BREAKING DOWN COWBOYS WIN
By mark rogers
November 18, 2008
At first glance the 14-10 victory over the Redskins on Sunday night wasn't that impressive. I think, though, with a more in-depth look we (Cowboy fans) can take it for what it really was...a big, heaping dose of hope.
Tony Romo's return to the lineup had an impact...but that impact wasn't felt until the end of the first half. I guess it took four terrible possessions to finally get the offense clicking.
I'm glad it only took that long. It could have been much worse.
And I'm not even ready to say that Romo's return had the biggest impact on the game. To me? The defense was even better and more instrumental in the victory...namely Terrence Newman.
The first four possessions of the game for the Dallas offense ended with two picks and two three-and-outs. The defense wasn't great initially either, allowing a TD on the Redskins' first drive. But they forced three straight punts and held Washington to a FG at the end of the first half after the special teams once again came through with terrible coverage.
We might look back on this game as the turning point of the season (however, we may not do that at all if we fail to make the playoffs). So what was the turning point in the game?
Romo's shovel pass on third down?
Terrence Newman's INT?
Martellus Bennett's TD catch?
I say no to all three of those things. I say the turning point will be the Washington punt in the second quarter that was downed on the 1-inch line being called a touchback by the official...bless his soul.
If that ball is downed on the goal line, I say Dallas doesn't drive 99+ yards in the final 4:41 of the half and Washington would have taken a 7-0 lead to the half...maybe even a 10-0 or 14-0 lead.
Instead, we get the ball at the 20, drive 80 yards in seven plays and tie the game.
There's your turning point.
The third quarter was all about the defense. Newman picked off Campbell on third down after the Redskins had converted three 3rd downs on the drive. On that same drive, Keith Davis, Newman and Bradie James all had huge, adrenaline-pumping, game-changing hits.
The Dallas' offense goes three and out.
The next possession for Washington saw the first two plays go 20+ yards to the Cowboy 17 yard line. A score there makes it 10-7 or 14-7. Instead, Jay Ratliff sacks Campbell for an eight yard loss forcing a long FG attempt which former Cowboy kicker Shaun Suisham missed.
The Dallas' offense goes three and out. Not helping out much guys.
The D forces another Washington punt leading us to the fourth quarter.
And what a quarter it was...Dallas held the ball for 11:04 to the Redskins 3:56.
We ran 21 plays counting the kneel downs (16 to Marion Barber). Washington ran eight.
Barber gained 83 yards. Washington gained 27.
Rarely do you see such a dominating performance by a running back in an NFL football game. Barber was unbelievable and could be considered the most valuable back in the league right now.
The offensive line was pretty dominant, too, to say the least. The return of Kyle Kosier certainly seemed to give a spark.
Our OL didn't allow a sack. Washington's allowed three.
We rushed for 117 yards. Our defense held them to under 100.
Our key player (Barber) totalled 153 yards. Washington's key player (Santana Moss - especially against the Cowboys lately) was held to just five catches for 29 yards.
I mentioned in an earlier post that the Cowboys needed a spark and that Romo, Newman and Kosier would have to give it to them.
I'd say they certainly did. Romo's presence opened the running game. Kosier's presence protected the "Pinky" and helped the running game. Newman shut down Moss, had a pick and a PBU on a critical fourth down late in the game.
This game could be the turning point...I hope it is.
Or it could be a false hope that only leads to a terrible ending to a disappointing season.
If Dallas can play like they did in the second half against the Redskins for the rest of the year, I think the former is a more likely scenario.
A much-needed win for Dallas...next stop? Mike Singletary and the 49ers.
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