NFC East: Falcons-Cowboys 102509
Posted by ESPN.com's Matt Mosley
ARLINGTON, Texas -- Late in the first quarter, Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo scrambled for 16 yards before taking a big hit from Falcons safety Thomas DeCoud. Romo winced in pain as he left the field and doctors looked at his neck. At one point, Jon Kitna started warming up.
But Romo came back on the next possession and completed his first four passes to set his team up for its first points of the game. He looked a little stiff after the game, but said he was fine. Here's what owner Jerry Jones said about the injury:
"Well any time you have that, you go take a look," Jones said. "And he was slow coming off the field, but he went right back out there and played a really good game today. And when you get that kind of play out of him and the supporting cast around him; the defense, you've got a chance to beat good teams."
Perhaps the biggest play of the game occurred late in the first half when Romo escaped heavy pressure to throw a 5-yard touchdown pass to Patrick Crayton. That gave the Cowboys a 17-7 lead and all the momentum heading into the half. It also gave them some cushion to work with when the Falcons came racing down the field behind the running of fullback Jason Snelling to make it 17-14. Here's how Romo described the play:
"When I broke the first [tackle], the first thing that goes through your head is that you have to get the ball out, throw it away but instinctively I thought it was a very high percentage chance to wait a second to get to to Patrick, and Patrick did a great job. And that's what we talked about you have to do something out of the ordinary once in a while. The game is about human error, from my end and other people, when you make a mistake, someone has to pick up for them. I think the O-line did a great job today and picked up some of my mistakes and the receivers did as well. It makes you look better than you are some times and we all try to do that."
ARLINGTON, Texas -- Late in the first quarter, Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo scrambled for 16 yards before taking a big hit from Falcons safety Thomas DeCoud. Romo winced in pain as he left the field and doctors looked at his neck. At one point, Jon Kitna started warming up.
But Romo came back on the next possession and completed his first four passes to set his team up for its first points of the game. He looked a little stiff after the game, but said he was fine. Here's what owner Jerry Jones said about the injury:
"Well any time you have that, you go take a look," Jones said. "And he was slow coming off the field, but he went right back out there and played a really good game today. And when you get that kind of play out of him and the supporting cast around him; the defense, you've got a chance to beat good teams."
Perhaps the biggest play of the game occurred late in the first half when Romo escaped heavy pressure to throw a 5-yard touchdown pass to Patrick Crayton. That gave the Cowboys a 17-7 lead and all the momentum heading into the half. It also gave them some cushion to work with when the Falcons came racing down the field behind the running of fullback Jason Snelling to make it 17-14. Here's how Romo described the play:
"When I broke the first [tackle], the first thing that goes through your head is that you have to get the ball out, throw it away but instinctively I thought it was a very high percentage chance to wait a second to get to to Patrick, and Patrick did a great job. And that's what we talked about you have to do something out of the ordinary once in a while. The game is about human error, from my end and other people, when you make a mistake, someone has to pick up for them. I think the O-line did a great job today and picked up some of my mistakes and the receivers did as well. It makes you look better than you are some times and we all try to do that."
What was Brooking shouting at the Falcons?
October, 25, 2009
10/25/09
8:47
PM ET
By Matt Mosley | ESPN.com
Posted by ESPN.com's Matt Mosley
ARLINGTON, Texas -- Cowboys linebacker Keith Brooking spent the first 11 seasons of his career with the Falcons, which explains why he was so emotional during Sunday's game. After big plays by the Cowboys' defense -- and there were several -- Brooking would make a beeline for the Falcons' sideline, where he appeared to be shouting at his former teammates and coaches.
After the game, Cowboys linebacker Bradie James told me that Brooking kept shouting the words, "You shouldn't have let me go!" A live feed from the Cowboys' pregame locker room on Jerry Jones' massive video board showed Brooking walking around with a dazed look in his eyes. But after the game, Brooking ran up to several of his former teammates and apologized for his behavior during the game.
Brooking recalls the last conversation he had with Falcons management:
"They told me it was a young man's game," Brooking said. "I guess this old man got a win."
Brooking only finished with two tackles, but he played a large role in slowing down the Falcons' running game and he applied pressure to quarterback Matt Ryan.
ARLINGTON, Texas -- Cowboys linebacker Keith Brooking spent the first 11 seasons of his career with the Falcons, which explains why he was so emotional during Sunday's game. After big plays by the Cowboys' defense -- and there were several -- Brooking would make a beeline for the Falcons' sideline, where he appeared to be shouting at his former teammates and coaches.
