Jason Garrett And Wade Phillips' Systems Show a Lot Of Flash But Little Else

Earlier this week Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said that he believes in his coaches and the systems they have in place, but after yesterday's loss to the Bears everyone else is starting to have their doubts. Wade Phillips and Jason Garrett have shown a lot of flair with their systems in the first two weeks, but a lack of discipline, penalties, and a small number of points have overshadowed everything positive. 

The Cowboys once again moved the ball seemingly at will, as they had 410 total yards and Romo had 374 (the second highest single-game total of his career), but once again got too cute when moving the ball, and Romo, despite the yardage was off-target most of the day. 

Marion Barber was running the ball well inside, but Garrett consistently called plays for Felix Jones who was bouncing around too much instead of running straight ahead, then to make matters worse Garrett started calling draws (the Cowboys most popular run) which didn't work either.

Eventually the Cowboys abandoned the run all together, but weren't down more than six until Matt Forte's TD with five minutes left in the fourth, which begs the question why they quit running. It's something Garrett has been criticized about often during his tenure in Dallas.  

Jason Garrett's so-called wide-open offense has the Cowboys in the top five in total offense and passing yards per game, but they only have two TDs for all that work.

Roy Williams fumbled trying to stretch a play out for absolutely no reason (the second time in two weeks), which killed any chance of a comeback for the Cowboys.

Defensively, the Cowboys came out very aggressive with two sacks and two pressures in the first three Bears' possessions. They also held the Bears to a 9.1% conversion rate on third downs as the Bears were 1-11 in the game. 

However, when the Bears finally adjusted with quick passes, Cutler looked like an All-Pro instead of the confused QB who threw 26 interceptions last season. He burned the Cowboys, going 21-29 and he didn't come close to throwing an interception, instead he completed passes of 38, 39, and 59 yards. 

The Cowboys also let a below average receiving unit look great by missing tackles all over the field. One of which by Orlando Scandrick led to Matt Forte's TD catch a few plays later. The Cowboys still have not forced a turnover and have continued to let penalties be a constant.

An unnecessary roughness penalty that nullified a sack, a roughing the passer penalty, and holding calls are all part of the reason why the Cowboys lost yesterday's game. 

The kicking game isn't any better. David Buehler missed a 44-yard attempt that would've tied the game, messed up a pooch kick, and failed to convert a touchback. After all this Jones said after the game that he still believes in Buehler.

The Cowboys also used the same excuses they've been used last season. Terence Newman talked about the lack of focus in practice the team has, something Keith Brooking pointed out last season. which is a knock on Phillips' friendly attitude toward his players. 

This season can be salvaged, but this is the second week in a row that the Cowboys lost to a team that was inferior in talent on both sides of the ball. That won't be the case next few weeks as they play Houston, Tennessee and Minnesota. 

The Cowboys are 0-2 for the first time since 2001 when they finished 5-11. That team had no talent, bad coaching, and Quincy Carter as the QB. 

This team has unbelievable talent, an All-Pro QB, and a defense that should be dominant, but somehow things haven't come together in the first two weeks, and instead of getting angry everyone is sitting around with their heads down.

Extra Points

In other news, cornerback Mike Jenkins, who was helped off the field in the fourth quarter, had an X-ray on his knee which came back negative. He is scheduled for an MRI tomorrow, but early indications are a deep bone bruise. 

Tight end Jason Witten, who was forced off the field after getting hit hard while making a 23-yard reception in the fourth quarter, was apparently furious with the Cowboys' training staff for taking his helmet and not letting him back in the game. Witten refused to answer questions after the game, instead leaving the locker room quickly.  

Miles Austin has his second 100+ yard game of the season and now has 20 receptions for 288 yards and one TD on the season. Dez Bryant had his first TD as a Cowboy with a 62-yard punt return and added two receptions for 52 yards.