Barber's production marginalized, but Tashard Choice, who was seeing some time through the first four games, was a ghost. The Cowboys should feature Felix and let the chips fall where they may on the injury front. He's our best back at this moment.

4. This is as 'must win' a game that can be for the 5th game on the schedule, for both teams. If Minnesota wins and Dallas falls to 1-4, do you still see a realistic path to the playoffs for the Cowboys?

Not really. I suppose it's possible, but realistically, both teams are playing for their season Sunday. As a fan, I won't give up hope if we lose on Sunday; you can always pray for some kind of miracle 6 game win-streak and get right back into the hunt. But I'll know that it's probably over.

5. What's the best matchup, in terms of individual battles or unit (DB's vs. WR's, for example) that Dallas has against Minnesota, and what do you expect the Cowboys gameplan to be?

On offense, the Cowboys best weapon is their passing game. We are just loaded in that area and when it's clicking, it's hard to stop. Romo is having another prolific year passing, and he's throwing to one of the newly-emerged elite receivers in the game, Miles Austin. Jason Witten is still there, and now Roy Williams has been re-born and is putting together a very solid season. Toss in Dez Bryant, who has been good so far, and you got a tough unit to cover. The Cowboys need to run some, but if they're going to win this game, it will likely be on Romo's arm.

On defense, they'll want to pressure Brett Favre. That's what Dallas wants to do anyway, they run an attacking defense, but with his injury and his recent issues, they'll want to do it even more. The Cowboys have been shaky on defense in a few games this season, the secondary was shredded a couple of times and Randy Moss has traditionally killed the Cowboys. And the run defense has leaked recently after being water-tight for a long time. Getting to Favre and sacking him or forcing mistakes will likely be their best weapon.

Bonus: Care to give me a prediction for the game?

Cowboys 20 - Vikings 17.

Thanks to Dave from Blogging the Boys. I have answered five of his questions, and they will be posted over there sometime today.

SKOL!!

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Comments

Good stuff

Of course being a Technical Writer by day, I’m assuming you wanted to say “…and 8th on defense, with just over 300 yards a game” in the first question.

Proud contributor to Daily Norseman and SB Nation Minnesota

by Eric J. Thompson on Oct 15, 2010 10:33 AM CDT reply actions

Offense, defense

Tomato…tomatoh.

Thanks, fixed. :)

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"A parent's only as good as their dumbest kid. If one wins a Nobel Prize but the other gets robbed by a hooker, you failed."

"Pull your 84 jerseys out, man. I think this is going to be a fun ride." Randy Moss, WR, Minnesota Vikings

by Ted Glover on Oct 15, 2010 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions

Romo like Favre is his own worst enemy.

I think Peterson is going to have a big day. As long as the Vikes don’t turn it over more than once they will be fine. The Dome will be rocking & a must win game is always better on your home turf. Our Defense has been stellar & as long as the offense or special teams doesn’t give the game away I expect a double digit win. SKOL Vikings

by iowaron on Oct 15, 2010 11:37 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs

Rec'd

by abba7 on Oct 15, 2010 12:21 PM CDT up reply actions

I can't help it, but...

… I’d love to see the Vikings put a lot of points up on the board and be accused by Keith Brookings of running up the score again.

Keith provided one of my favorite post-game interviews of all time — in part because it was clear that he overcommitted to the run on the play. It wasn’t as if he was taking the play off.

by kcskol on Oct 15, 2010 12:23 PM CDT reply actions

I concur

World Champions at last

by mississippisaintsfan on Oct 15, 2010 7:42 PM CDT up reply actions

Remember all the bravado on the DN from Cowboy fans last year?

I bet we won’t be seeing much of that this year. (from either side)

I worry about not having Griffin or Cook. The condition of Favre’s arm is troubling. We can only hope that Jared Allen shows up big time in this game.

After all of the unfulfilled gut feelings so far this year, I’m going with a solid prediction of;

Vikings – I have no idea
Cowboys – Less than I have no idea

Time you enjoy wasting, was not wasted. - John Lennon

by JethroBoViking on Oct 15, 2010 12:28 PM CDT reply actions

haha you are so right

Cowboys have slim hope that they lost each game by a TD or less. Same as Vikings I just saw.

Two corners out plays to the boys strength, but Tarvis coming into the game could be a blessing in disguise for the Vikings.

Either way I am taking off work to watch this game and like you guys the only way Ill feel good about the Cowboys is if the win convincingly.

Really?! Really?!

by thebigham on Oct 15, 2010 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions

Yeah it has been crickets on both sides.

But it’s pretty tough to be cocky about a 1-3 team.

Proud contributor to Daily Norseman and SB Nation Minnesota

by Eric J. Thompson on Oct 15, 2010 12:38 PM CDT up reply actions

unless you talk smack about..

..“our last minute losses are more gut-wrenching than yours!!”… or something

"the following statement is true:
the preceding statement was false" - george carlin

by BranFavrenton on Oct 15, 2010 12:42 PM CDT up reply actions

Haha

Good point.

Proud contributor to Daily Norseman and SB Nation Minnesota

by Eric J. Thompson on Oct 15, 2010 1:02 PM CDT up reply actions

LOL.

I remember last year too (one of my best friends is a big Cowboys fan, but a non-computer user, but was busting up after he read a couple of threads). We most certainly have a spirited bunch here at DN! But I think home field takes the day.

by abba7 on Oct 16, 2010 2:09 AM CDT up reply actions

I sure hope home field is the advantage.

Every week I think, “this is the week that it’s all going to come together”. It has to be this week. Time has run out.