After the game, Cowboys linebacker Bradie James told me that Brooking kept shouting the words, "You shouldn't have let me go!" A live feed from the Cowboys' pregame locker room on Jerry Jones' massive video board showed Brooking walking around with a dazed look in his eyes. But after the game, Brooking ran up to several of his former teammates and apologized for his behavior during the game.
Brooking recalls the last conversation he had with Falcons management:
"They told me it was a young man's game," Brooking said. "I guess this old man got a win."
Brooking only finished with two tackles, but he played a large role in slowing down the Falcons' running game and he applied pressure to quarterback Matt Ryan.
Rapid Reaction: Cowboys 37, Falcons 21
October, 25, 2009
10/25/09
7:35
PM ET
By Matt Mosley | ESPN.com
Posted by ESPN.com's Matt Mosley
ARLINGTON, Texas -- The Cowboys have found a No. 1 wide receiver -- and he doesn't go by the name Roy Williams. For the second consecutive game, fourth-year receiver Miles Austin put up huge numbers in helping the Cowboys pick up a monster win over the Atlanta Falcons.
Austin had six catches for 171 yards and two touchdowns in his first game since breaking the Cowboys' single-game record in a win over the Chiefs two weeks ago. Austin has 16 catches for 421 yards and four touchdowns in his past two games -- and he's become Tony Romo's favorite target.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Cowboys gave Matt Ryan fits almost the entire afternoon. All-Pro outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware had two sacks and caused a fumble in leading a fierce Cowboys pass-rush. Ryan led the Falcons on a long touchdown drive to start the game, but he never really returned to that rhythm. He was 19-of-34 for 198 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. The first interception occurred when Ware and nose tackle Jay Ratliff were breathing down Ryan's neck.
The only Falcons player the Cowboys' defense couldn't account for was fullback Jason Snelling, who had 68 yards rushing on only seven carries. The Cowboys assured themselves of at least being in a tie for second place in the NFC East heading into next Sunday's game against the Seahawks.
It was also a big game for Patrick Crayton, who was benched to make room for Austin in the starting lineup. Crayton caught a touchdown pass with six seconds left in the first half to give the Cowboys a 17-7 lead. Then he put the Falcons away with a punt return for a touchdown. He was pressed into return duties when the newly acquired Allen Rossum went down with a hamstring injury early in the game.
It was also a big day for Cowboys linebacker Keith Brooking, the longtime Falcon. He didn't put up big stats (two tackles) but he was a big reason that Michael Turner couldn't get going. And after plays, Brooking spent time jawing with his former teammates.
There's a good chance the Cowboys and Eagles will both show up for their Nov. 1 game with 5-2 records.
ARLINGTON, Texas -- The Cowboys have found a No. 1 wide receiver -- and he doesn't go by the name Roy Williams. For the second consecutive game, fourth-year receiver Miles Austin put up huge numbers in helping the Cowboys pick up a monster win over the Atlanta Falcons.
Austin had six catches for 171 yards and two touchdowns in his first game since breaking the Cowboys' single-game record in a win over the Chiefs two weeks ago. Austin has 16 catches for 421 yards and four touchdowns in his past two games -- and he's become Tony Romo's favorite target.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Cowboys gave Matt Ryan fits almost the entire afternoon. All-Pro outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware had two sacks and caused a fumble in leading a fierce Cowboys pass-rush. Ryan led the Falcons on a long touchdown drive to start the game, but he never really returned to that rhythm. He was 19-of-34 for 198 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. The first interception occurred when Ware and nose tackle Jay Ratliff were breathing down Ryan's neck.
The only Falcons player the Cowboys' defense couldn't account for was fullback Jason Snelling, who had 68 yards rushing on only seven carries. The Cowboys assured themselves of at least being in a tie for second place in the NFC East heading into next Sunday's game against the Seahawks.
It was also a big game for Patrick Crayton, who was benched to make room for Austin in the starting lineup. Crayton caught a touchdown pass with six seconds left in the first half to give the Cowboys a 17-7 lead. Then he put the Falcons away with a punt return for a touchdown. He was pressed into return duties when the newly acquired Allen Rossum went down with a hamstring injury early in the game.
It was also a big day for Cowboys linebacker Keith Brooking, the longtime Falcon. He didn't put up big stats (two tackles) but he was a big reason that Michael Turner couldn't get going. And after plays, Brooking spent time jawing with his former teammates.
There's a good chance the Cowboys and Eagles will both show up for their Nov. 1 game with 5-2 records.
Posted by ESPN.com's Matt Mosley
ARLINGTON, Texas -- Cowboys wide receiver Miles Austin has six catches for 171 yards and two touchdowns so far today. That gives him 16 catches for 421 yards and four touchdowns in his last two games. That has to be some type of team record in terms of back-to-back games. I'll try to hunt that one down for you guys.
