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Bob Sturm, SportsDayDFW.com contributor and co-host of BaD Radio weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. on SportsRadio 1310-AM and 96.7-FM The Ticket, gives his reactions to the Cowboys' win over the Washington Redskins on Sunday:
What concerns you after a sloppy win?
When the Cowboys win a divisional road game in which they pull away by double digits, force turnovers, take care of the ball (mostly), and get out with no major injuries to speak of, I am not the type to offer a mountain of concerns. Sure, you never want to go 2 of 5 in the red zone and settle for field goals -- made and missed -- but this was a game you really needed to put in the win column, and as far as I was concerned, it was never in doubt in the fourth quarter. I think Washington is a pretty decent team when fit, but the Cowboys caught a break and methodically took control of the game.
The Cowboys finally forced some turnovers! How wild - and important -- was that blocked field goal?
Oh, the blocked field goal meant everything. That was a major swing in the game and the score so to basically see a 10-point swing on one play changes everything. Tyrone Crawford blocked it, but David Irving was right behind him to block it, too. Orlando Scandrick's return set the pace for a big day from him and surely his best performance in 2017 so far. They say special teams can win or lose 1-3 games a year for you and I think you could put this one in that column very easily.
Is there enough concern with Ryan Switzer to make a change on returns?
No. He has some real decision making issues - partly because in college he was good enough to do whatever he wished and he was generally good enough to make it the right decision. In the NFL, the margins are so much slimmer and you obviously need someone returning kicks and punts that understands decisions. Switzer has not exhibited an expert level understanding of what the NFL job calls for, but you can see RIch Bisaccia is constantly working with him. With an offense this talented, there is no desire for risk-taking back there with the ball. Return men are a strange breed, but I think he will grow into his role.
What do you think of Dez Bryant apparent complaining on sideline about not getting thrown the ball?
I think it is dangerous to assume that is what was going on. I also understand why people get that conversation because Dez gets so animated on the sideline and lost in his individual battle that he sometimes loses sight of the actual team goal in the name of wanting to show up Josh Norman. Luckily, the cameras seem to care more than those on the sideline after all these years. In other words, Dez is going to be Dez from time to time. I don't know that it was a big deal at all.
Did Mike Nugent exceed your expectations?
I expect him to hit all the chip shots - He went 4 for 5 and just missed a 49 yarder, so we are happy. He is a veteran so there is some comfort in that, but make no mistake - there is only one Dan Bailey. He is going to be missed.
Given Zeke's massive performance, how much will Dallas miss him if this week's ruling reinstates suspension?
Words cannot properly quantify that. He is seemingly as dominant with that line as Emmitt Smith was with his when he was winning the league MVP. That should be flattering for any human alive. I think Elliott is pretty special and I assume the offensive line without him will manage, but the job just got a lot more difficult to say the least. He is a punisher with the ball.
Any other thoughts?
4-3 is a good spot, but November will be a lot more difficult than October was supposed to be. Rest up, because the gauntlet has arrived.