Positives from the loss?

I don't buy into the idea of "positives gained from a loss." A loss is a loss and can never be good for your team. As a unit, the boys didn't show much on the offensive side of the ball nor on special teams. Their defense played solidly as usual but the lack of turnovers still seems to be a problem for this team. Despite the overall poor showing last night there were some good individual performances that should give cowboys fans hope for the remainder of the season.

1. Miles Austin---

The guy is simply a beast. Last nights performance (10 Rec. for 146 yds) should squash any ideas that this guy was a one year wonder. He has sure hands and gets gritty, hard fought yards in clutch situations. I just wish he would have a bit more open field speed for after the catch.


2. Doug Free--

Much attention has been paid to Flozell the Hotels replacement at left tackle. I think that Doug is an immediate upgrade. He held is own last night for the most part (sometimes he is a little susceptible for a strong bull rush) and you barley heard his name called, which is a good thing. (1 Holding penalty...Flozell was usually good for two of those and a few false starts) Everyone who has been moaning about Barron's performance and lamenting the release of Flo has to remember that Flo was the left tackle not the right. Colombo will be back this week and as long as his knee is okay will be a significant upgrade from Barron. I also like that Free's athleticism allows us to run more tosses to the outside. He will be a huge part of the success of Felix Jones this year.

3. Mike Jenkins---

There should be no doubt about it. This guy is a bonafide hustler. He is one of the best cover corners in the league despite his small size. His two defenses in the end zone in the 4th quarter were tremendous. I expect him to have another pro-bowl year.

4. The Defense--

Picking up right where they left off last year (minus the Vikings game) the defense was very stout. They did not allow the Redskins to do much. They pretty much bottled up both Portis and Larry Johnson the entire game except a few plays in the fourth quarter. They covered well for the most part (Although I really think we do miss Bobby Carpenter as the nickel linebacker in coverage.) They only yielded 6 points to McNabb's offense. Still there is concern. They only sacked McNabb once and didn't pressure him as much as they surely expected to. With Ratliff, Ware and Spencer, there is no excuse for not knocking the QB around. Also I am still a little uncomfortable with Alan Ball at safety. His coverage was underwhelming last night and I don't like his tackling.

This team still has plenty of work to do.