Dallas Cowboys at Seattle Seahawks Postgame Notes and Observations

Oct 5, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Justin Durant (52) celebrates making a tackle in the game against the Houston Texans at AT&T Stadium. Dallas beat Houston 20-17 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Not to be a “prisoner of the moment” but that was quite possibly the biggest win in the past three seasons for the Dallas Cowboys.

Apologies are due to LB Justin Durant. Once seen as “just a guy”, Durant has quickly become “the guy”. MLB Rolando McClain may be the playmaker and star of the LB corps, but Durant is the leader capable of playing anywhere at a high level. Durant currently ranks as the 6th rated 4-3 OLB at Pro Football Focus. He scores positive grades in Run Stopping, Coverage, and Pass Rush. He is one of the most well-rounded LB’s in the NFL and the Cowboys found a real gem at a bargain price when Durant came on board.

RT Doug Free had a really tough day. It was expected since he matched up against the uber-talented Michael Bennett for most of the afternoon. Free’s typical weaknesses is pass-blocking but on Sunday he struggled mightily run-blocking. Free is still an asset the Cowboys need in order to succeed this season, but it’s becoming clear this is his last season with the Cowboys.

Oct 12, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terrance Williams (83) makes a reception against the Seattle Seahawks during the fourth quarter of a 26-20 Dallas victory at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

A possible replacement for Free in 2015 is current RG, Zack Martin. Martin had his best game as a pro on Sunday and was quite possibly the best lineman on the field in Seattle. He was brilliant pass-blocking and run-blocking. The Cowboys pulled their guards all afternoon and found enormous success.

Throwing a goalline back shoulder pass is a very delicate play, only to be attempted by a QB and receiver with strong trust, practice, and chemistry. It should never be done with the rarely targeted #2 TE Gavin Escobar. When the Cowboys called the play on 2nd and goal from inside the 5 my jaw dropped. Nevermind it was nearly intercepted and returned for TD. This pass is only suited for Dez Bryant. Anyone else is a major liability. Luckily the next play resulted in a TD pass to Escobar in the back of the endzone but the previous play cannot be ignored.

I’ve always questioned RB Joseph Randle’s fire and energy. He has played very hesitantly as pro and hasn’t shown he could step up in the absence of lead back DeMarco Murray. After Randle broke off the long run in the first half, Randle looked like a different man. He ran with fire and finally looked like he could fill in if Murray ever was sidelined. Let’s hope this was a turning point for Randle’s career.

The Cowboys converted on 3rd and short with a run play. I repeat – The Cowboys converted on 3rd and short with a run play. No matter how many times I say it, it seems wrong. Running in short yardage is something the Cowboys have never been able to consistently execute until this season. This is what makes their 3rd down conversion percentage so strong (10/17 on Sunday) and will propel them to success all season.

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