Cleveland was just what the doctor ordered for the much-maligned Dallas secondary after getting torched last week by the vaunted Vikings offense. Terence Newman and Pete Hunter both rebounded nicely by recording interceptions and helping to hold the Browns passing attack to 66 yards. Cleveland QB Jeff Garcia, signed in the off-season from San Fransico, completed just eight passes out of his twenty-seven attempts and threw a third interception to Dat Ngyuen. He missed on several opportunities to turn the game in Cleveland’s advantage with over-throws and inaccurate passing.
The Browns running couldn’t get much mustered up against Dallas either. William Green lead the way for Cleveland with 18 carries for 52 yards, but Dallas limited the Brown’s offense to just 202 total yards. Still, Cleveland was never really out of it and actually had a chance to tie it on the last play of the game. But Josh McCown’s hail-mary was knocked away by Keyshawn Johnson to ensure a victory for Dallas and even up both team's records at 1-1.
The Dallas offense proved last week’s performance wasn’t a fluke as they moved the ball at will against Cleveland. But just like last week, it was the penalties and untimely turnovers that prevented Dallas from putting more points on the scoreboard. Dallas recorded an unacceptable 11 penalties for 120 total yards, including a very ill-advised personal foul call against Johnson that cost Dallas four points. But once again, it’ll be the offensive line that draws much of the blame, and one would assume the ire of coach Bill Parcells, for their numerous off sides and holding calls.
The Boys’ near sell-out crowd got behind RB Eddie George early with chants of “EDDIE – EDDIE” and he returned the favor by rushing for 62 yards and a touchdown. Rookie RB Julius Jones saw his first action of the year, carrying the ball five times for 16 yards and catching two passes for 14 more yards. But it now appears his season could very be over just as quick as it started. He suffered a broken shoulder blade that will sideline him for at least two months, possibly ending his rookie campaign.
The Dallas passing game was again in top form, leading the offense to 402 total yards. Vinny Testaverde became the first QB in Dallas history to throw for over three hundred yards in his first two starts as he completed 23-of-35 passes for 322 yards and a TD. But he also threw interceptions on three consecutive drives in the second half that helped Cleveland remain in a game they had no business being in. And the fans, already agitated by the 100+ degree weather inside Texas Stadium, let him know their displeasure by raining a loud chorus of boos in his direction. He currently leads the NFL in passing through two weeks, but that won’t matter much if he continues to make turnovers.
Leading the receivers were Terry Glenn with six catches for 90 yards and TE Jason Witten with six catches and 82 yards. Witten, who is emerging as a potential top flight TE, suffered a broken upper jaw and is listed as day-to-day. It is the second consecutive year he’s had to battle through a broken jaw injury, although last year it was a much more serious lower jaw that was broken.
Next week’s opponents are the Washington Redskins (1-1), who will be looking to rebound from a disappointing loss to the NY Giants. The Skins are lead by RB Clinton Portis and WR Laveranues Coles on offense and LB LaVar Arrington on defense. But most of the attention leading up to this game will be on the coaches. Joe Gibbs, and his three super bowl rings, rejoined the Redskins after a twelve-year exodus into Nascar racing looking to return this once-proud franchise to respectability. He’ll be facing a familiar foe in Parcells, who once coached the NY Giants.
Adding to the drama and entertainment, this game will be shown nationally on Monday Night Football. The game starts at 9pm eastern in front of what is sure to be a loud and ruckus crowd at FedEx Stadium in Washington, DC.
