Dallas Cowboys vs Houston Texans Final Game Notes and Observations

Sep 28, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) celebrates with cornerback Orlando Scandrick (32) after the game against the New Orleans Saints at AT&T Stadium. The Cowboys beat the Saints 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Sunday’s overtime thriller in Big D had plenty of both good and bad to discuss. Here are some final notes and observations on areas of the game that may have been overlooked or understated.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how terrible CBS is with the “BS” portion of their intialism. The broadcast quality and of the transmission was embarrassing (even cutting out to show another game after the signal was lost) and Ian Eagle and Dan Fouts hurt my head in a way only they can explain. Thank goodness the Cowboys are in the NFC and we only have to endure that pain occasionally.

It’s become all-to-apparent the Cowboys are unable to generate much pressure from the front four alone. Thankfully the Cowboys see this and have increased blitzing as a result. The LB and DB blitzes have largely been effective and are the only part of the pass-rush demanding respect from opposing QBs.

Early in the game MLB Rolando McClain seemed to be moving at 75% or worse. On multiple plays he mailed-in coverage and wasn’t even close to dropping into his zone in time. On another occasion he blitzed up the middle untouched, but was unable to change direction to attack the passer. The injury was still clearly hurting him most of the game.

As the game progressed Rolando McClain seemed to be improving…until of course, he re-injured himself and now is doubtful for next week in Seattle.

CB Orlando Scandrick made his name in the slot but it’s clear he’s better suited for (and embracing) the outside CB spot. Nickel corners are often in “chase mode” when manned up in the middle of the field. Without a sideline to assist in coverage, they are at a decided disadvantage and have to forgo instinct for the sake of safe play. Scandrick is finally using his instincts on the outside and the gambling has been paying off. It’s not going to work 100% of the time but demands respect from opposing QBs.

Oct 5, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) is blocked by Dallas Cowboys guard Zack Martin (70) in the third quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

The Cowboys used DE JJ Watt’s aggressiveness against him on multiple occasions. When Watt got the jump, the Cowboys would block him in the direction of his momentum regardless of the optimal blocking direction. The result? Watt started waiting to “burst” and pausing a spit second to hit the gap. Any little bit helps and this blocking strategy helped many times.

It would be nice if DeMarco Murray pass-blocked with the same energy as he runs the ball. On two plays Murray was a less-than-willing blocker and it showed. All things considered, Murray is a good pass-blocker and I have him with a positive grade for the season, but it only takes one Romo hit to ruin the Cowboys’ season.

With no consequences in sight, is there any reason for Murray to stop fumbling the ball?

#58 DE Jack Crawford may try hard but he’s a major liability against the run. The Texans were targeting him whenever he subbed in on the edge. The two big runs that made up the Texans first impressive TD was directly attributed to Crawford. When Crawford came out, the Texans started running to the other side. The Cowboys really need DT Henry Melton to become fulltime and man the 3-tech spot so Tyrone Crawford can move outside again.

DEs George Selvie, Anthony Spencer, and Crawford may not be lighting it up on the outside, but they are extremely consistent and reliable against the run.