Confident Cowboys roll
By Clarence E. Hill Jr.
Star-Telegram Staff Writer
Posted on Sun, Aug. 27, 2006
IRVING -- Amid the continued absence of receiver Terrell Owens -- and the increasing concerns about kicker Mike Vanderjagt -- an air of confidence is growing in the Cowboys locker room.
It's rooted in a big and physical defense that has the potential to be dominant in 2006, and an offense that has shown firepower in the passing game and a steady improvement in the running game despite the absence of Owens (sore hamstring).
Fans who braved the searing 98-degree temperatures at Texas Stadium got a close-up view of the dominance in Saturday's 17-7 preseason victory against San Francisco.
The Cowboys improved to 3-0 in the preseason for the first time since 1985.
While it's difficult to draw conclusions from preseason, it's easy for the Cowboys to gain confidence from their Doomsdayesque results.
In limiting the 49ers to no points and five first downs in first half, the first-team defense continued it's preseason-long success.
In three games, the Cowboys' starters have not given up a touchdown, allowing a field goal in the second quarter of the preseason opener against Seattle.
Coach Bill Parcells cautions that the Cowboys haven't played enough to make a real determination.
"They have not been tested," Parcells said. "We have not had anyone put two back-to-back drives on us. If they can't do that, we are going to win some games. But we have only been out there 15 plays a half. We aren't getting enough plays."
Blame the defense for its own success, as its domination is one of the reasons why there haven't been a lot of defensive plays.
Inside linebacker Bradie James, the undisputed leader on defense, typified the fast, physical and impenetrable unit that hopes to make a name for itself in its second season of the 3-4 alignment.
"It gives us a boost to our confidence," James said. "We wanted to develop an identity."
Rookie Pat Watkins started at free safety in place of Keith Davis, who had surgery to remove a bullet from his thigh and missed the game. Cornerback Anthony Henry had a second-quarter interception and rookie Jason Hatcher had two sacks and forced a fumble.
Vanderjagt (sore groin) did not play.
The offense was equally impressive without Owens, who is not expected to play Thursday in the preseason finale against Minnesota.
"There's no question our best thing to do is get him well," owner Jerry Jones said. "He wants to be out there, too. ... I know this -- when he's healthy, he's going to help us win these ballgames."
Quarterback Drew Bledsoe completed 12 of 17 passes for 200 yards and a 28-yard TD to Terry Glenn. Glenn finished with four catches for 98 yards, including a 52-yard catch from Bledsoe that led to Marion Barber's 5-yard touchdown run. Jamaica Rector had seven catches for 80 yards.
Julius Jones (56 yards) and Barber (49) helped lead a much-improved rushing game, which finished with 189 yards for the game, including 109 in the first half.
Cowboys 17, 49ers 7
Why the Cowboys won:
In the decisive first half, the Cowboys rolled up 20 minutes, 56 seconds in time of possession and a 17-0 lead. The Cowboys out-gained the 49ers 309 yards to 78 in the first half and 489-197 for the game.
Why the 49ers lost:
They are still the 49ers. Quarterback Alex Smith needs more seasoning. The defense was shredded, allowing 6.7 yards per offensive play.
Notable
Running back Julius Jones bettered his first two preseason performances in one half on Saturday. He gained 59 yards on 15 carries Saturday night. He had 43 yards on 20 carries in the previous two preseason games.
In the know
Breakdown
Why Dallas won: In the decisive first half, the Cowboys rolled up 20 minutes, 56 seconds in time of possession and a 17-0 lead. The Cowboys outgained San Francisco 309-78 in the first half and 489-197 for the game.
Why San Francisco lost: They are still the 49ers. Quarterback Alex Smith needs more seasoning. The defense was shredded, allowing 6.7 yards per play.
Notable: Running back Julius Jones bettered his first two preseason performances in one half, gaining 56 yards on 15 carries Saturday night. He had 43 yards on 20 carries in the first two preseason games combined.
