Dallas Cowboys Impress With Few Mistakes In Turn Over Free Loss
Nov 4, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) scrambles on a pass play in the second half against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 19-13. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-US PRESSWIRE
Yea, I know, our Dallas Cowboys lost to the Atlanta Falcons 13 – 19. That sucked, even though you and I knew going in, if we’re honest, that was probably going to be the outcome. But, did you notice, for the first time since the first game of this mad season, the circus music stopped playing? As sad as I am to say it, that’s impressive for our Cowboys and that’s big, for me at least.
These past 6 games, the Cowboys offense more closely resembled a bunch of clowns playing a fire drill in a tiny, helmet shaped, car with a blue star on it, than a professional football team. They didn’t look like that last night. The Cowboys lost anyway, but at least it wasn’t embarrassing. Now, without the distraction of the circus music, we can more clearly see where our Cowboys stand in the league this year – it isn’t pretty – though, there is still plenty of football still to be played.
As it turns out, we are not a talented team that can beat anyone if we stop turning the ball over. We are, instead, a team with some talent that can compete with the better teams (thanks to the defense) but can’t sustain a high enough level of play to beat them. Can that change? Well, anything is possible. The important thing is, with a ho hum, fairly well played, turn over free game that the Cowboys still lost, at least now we know where we stand.
Nov 5, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Jacquizz Rodgers (right) runs around Dallas Cowboys cornerback Orlando Scandrick (left) during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons defeated the Cowboys 19-13. Mandatory Credit: Josh D. Weiss-US PRESSWIRE
Was there a goat in last nights game? Absolutely. That moniker squarely goes to Cowboys CB, Orlando Scandrick. Not once, but twice, with the Falcons trying to chew up the clock, Scandrick first missed an open field tackle that would have ended the Falcon’s drive with plenty of time for the Cowboys QB Tony Romo and company to try a comeback or tie with a field goal. Then, he got called for holding on a play that also would have ended the Falcon’s drive (though maybe the Falcons would have been in field goal range), giving Romo at least a shot at a comeback. Nope.
As it turned out, Felix Jones (in one of his better games, actually) decided to try and juke the Falcon’s defense as time ran out instead of lateral to another player, which seemed to be the plan, I guess. Anyway, that was the ballgame.
As I wrote in this games Landry Hat staff predictions – Keep matriculating down the field, Cowboys, we’re bound to win some of these games.
Points and Observations:
– Congratulations to Jason Witten for becoming the most prolific receiver in Dallas Cowboy’s history, surpassing the likes of Drew Pearson and Michael Irvin. Being Tony Romo’s security blanket finally paid off. Well done!
– Not letting Orlando Scandrick off the hook, but this game could have had a much different ending had either Cowboys CB, Morris Claiborne, not been interfered with in an interception attempt on that last Atlanta drive, or if the officials had made that obvious interference call. Umps screwed us on that one. It all evens out, though, right?
– Tony Romo is known as Mr November for how well he plays in this month, and he played well enough last night in the loss (though there was that one sack where he did a little impression of former Rams QB, Jim Everett, and went down before anyone got there. What was that all about?), lets hope he can keep that title.
– How about Romo becoming Mr December too? A guy can dream.
– Lastly, the Cowboys need to wrap NT Jay Ratliff’s ankles better. Don’t be afraid to use more tape guys. You gotta keep Ratliff upright.
-Artie Cappello