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[an error occurred while processing this directive] 11/21/2009

Dallas Cowboys' Garrett needs to work on balancing act

In Jason Garrett's first two full seasons as offensive coordinator, the Cowboys have never run more than 43 percent of the time.

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

Jason Garrett wants to throw the ball, and the Dallas Cowboys' offense doesn't give him any reason not to do what he loves, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor. The Cowboys should thump Washington, but they aren't good enough to win important games in December and the postseason with a one-dimensional offense.

Blog: Cowboys

GameDay: Redskins at Cowboys

11/17/2009

Time has come for young Dallas Cowboys tackle
It's hard to fathom any team being worse than the Cowboys at drafting offensive linemen during the last decade.

11/16/2009

Time has come for young Dallas Cowboys tackle

With the offensive line suffering its first injury of the season, the Cowboys will find out if tackle Doug Free (left) has what it takes to protect Tony Romo.

LOUIS DELUCA / DMN

The Dallas Cowboys have rarely gotten any kind of production from the 14 draft picks they've spent on offensive linemen since the 2000 draft, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor, but they better hope Doug Free can break the mold.

11/15/2009

Dallas Cowboys lose way without stars in 17-7 loss

Even Miles Austin couldn't save the Dallas Cowboys' offense on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers.

TOM FOX / DMN

Green Bay beat the Dallas Cowboys, 17-7, and ended their four-game winning streak, in part, because the Cowboys don't have a runner or receiver capable of consistently imposing his will on the game with the sheer power of his talent, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor.

11/13/2009

Skyline football team motivated by lesson learned in Oregon

Joshua Wilkinson and Skyline won their regular season games by an average of 38.1 points.

JOHN F. RHODES / DMN

Skyline, one of only 11 undefeated 5A teams in the state, begins its playoff run toward history Friday against Rowlett determined to become the first DISD team to win a state football championship since Sunset in 1950, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor.

Blog: High schools

Blog: Taylor

Pairings: Football

More: Football

11/10/2009

Stock is rising for Dallas Cowboys' Wade Phillips

Wade Phillips (right) is 28-12 as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys.

VERNON BRYANT / DMN

Slowly, Wade Phillips and the Dallas Cowboys are earning our trust. Words alone, though, won't do it, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor. Phillips should be praised for having the Cowboys at 6-2 and in first place halfway through the season.

Blog: Cowboys

Blog: Taylor

11/09/2009

Dallas Cowboys send strong message with 20-16 win

Dallas Cowboys receiver Miles Austin celebrates his touchdown in the third quarter.

MICHAEL AINSWORTH / DMN

The Dallas Cowboys beat Philadelphia, 20-16, in an intense, hard-hitting, old-fashioned NFC East game that extended their winning streak to four games. They won because they made plays at winning time, and it wasn't just one player, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor.

Blog: Cowboys

Blog: Taylor

Photos: Cowboys-Eagles

Tell us: Grades

11/07/2009

Selfishness no longer a problem for these Dallas Cowboys
Despite what you might have heard elsewhere, there's a positive vibe in the Dallas Cowboys' locker room these days, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor.

11/02/2009

A revealing return to Philly for the Dallas Cowboys

Last December's 44-6 loss at Philadelphia crushed the Cowboys' playoff hopes and was Dallas' eighth defeat of 20 points or more against Andy Reid's Eagles.

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

Sunday's game at Philadelphia will tell you just about everything you need to know about the Cowboys heading into the second half of the season, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor. The Cowboys return to the scene of their 44-6 humiliation last December that crushed their playoff hopes.

Blog: Cowboys

Blog: Taylor

11/01/2009

Dallas Cowboys' success seems to be catching in 38-17 win

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (center) talks with receivers Roy Williams (left) and Miles Austin.

MICHAEL AINSWORTH / DMN

Every question you've had about "Romo Friendly," the phrase Jerry Jones coined while explaining the reasons for T.O.'s release, should've been answered Sunday in the Cowboys' 38-17 blowout win over Seattle, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor.

10/30/2009

Williams and Dallas Cowboys are dropping the ball

Roy Williams, expected to be the Cowboys' No. 1 receiver this season, has caught only 12 passes in six games.

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

Receiver Roy Williams absolutely, positively isn't as bad as he has played since joining the Dallas Cowboys last October. Unfortunately, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor, there's no statistical data or tangible evidence to support that point of view.

Blog: Cowboys

Williams' stats

Cowboys-Seahawks preview

Cowboys-Seahawks matchup

10/28/2009

It's one game ... no reason for full-court stress over Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks are going to suffer through some ragged performances - as they did in Tuesday's opener - for a while, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor.

TOM FOX / DMN

Let's not work ourselves into a frenzy over the Dallas Mavericks' ragged performance in their season opener, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor. This is the NBA, where the season doesn't really even start in earnest until after the All-Star break.

Mavs go small out of necessity

Blog: Mavericks

10/26/2009

Ware's new contract is money well spent for Dallas Cowboys

Jerry Jones was happy to give pass-rushing linebacker DeMarcus Ware a six-year, $78 million contract, the largest in Cowboys history.

