"I like Philadelphia because I think Dallas still has some weaknesses in the secondary. You can see a ton of big plays from Philly's receivers this week."--Tony Dungy, on Friday.
It is this type of vague, dismissive criticism that must have made the Dallas Cowboys' 20-16 win in Philadelphia last night that much sweeter; this is particularly true of the secondary, who has played--with a couple exceptions, perhaps--lights-out football over the team's win streak, which now stands at four games.
Mike Jenkins growing, putting together a fairly stellar sophomore season; Gerald Sensabaugh, bringing a new sense of security at safety; Terence Newman, covering like old and hitting like new; Orlando Scandrick returning to form after his demotion, the result of an ugly start to the year; even before the Philadelphia game, things were looking up.
Yet all anyone could seem to think of was the Giants game which, granted, was a deplorable loss and an ugly performance by the secondary. Perhaps now, the proverbial worm will begin to turn, in the images of the big-time sports-media world.
DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin--both great receivers, of course, and likely the receivers set to make a "ton of big plays," as referenced by Dungy--combined for five catches and 73 yards. Running back LeSean McCoy led the team in receiving with 61 yards, 45 of which came on a screen.
Dallas conceded the short pass throughout the game, opting to guard against the deep threat; and guard it they did. McNabb tried to hit Maclin deep, late in the third quarter, only to be picked off by Jenkins, setting up a game-tying Nick Folk field goal.
Sensabaugh added an interception and led the team in tackles with six.
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"We took it personally that no one was giving us any respect," Jenkins said. "We've been shutting receivers completely down, but people weren't talking about it. I think we made a statement tonight. To come into their house and walk away with a win ... I think it's a big statement."