The Cowboys will continue calling Roy Williams their "No. 1" wide receiver, but I think we all know what's taking place right now. Austin's in the process of becoming the team's top receiver. His yards after catch will be through the roof after this game.
Little known nugget that I stumbled on recently: Only two scouts showed up at Austin's Pro Day at Monmouth (N.J.) University. Cowboys pro scout Briane Gaine and Titans receivers coach Ray Sherman were the only ones who showed up. Gaine is now the assistant director of player personnel with the Dolphins and Sherman is the Cowboys' wide receivers coach. Go figure.
ARLINGTON, Texas -- Cowboys wide receiver Miles Austin has six catches for 171 yards and two touchdowns so far today. That gives him 16 catches for 421 yards and four touchdowns in his last two games. That has to be some type of team record in terms of back-to-back games. I'll try to hunt that one down for you guys.
The Cowboys will continue calling Roy Williams their "No. 1" wide receiver, but I think we all know what's taking place right now. Austin's in the process of becoming the team's top receiver. His yards after catch will be through the roof after this game.
Little known nugget that I stumbled on recently: Only two scouts showed up at Austin's Pro Day at Monmouth (N.J.) University. Cowboys pro scout Briane Gaine and Titans receivers coach Ray Sherman were the only ones who showed up. Gaine is now the assistant director of player personnel with the Dolphins and Sherman is the Cowboys' wide receivers coach. Go figure.
The Halftime Report: Cowboys 17, Falcons 7
October, 25, 2009
10/25/09
6:07
PM ET
By Matt Mosley | ESPN.com
Posted by ESPN.com's Matt Mosley
ARLINGTON, Texas -- If you were wondering why Cowboys owner Jerry Jones still has good thoughts about his quarterback, I'll point you to the touchdown pass at the end of the first half. If Tony Romo gets sacked there, the Cowboys forfeit three points and the Falcons have a ton of momentum heading into the locker room.
Instead, Romo somehow escaped defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux and Mike Peterson before lofting a 6-yard touchdown pass to Patrick Crayton. I'm not sure another quarterback in the league makes that play -- and so you see why the Cowboys have so much patience with Romo.
Here are a few more observations:
ARLINGTON, Texas -- If you were wondering why Cowboys owner Jerry Jones still has good thoughts about his quarterback, I'll point you to the touchdown pass at the end of the first half. If Tony Romo gets sacked there, the Cowboys forfeit three points and the Falcons have a ton of momentum heading into the locker room.
Instead, Romo somehow escaped defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux and Mike Peterson before lofting a 6-yard touchdown pass to Patrick Crayton. I'm not sure another quarterback in the league makes that play -- and so you see why the Cowboys have so much patience with Romo.
Here are a few more observations:
- For some reason, the Cowboys are playing reserve nose tackle Junior Siavii a lot more than usual today. I think it's to keep starting nose tackle Jay Ratliff fresh. The Cowboys have had problems stopping teams late in games, and they're probably trying to make sure Ratliff's ready to go. But Siavii's done a really nice job pursuing the run. He came from behind to tackle Michael Burner on one counter play. Shocked everyone in the press box.
- There are only three teams that haven't given up a touchdown in the third quarter this season. I'm looking at two of them. The Colts are the other team.
- Terence Newman was beaten for a touchdown by Roddy White and he whiffed on a tackle early in the game. But he's come back strong with a couple plays in the second quarter. So far, the Falcons have gone after Newman more than second-year cornerback Mike Jenkins, which is odd.
- Looks like the Cowboys pass-rush has returned to action. Ware's tormenting Falcons right tackle Tyson Clabo and defensive end Marcus Spears is also getting a lot of penetration.
- This is the best I've seen Gerald Sensabaugh play this season. He's making some big hits and he's been in the right place on several short throws. Early in the second half, Ratliff's the guy setting the tone on defense. Falcons center Todd McClure has no clue what to do with him.
Posted by ESPN.com's Matt Mosley
ARLINGTON, Texas -- Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo was wincing in pain after he was tackled by Falcons safety Thomas DeCoud late in the first quarter. Backup Jon Kitna was warming up on the sideline while doctors looked at Romo.
But on the Cowboys' first possession of the second quarter, Romo returned to the field and led the Cowboys on a scoring drive. He completed his first three passes of the possession, including a nice one to Roy Williams on a slant route. But on a key third down play, Williams dropped a pass close to the first-down marker and the Cowboys settled for a 38-yard field.
ARLINGTON, Texas -- Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo was wincing in pain after he was tackled by Falcons safety Thomas DeCoud late in the first quarter. Backup Jon Kitna was warming up on the sideline while doctors looked at Romo.
