(photo by dallascowboys.com)

As predicted, Tony Romo is being bashed and berated for his fourth quarter efforts against the NY Jets on Sunday night.  Without question, the consensus is the fumble at the goal line was the pivot point in a closely contested game.  We have all seen the play, but no one has taken the time to truly break down the play.

The play which set up the 1st and goal from the 3 yard line was a spectacular 30 yard pinpoint throw by Romo to Jason Witten who was in man coverage against Eric Smith.  Without Romo, the Cowboys are still around their 33 yard line.  Jon Kitna, as good of a backup QB as he is, cannot make that throw as evidenced by his pass selections in 2010.  Witten, who has received a fair share of blame, runs toward the left pylon only to be knocked out of bounds by a player who is substantially smaller.  Witten does step out of bounds at the 3.5 yard line.  His foot grazes the sideline by less than one inch.  If not for the inch, he does take the ball over the pylon for a touchdown.  Shall we insert a cliche’ about football being a game of inches?

The next play, 1st and goal from the 3 yard line is a run to the right with Felix Jones.  The Cowboys had an unbalanced line to the right (Doug Free playing TE) and motioned John Phillips to the right.  Against a seemingly base defense by the Jets, Jones gets just past the 2 yard line.  On 2nd and goal, the Cowboys throw a pass to Miles Austin who did not seem aware the ball would be coming his way.  On the play, Austin is the first read.  If Austin has position on Antonio Cromartie, the pass is coming his way.  However, as the ball is in the air, Austin is looking back at Cromartie and never turns his head to look for the ball until the ball whips past him.  The ball skirts passed Cromartie’s outstretched hands and the Cowboys narrowly avoid a 103 yard interception return. (more…)