Up next: vs. Minnesota,
Star-Telegram Staff Writer
Posted on Sun, Aug. 27, 2006
IRVING -- Amid the continued absence of receiver Terrell Owens -- and the increasing concerns about kicker Mike Vanderjagt -- an air of confidence is growing in the Cowboys locker room.
It's rooted in a big and physical defense that has the potential to be dominant in 2006, and an offense that has shown firepower in the passing game and a steady improvement in the running game despite the absence of Owens (sore hamstring).
Fans who braved the searing 98-degree temperatures at Texas Stadium got a close-up view of the dominance in Saturday's 17-7 preseason victory against San Francisco.
The Cowboys improved to 3-0 in the preseason for the first time since 1985.
While it's difficult to draw conclusions from preseason, it's easy for the Cowboys to gain confidence from their Doomsdayesque results.
In limiting the 49ers to no points and five first downs in first half, the first-team defense continued it's preseason-long success.
In three games, the Cowboys' starters have not given up a touchdown, allowing a field goal in the second quarter of the preseason opener against Seattle.
Coach Bill Parcells cautions that the Cowboys haven't played enough to make a real determination.
"They have not been tested," Parcells said. "We have not had anyone put two back-to-back drives on us. If they can't do that, we are going to win some games. But we have only been out there 15 plays a half. We aren't getting enough plays."
Blame the defense for its own success, as its domination is one of the reasons why there haven't been a lot of defensive plays.
Inside linebacker Bradie James, the undisputed leader on defense, typified the fast, physical and impenetrable unit that hopes to make a name for itself in its second season of the 3-4 alignment.
"It gives us a boost to our confidence," James said. "We wanted to develop an identity."
Rookie Pat Watkins started at free safety in place of Keith Davis, who had surgery to remove a bullet from his thigh and missed the game. Cornerback Anthony Henry had a second-quarter interception and rookie Jason Hatcher had two sacks and forced a fumble.
Vanderjagt (sore groin) did not play.
The offense was equally impressive without Owens, who is not expected to play Thursday in the preseason finale against Minnesota.
"There's no question our best thing to do is get him well," owner Jerry Jones said. "He wants to be out there, too. ... I know this -- when he's healthy, he's going to help us win these ballgames."
Quarterback Drew Bledsoe completed 12 of 17 passes for 200 yards and a 28-yard TD to Terry Glenn. Glenn finished with four catches for 98 yards, including a 52-yard catch from Bledsoe that led to Marion Barber's 5-yard touchdown run. Jamaica Rector had seven catches for 80 yards.
Julius Jones (56 yards) and Barber (49) helped lead a much-improved rushing game, which finished with 189 yards for the game, including 109 in the first half.
Cowboys 17, 49ers 7
Why the Cowboys won:
In the decisive first half, the Cowboys rolled up 20 minutes, 56 seconds in time of possession and a 17-0 lead. The Cowboys out-gained the 49ers 309 yards to 78 in the first half and 489-197 for the game.
Why the 49ers lost:
They are still the 49ers. Quarterback Alex Smith needs more seasoning. The defense was shredded, allowing 6.7 yards per offensive play.
Notable
Running back Julius Jones bettered his first two preseason performances in one half on Saturday. He gained 59 yards on 15 carries Saturday night. He had 43 yards on 20 carries in the previous two preseason games.
In the know
Breakdown
Why Dallas won: In the decisive first half, the Cowboys rolled up 20 minutes, 56 seconds in time of possession and a 17-0 lead. The Cowboys outgained San Francisco 309-78 in the first half and 489-197 for the game.
Why San Francisco lost: They are still the 49ers. Quarterback Alex Smith needs more seasoning. The defense was shredded, allowing 6.7 yards per play.
Notable: Running back Julius Jones bettered his first two preseason performances in one half, gaining 56 yards on 15 carries Saturday night. He had 43 yards on 20 carries in the first two preseason games combined.
Up next: vs. Minnesota,
posted by The Gryphon at 10:03 AM
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