But on the Cowboys' first possession of the second quarter, Romo returned to the field and led the Cowboys on a scoring drive. He completed his first three passes of the possession, including a nice one to Roy Williams on a slant route. But on a key third down play, Williams dropped a pass close to the first-down marker and the Cowboys settled for a 38-yard field.
Posted by ESPN.com's Matt Mosley
ARLINGTON, Texas -- Cowboys return specialist Allen Rossum was looking forward to finishing out his career in the area where he grew up, but on his first kickoff return since signing with the club, he injured his hamstring. His return is doubtful, according to the Cowboys.
With Rossum out, Patrick Crayton is back handling punt return duties. Cowboys started their second possession of the game with Felix Jones at tailback. After a 3-yard gain, they quickly got him off the field. The Cowboys had back-to-back false starts and then Tony Romo took off running on a third-and-18. The officials ruled that Romo fumbled at the end of the run, but the call was overturned and the Cowboys punted.
Romo took a pretty good shot to the head. Right now, the doctors appear to be taking him through a concussion check.
ARLINGTON, Texas -- Cowboys return specialist Allen Rossum was looking forward to finishing out his career in the area where he grew up, but on his first kickoff return since signing with the club, he injured his hamstring. His return is doubtful, according to the Cowboys.
With Rossum out, Patrick Crayton is back handling punt return duties. Cowboys started their second possession of the game with Felix Jones at tailback. After a 3-yard gain, they quickly got him off the field. The Cowboys had back-to-back false starts and then Tony Romo took off running on a third-and-18. The officials ruled that Romo fumbled at the end of the run, but the call was overturned and the Cowboys punted.
Romo took a pretty good shot to the head. Right now, the doctors appear to be taking him through a concussion check.
Live from Cowboys Stadium: It's Falcons-Cowboys!
October, 25, 2009
10/25/09
3:32
PM ET
By Matt Mosley | ESPN.com
Posted by ESPN.com's Matt Mosley
ARLINGTON, Texas -- Hello and welcome to today's live blogging experience. I'll be bouncing back and forth between the Beast and NFL Nation Live. Fortunately, we'll have this game covered from every angle. NFC South blogger Pat Yasinskas has you covered from the Falcons' standpoint and I'll try to take care of the Cowboys' angles.
We're also pleased to have ESPNDallas writers Calvin Watkins and Tim MacMahon in the house. No surprises on the inactives, but I'll give them to you anyway:
Cowboys: Emergency QB Stephen McGee, S Mike Hamlin, LB Jason Williams, G Montrae Holland, C/G Duke Preston, T Pat McQuistan, WR Kevin Ogletree, LB Curtis Johnson
Falcons: Emergency QB John Parker Wilson, S William Moore, RB Jerious Norwood, FB Ovie Mughelli, S Antoine Harris, OT Garrett Reynolds, G Quinn Ojinnaka
I'll be paying close attention to Cowboys wide receiver Roy Williams the first time he takes a shot. I think it's important for him to catch an early ball and take a hit. Once he does that, I think he'll be ready to go. The Falcons are under-staffed in the secondary today and I've always thought cornerback Chris Houston was a little soft.
ARLINGTON, Texas -- Hello and welcome to today's live blogging experience. I'll be bouncing back and forth between the Beast and NFL Nation Live. Fortunately, we'll have this game covered from every angle. NFC South blogger Pat Yasinskas has you covered from the Falcons' standpoint and I'll try to take care of the Cowboys' angles.
We're also pleased to have ESPNDallas writers Calvin Watkins and Tim MacMahon in the house. No surprises on the inactives, but I'll give them to you anyway:
Cowboys: Emergency QB Stephen McGee, S Mike Hamlin, LB Jason Williams, G Montrae Holland, C/G Duke Preston, T Pat McQuistan, WR Kevin Ogletree, LB Curtis Johnson
Falcons: Emergency QB John Parker Wilson, S William Moore, RB Jerious Norwood, FB Ovie Mughelli, S Antoine Harris, OT Garrett Reynolds, G Quinn Ojinnaka
I'll be paying close attention to Cowboys wide receiver Roy Williams the first time he takes a shot. I think it's important for him to catch an early ball and take a hit. Once he does that, I think he'll be ready to go. The Falcons are under-staffed in the secondary today and I've always thought cornerback Chris Houston was a little soft.
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ABOUT THIS BLOG
Dan Graziano
Graziano joined ESPN.com in 2011 after two years as a Senior NFL Writer for AOL FanHouse. He covered Major League Baseball, the Olympics and various other sports during his time at the Star-Ledger and the Palm Beach Post. A New Jersey native and author of two published novels, he now lives in Ridgewood, N.J., with his wife and two sons.