Time you enjoy wasting, was not wasted. - John Lennon

by JethroBoViking on Oct 16, 2010 12:16 PM CDT up reply actions

AP all Day

I agree, the Vikes win based on the production from AD and the defense. Remember when we all thought all Brett had to do was hand off prior to last year? We are going back to that, and will win on good defense and with the O keeping the girls defense guessing.

by NCviking on Oct 15, 2010 4:40 PM CDT reply actions

Suggestion...

Call me a pansy if you will, but on posts like these, which are kinda an open invitation for other fans to come and discuss, let’s keep it civil… maybe stow the ‘Cowgirls’ nicknames and the trash talking and such. (Mind you, any other post… yeah, let’s do it!) I’m not the kinda guy to say ‘Good Luck Cowboys!’ here, because, well, I DON’T wish them luck, and any idiot with half a brain will get that. And predicting the Vikings to win- well, again, what are we as good fans SUPPOSED to do? Like how I hold no ill will towards Halprin for predicting a Cowboys win… I was almost dissapointed that the blogger for the Lions predicted a Vikings win. Logic aside, to hell with it, ALWAYS predict your team wins!!! But at the same time, maybe the mindless trash talking and name calling and such should be put on hold, at least here in this particular post. After all, in this instance, it’s almost like Cowboys fans are guests.

OK Vikes fans, go ahead and eat me alive…

by KJSegall on Oct 15, 2010 5:05 PM CDT reply actions

Nah, that's fair

This is more of a mixer, we should keep the name calling to a minimum. It’s just amazing to see the lack of trash talking on both sides compared to the playoff game last year. I guess 1-3 will beat most of that out of you.

Proud contributor to Daily Norseman and SB Nation Minnesota

by Eric J. Thompson on Oct 16, 2010 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions

Man, are you sure? Skol Girl even OK 'd the use of "Cowgirls".

If you feel bad after using the term, you can go to Acme Packing Co. and get called a “Viqueen”.

Al that aside, for some reason the Cowboys have always been my least favorite team. I used to be a St. Louis Cardnial Football fan, so I probably hated them whenever they got their butts kicked by the Cowboys. Or maybe it’s because a lot of people from Texas are arrogant and obnoxious for no particular reason. (see last year’s posts for examples). I never had a problem being a Cowboy while playing Cowboys and Indians when I was a kid, so I really don’t know what the problem is. All I know is, I HATE THE DALLAS COWBOYS.

Please Vikings, kick some Cowboy ass tomorrow. I will love you forever if you can acomplish that one little favor.

Time you enjoy wasting, was not wasted. - John Lennon

by JethroBoViking on Oct 16, 2010 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions

Well, if I went and started roaming around all over the Cowboys fan site, I’m sure I’d get called a Viqueen there too. And if Cowboys fans are looking at other posts on this site, I hope they can stomach Cowgirls.

I’m just talking about THIS post. I’m not saying that we can’t name call before a game in general.

by KJSegall on Oct 16, 2010 1:55 PM CDT up reply actions

Yeah, you're right. Keep this post civil.

And to further elaborate on my hate of the Cowg-boys, I would’t hate them so much if they weren’t a good team. Indifference is worse, which is how I feel about Tampa Bay or Detroit.

Time you enjoy wasting, was not wasted. - John Lennon

by JethroBoViking on Oct 17, 2010 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions

Do you feel the cowboys are undiscilined

It seems the Cowboys have a serious problems with disciplin it has in all likely hood cost them 2 games
Do you blame the coach for this or is it the fact that Jerry Jones has instilled his will so much no one feels like they need to listen to Wade Phillips I would really like your opinion on this

World Champions at last

by mississippisaintsfan on Oct 15, 2010 7:40 PM CDT reply actions

It's Wade...

penalties have been commonplace to Wade Phillips’ teams throughout his career. The guy doesn’t instill discipline, so his teams play mistake-prone football. Always have, always will.

The Cowboys committed some penalties under Johnson, but they never killed themselves with them.

by Shawn Gillogly on Oct 16, 2010 12:23 AM CDT up reply actions

Not so sure

This was a team that was penalized a bunch under Bill Parcells, too. And I don’t think (although I can’t find any data on this) that Wade’s teams in SD committed this many penalties. I have a hard time following the logic that pins this on ownership, though. It read a lot like a conspiracy theory.

by RickT on Oct 16, 2010 12:13 PM CDT up reply actions

Vikings-Cowboys

Personally I feel that the Cowboys can afford a loss Sunday more than the Vikings simply because if you look at division standings, the Cowboys have three losses compared to two by their counterparts in the NFC East. Nobody has risen in that group yet to stake a claim to being the best team. As bad as they’ve appeared to be, they are still only one game back in the loss column not even halfway into the season. Even with a loss, they still have time to right the ship because none of the others look dominant either.

As for the Vikings, a loss Sunday has the potential to put them three games back of the division leader with two tough road games coming up. As bad as it looks now, a win could springboard the team right back into the chase with the Packers injuries and the Bears uncertainty on offense. Bottom line: Two games back, still a good chance. Three games back with two tough ones coming, looking pretty bleak. Vikes need to come big Sunday to have any chance of going to the post season. It ain’t over yet folks.

by purplegrey on Oct 16, 2010 12:04 AM CDT reply actions

Agreed

It’s Panic Bowl for both teams, yes. But it’s even worse for us given the murderer’s row of a schedule lined up. We’ve dropped all the winnable games we can this season already.

by Shawn Gillogly on Oct 16, 2010 12:24 AM CDT up reply actions