TOM FOX / DMN

Some players start feeling pressure to prove their worth when they sign a huge contract. Others don’t work as hard because they’re set for life. None of that will be a problem for DeMarcus Ware, writes columnist Jean-Jacques Taylor.

Blog: Cowboys

Blog: Taylor

Tell us: Grades

Chat replay: Moore

Photos: Dal.-Atl.

10/25/2009

Dallas Cowboys' defense deserves credit for 37-21 win

Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Ware sacks Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan in the first quarter.

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

Please don't get seduced by the sexy display of offensive football we witnessed Sunday afternoon at Cowboys Stadium in the Dallas Cowboys' 37-21 win over Atlanta, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor. The Cowboys' pass rush won this game.

Blog: Cowboys

Blog: Taylor

Tell us: Grades

Photos: Dal.-Atl.

10/23/2009

Assistant's desire to coach in NFL brings him to Dallas-area NAIA school
While standing on Southwestern Assemblies of God's muddy football field under a steady drizzle a few days ago, John Tomlinson's faith never waned.

10/19/2009

Game against Atlanta will be key to predicting future of Dallas Cowboys’ season

Wade Phillips had an extra week to prepare the Cowboys for Sunday's home game against the Falcons.

Players and coaches love to say every NFL game counts the same. No game, they insist, carries any more weight than another. Well, that just ain't the case, as you're about to find out Sunday against Atlanta, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor.

Blog: Cowboys

10/11/2009

Austin rescues Dallas Cowboys in 26-20 win

Miles Austin had a record day receiving for the Dallas Cowboys, including this catch for the winning touchdown.

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

Miles Austin's 60-yard catch-and-run for a touchdown in the Dallas Cowboys' 26-20 overtime win saved the season, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor. That's why the locker room vibe felt a lot closer to relief than satisfaction.

Photos: Cowboys-KC

Dallas Cowboys' Garrett needs a new game plan

Tony Romo's play this season may not be doing much for offensive coordinator Jason Garrett's resume.

VERNON BRYANT / DMN

The Dallas Cowboys' Ivy League-educated offensive coordinator, who just happens to be the NFL's highest-paid assistant coach at $3 million per season, crossed the fine line between confidence and arrogance last week against Denver, writes DMN columnist Jean-Jacques Taylor. This offense can't afford for Jason Garrett to do it again – even against the raggedy Kansas City Chiefs.

Blog: Dallas Cowboys

Buy: Cowboys gear | Tickets

10/08/2009

Inspired Pinkston honors injured teammate with shutout

Pinkston defensive end Kareem Robinson (99) flashes a towel with a nickname he has for Jared Williams, who was paralyzed in last week's game.

MIKE STONE / Special to DMN

When Jared Williams opens his eyes this morning at Baylor Medical Center, the weathered football from Pinkston's 35-0 win over A. Maceo Smith will be sitting next to his bed. Eight days ago, Jared's life changed forever, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor.

Blog: High Schools

Blog: Taylor

Scores: Thurs.

School page: Pinkston

10/07/2009

Dallas Cowboys' close losses reflect reality

Denver's Brandon Marshall (top) had a good day against Terence Newman and the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

Since the 12-1 start in 2007, the Dallas Cowboys are a mediocre group that finds creative ways to lose more often than finds ways to win, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor. The loss to Denver on Sunday was just another recent example.

Blog: Cowboys

Blog: Taylor

10/04/2009

An early fall: Dallas Cowboys' 17-10 loss a bad sign

Dallas Cowboys receiver Sam Hurd shows his frustration after his team's last two passes toward him went incomplete.

VERNON BRYANT / DMN

This Dallas Cowboys team has provided no evidence whatsoever it can start a season slowly and finish fast, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor. That's why early season losses such as Sunday's 17-10 defeat to Denver feel so devastating.

Blog: Cowboys

Blog: Taylor

Photos: Dal.-Den.

Tell us: Grades

09/30/2009

Pressure is on Dallas Cowboys to get to opposing QBs

Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware led the NFL in 2008 with 20 sacks. He's gotten close in 2009, but still has yet to record his first sack.

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

The Dallas Cowboys didn't pick up their first three sacks of the season until Monday night's win against Carolina, and linebackers DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer have yet to record a sack. That's not good for a team that led the NFL last season with 59 sacks, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor.

Blog: Cowboys

Ware's stats

Team stats

09/28/2009

Embattled defense rescues Dallas Cowboys in 21-7 win

Terence Newman (41) finds plenty of space to score on an interception for the Dallas Cowboys.

VERNON BRYANT / DMN

While all is not entirely right in the world, Mr. Fix It's defense proved – for at least one week – that it's capable of playing a complete game as Dallas ended its one-game losing streak with a solid win over Carolina, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor.

Buy: Gear | Tickets

09/27/2009

Dallas Cowboys' Felix Jones brings the 'ow' factor

Felix Jones has touchdown runs of 60 and 33 yards and a kickoff return of 98 yards in his two seasons with the Cowboys.

