Art Modell Passes

NFL legend Art Modell died early yesterday morning at the age of 87 years.  Modell was the former owner of the Cleveland Browns from 1961 to 1995: which later became the Baltimore Ravens.  He was also a major contributor to the creation of Monday Night Football

Our hearts and prayers go out to Art Modell's family and friends!

Surprise, Surprise, Surprise

The 2012 NFL Season began last night in New Jersey at MetLife Stadium; featuring the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Giants. It was cool, mild and peaceful outside; at least for the visitors.

New York received the opening kickoff from Dallas. The Cowboys defense held New York to three plays and a punt.  In the first quarter, the Giants' defense was very effective as well.  Dallas Quarterback, Tony Romo was pressured and often.  Romo was sacked by Defensive Tackle Rocky Bernard, for a loss of eight yards on their second possession; which led to a punt.  On the very next possession, Runningback David Wilson fumbled and the Cowboys recovered the ball at their own twenty-eight yard line. The Giants' defense did not allow the Cowboys to score on the turnover.

In the second quarter Dallas Linebacker Demarcus Ware sacked Quarterback Eli Manning for a loss of fifteen yards.  New York was forced to punt.  Dallas took over and moved the ball very effectively. But, on the next play Romo attempted a pass to Wide Receiver Kevin Ogletree; which was intercepted by Giants' Linebacker Michael Boley.  The Cowboys defense held New York to a Field Goal.  This was the turning point for the Dallas Cowboys, because they controlled the momentum of the game and never lost it.  

The Giants' Defense usually breaks down towards the end of the first half and last night it proved to be fatal. Romo hit Ogletree, who slipped behind the New York defense, for a touchdown with little more than a minute left in the first half. The New York Giants returned to the locker room at halftime down 7 to 3.

On their first possession of the third quarter, Romo hit Ogletree on a Go pattern for another touchdown. I could not believe what I saw. The Giants' Cornerback bit on the hook instead of staying behind the receiver. New York, to their credit, came back and scored on their next possession.  Manning hit Wide Receiver Domenik Hixon for thirty-nine yards to the Dallas ten. Runningback Ahmad Bradshaw ran it in for a touchdown. All of a sudden the score was Cowboys 14, Giants 10. But, the Cowboys answered with a Field Goal.

On their first possession of the fourth quarter, the Dallas Cowboys Tony Romo hit Wide Receiver Miles Austin on a Slant Pattern. Austin out ran the New York defense and score a third Cowboy touchdown. If I my quote John Madden, "Speed Kills".

Manning answered with a short pass to Tight End Martellus Bennett for a touchdown. It was too little too late for New York. The final score was Cowboys 24, Giants 17.

Let’s take a look at the snapshot!  The Dallas Cowboys time of possession was 34:07. They rushed for 143 yards and passed for 307 yards. New York was held to 82 yards on the ground and 187 yards in the air.  The Numbers don't lie.

The New York Giants are the first defending Super Bowl team, since 1999, to lose their season opener. They went toe to toe with a better team last night. The Giants were not as prepared as they may have thought. New York will have to tighten up on defense and the offense has to become more productive. Victor Cruz you must catch the ball first and then run. David Wilson you must protect the football at all times.

What is there to say about the Dallas Cowboys? They came to New York prepared. The Cowboys' defense held. Tony Romo, Dez Bryant, Miles Austin and Kevin Ogletree, may prove to be the most lethal offense in the NFL this season.

©Copyright 2012 All Rights Reserved (17 USC Sec. 102(a)). Article Surprise, Surprise, Surprise by A. Carter for Contemplating New York Giants Football™