NFL teams that need to get their first win of the season
There were a few upsets and a few surprises in the 2010 regular season opener. As teams prepare to enter week two of the National Football League, there are a few franchises that must pick up a victory
to stay on course and avoid falling behind early in the season. Two that stand out are the Minnesota Viking and the Dallas Cowboys.
The Dallas Cowboys
Frustration must be setting in for the Dallas Cowboys and quarterback Tony Romo. Their 2010 pre-season was a huge bust as the Cowboys’ offence showed glaring issues in the red zone. In their season opener
last Sunday against the division rivals, Dallas only mustered seven points against the Washington Redskins—a game which they lost to start the season 0-1.
The Cowboys’ offence had issues in 2009 scoring touchdowns and that problem seems to have carried over this year. Dallas had opportunities to score in the second quarter and late in the game, but miscues
and penalties were simply too much for them to overcome.
So far, the issues in Dallas have not been with Romo, who should be on pace for another 4,000 yard season. He did what was asked from him and did not turn the ball over and scored one touchdown pass to
receiver Miles Austin in the third quarter. Austin hauled in 10 catches for 146 yards and the problem isn’t with him either.
Head coach Wade Phillips is on the hot seat to take the Cowboys further in the post-season this year and to the Super Bowl, which will be played in Dallas. But Phillips won’t be around for much longer
if he continues to draw up plays with four seconds left in the half and deep inside their own territory. Dallas elected to run one last play instead of just taking a knee and letting time expire.
Running-back Tashard Choice, got his paws on the ball and tried to make something out of nothing. But he was tackled by DeAngelo Hall and fumbled the ball which was then picked up and ran back for the
score to increase Washington’s lead to 10-0 at halftime.
"Now, if you catch the ball with four seconds left, you don't need to make an extra yard or two, you go down with the ball," said Phillips. "Maybe that's our fault, too." Yes there is plenty of blame to
go around in Dallas, but a win can cure their awful play in week one.
The Minnesota Vikings
The return of Brett Favre for the Vikings had surprisingly little effect on Minnesota’s offensive production against the Saints in week one.
Now the Vikings will face the Miami Dolphins. Miami might have to abandon the running game as Minnesota is one of the best teams in the league at stuffing the run. If this is the case, the Vikings should
have a great chance to put pressure on quarterback Chad Henne and force bad throws that the secondary should easily intercept.
Things looked very promising for the Vikings, after Favre returned as their signal caller; however, with the little amount of playing time this pre-season and having missed all of
mini-camp, it’s no surprise that Favre has had a lackluster game in New Orleans and is still working on his endurance to get back into football shape.
This is an important game for the Vikings who can’t afford to start the season 0-2. Luckily for them, Miami is not a strong team loaded with talent, so Favre can have another average outing and still expect
his teammates to carry the load and pick up the victory.
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