Cowboys v. Lions: Game Balls and Close Calls

"You are what you are – Bill Parcells"

The once famously honest quip from a former Dallas Cowboys head coach still rings deafeningly loud even though it was said over five years ago.  You are what you are.  This team.  This organization.  It is what it is.

Mediocre.

Eight weeks.  Four wins, four losses.  This week was a collective effort in failure, with different units taking their turn to put their own special stamp of ineptitude on the game at the most inopportune times.  Instead of leaving Detroit on a three game winning streak and coming back home 5-3, Dallas has put themselves back at square one with a mind-numbing 31-30 loss.    Here is this week’s installment of “Game Balls and Close Calls” as we breakdown the few stand out performers who tried to keep the Cowboys from taking yet another step backwards.

OFFENSIVE GAME BALL
Dez Bryant
Honorable Mention: Terrance Williams

Oct 27, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) makes a catch in the end zone for a touchdown while being defended by Detroit Lions strong safety Glover Quin (27) and cornerback Darius Slay (30) during the second quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Dez is going to be in the media a lot the next couple of days, most of it however will have nothing to do with his play.  In regards to his play, Bryant only had three catches and was only thrown to six times on the day, however two of those three catches went to the house.  Both touchdowns showed the unique talent that makes Dez the weapon he is.  On a not so accurate fade throw in the end zone, Bryant was able to reach behind and over his head, corral the ball with one arm and pin it to his body while fighting off a defender with his other arm.  Just a ridiculous catch.  His second touchdown showcased his speed as Romo was able to thread the needle to Bryant on the sideline, in between two defenders.  Dez did the rest, sprinting away for the score.

Unfortunately, as stated before, no one will be talking about these feats of amazement.  You’re going to hear about how Bryant blew up on the sidelines twice during the game and seemed to be directing his tirades at teammates.  I am here to tell you that I have no problem with this however.  This offense was complete garbage through three quarters and blew opportunity after opportunity to expand the lead when the defense was making plays.  Dez did not even touch a ball until midway through the second quarter… on an end around.  His first target did not even come until right before halftime.  That would frustrate anyone, especially someone who can make a difference like he can.

Before his first “blow up,” presumably directed towards Romo, the offense had 13 points.  Immediately after, the next two throws went for touchdowns of 60 yards and 50 yards.  I would say that it worked, wouldn’t you?  As for his end of game explosion, that is frustration and pain coming out.  Bryant loves the game of football and wants to dominate at all times.  He wants his team to win and after the second stomach-punching loss in the last four games, it boiled over.  Again, I have no issues with that, especially if the other players do not and neither should anyone else.

Williams added another touchdown, his fourth in fourth games and continues to give the Cowboys a viable option on the other side of Bryant.  Even though he had only one other catch, the fact that he can take any ball to the house is a very real threat.