1. Gardner!!! Wow, what a performance! Coles had a bad game, but just imagine when both of them are playing at the level Rod was.
2. Good to see Thrash getting involved. He is a clutch guy. Add him to the above statement, and our WR's will be unstoppable!
3. Portis - came "this close" to busting a big run at least a couple times. But even though he didn't, he fell forward for 3 more yards. This guy is amazing!
4. Brunell started out shakey, but pulled it together and "played his guts out". Towards the end of the game, I think we got a glimpse of what he and this offense will be able to do.
5. Defense played well again. 50 yards rushing....yeah, Dallas sucks at rushing, but our D is earning a very good reputation regardless. The pass rush was alright....pressured Vinny quite a few times, but only 1 sack (need LA back!). Fro the most part, the D-line is playing above their ability...the back-up DT Evans got good pressure on VT a couple times (I was like who the hell is that?)
6. Our CB's are a very, very solid group. Champ who???
7. Gotta love Cooley! The kid just makes plays. A steal in the 3rd round!
Overall, despite the loss....yeah, it really stings, but I think this game was a good step forward in everyone getting comfortable with the system. The offense seems to be on the verge of taking off, and the defense is proving to be top 5. We should beat Cleveland, then the big test will be against Baltimore....moving the ball and scoring on their defense, along with stopping Jamal. To me, that is the biggest non-division game that we need to win....if only for regional bragging rights for another few years!