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

Felix Jones should get considerably more opportunities Monday night against Carolina than he usually does to impact the game. That's both exhilarating and nerve-wracking, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor.

Blog: Cowboys

Blog: Taylor

Gameday

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Interactive: Stadium

09/24/2009

Dallas Cowboys' Romo just hasn't been the same lately

Tony Romo unbuckles his chinstrap after throwing one of his three interceptions in Sunday's loss to the Giants.

VERNON BRYANT / DMN

Divide Tony Romo's career in half and you have different quarterbacks. The problem for the Dallas Cowboys: The current version is inconsistent and far too comfortable thanks to a coaching staff that no longer pushes him, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor.

09/22/2009

Dallas Cowboys' defense lacks direction

G.J. McCARTHY / DMN

Wade Phillips cited Mario Manningham's 22-yard touchdown catch as an example of Dallas' secondary not understanding its defensive concepts.

These Dallas Cowboys can't stop the run. Or the pass. At least not in the same game. Jean-Jacques Taylor writes that the problem is that the players don't know what they're supposed to do.
Chat: Jean-Jacques Taylor (9/22)
Blogs: Cowboys | Taylor
Buy: Cowboys gear | Tickets

Chat replay: SportsDay columnist Jean-Jacques Taylor

DMN

Dallas Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips (left) and Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington had tough weekends, but there is also room for optimism for their teams.

SportsDay columnist Jean-Jacques Taylor chatted with readers about the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers and any of the local teams and sports news. Read the chat, and find his other opinions on his blog.
Blog: Taylor

09/21/2009

Housewarming gift: Dallas Cowboys hand Giants 33-31 win

MICHAEL AINSWORTH / DMN

New York's Kenny Phillips picks off a pass from Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo in the third quarter.

Ridiculous. Maybe, you prefer pathetic, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor. What about raggedy? They're all applicable after the Dallas Cowboys gave the Giants a game they had no business winning 33-31.
Blog: Cowboys
Photos: Dal-NYG
Chat: Archer (9/21)
Video: Report
Buy: Gear | Tickets

09/19/2009

Dallas Cowboys' Adams has a Giant responsibility

Getty Images

Flozell Adams has not allowed New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora (not pictured) a sack in his last four games against the Cowboys.

Dallas Cowboys coaches know the value of left tackle Flozell Adams, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor. If Adams plays poorly against defensive end Osi Umenyiora, the chances of beating the Giants are greatly reduced.
Contest: SportsDay ActionPack Giveaway
Blog: Cowboys
Video: Week 2 preview
Buy: Gear | Tickets

09/14/2009

Evidence that the Dallas Cowboys finally 'get it'

MICHAEL AINSWORTH / DMN

Tampa Bay running back Derrick Ward leaps over Cowboys safety Ken Hamlin.

The fact that the Cowboys are concerned about their defensive performance against Tampa Bay is a step in the right direction, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor. The next step is fixing the problem.
Blog: Cowboys
Chat: Moore (9/14)
Video: Bradie James
Buy: Gear | Tickets

09/13/2009

Dallas Cowboys don't miss Terrell Owens in 34-21 win

MICHAEL AINSWORTH / DMN

Dallas Cowboys receiver Patrick Crayton caught four passes for 135 yards and a touchdown.

This off-season, the Dallas Cowboys decided they could win without Terrell Owens, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor. For at least the 34-21 win over Tampa Bay, it looks like one of Jerry Jones' best decisions.
Cowlishaw | Moore
Blog: Cowboys | JJT
Video: Report
Photos: Dallas-TB
Buy: Gear | Tickets

09/09/2009

Don't bet against the Fightin' Ron Washingtons

LOUIS DeLUCA/DMN

With three weeks left in the season, Ron Washington has the Rangers in the thick of the playoff hunt.

Write off the Fightin’ Ron Washingtons, and they prove you wrong, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor. The Angels and Red Sox might earn playoff spots, but the Texas Rangers will make them earn it.
MLB standings
Blogs: Rangers | Taylor
Buy: Gear | Tickets

Tony Romo must live up to faith Dallas Cowboys have in him

DMN File 2008

Quarterback Tony Romo is entering his sixth season with the Dallas Cowboys.

It really doesn't matter what you think about Tony Romo. All that counts is the Cowboys coaching staff and his teammates believe in him. They insist they do, writes columnist Jean-Jacques Taylor.
Cowboys/NFL preview
Contest: NFL picks
Blogs: Taylor | Cowboys
Buy: Gear | Tickets

08/03/2008

Jean-Jacques Taylor blog: Keith B rooking and Jon Kitna talk about concussions

VERNON BRYANT / DMN

It's Wade Phillips' first game at Texas Stadium as coach of the Cowboys.

For the latest opinions about sports in the Dallas-Fort Worth area (and beyond) on dallasnews.com, go to our Jean-Jacques Taylor Blog.

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