Dallas Cowboys Romo, Bryant, and Murray Achieve What Only Aikman, Irvin, and Smith Could Since 1997
Dec 2, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; NBC sideline reporter Michelle Tafoya interviews Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) running back DeMarco Murray (29) and receiver Dez Bryant (88) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Cowboys Stadium. The Cowboys beat the Eagles 38-33. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
The Dallas Cowboys, in their come from behind win against the Washington Redskins on Sunday, have accomplished what only the legendary Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman, wide receiver Michael Irvin, and running back Emmitt Smith could do since 1997. The Cowboys have a 3,000+ yard passer in Tony Romo, 1,000+ yard receiver in Dez Bryant, and a 1,000+ yard running back in DeMarco Murray. Let the historical significance of these marks sink in for a second before you begin the “yeah buts.”
That’s sixteen years, over one and a half decades, since the Cowboys franchise has accomplished this feat. I understand that comparing this team to any of the Dallas 1990’s dynasty teams could get me tarred and feathered, but the numbers don’t lie. In my mind this record begs the question be asked; are we witnessing a historic Dallas Cowboys offensive attack?
When watching the Dallas defense, it is easy to see that they do not apply enough pressure to the quarterback. The Cowboys recorded no sacks against Washington QB Kirk Cousins and hit him just three times. Only rookie safety Jeff Heath recorded an interception. Defensively Dallas allowed 297 yards versus the Redskins, but they give up the most total yards in the NFL, and the seventh most points per game in the league.
As poor as the Cowboys defense is, one would expect a serious lack of production out of the offense. Conceivably, if the defense never makes a stop, as was the case against Chicago back on December 9th when the Bears scored on every single possession except the final kneel-down to end the game, then the offense should not have a chance to rack up many yards.
Dallas narrowly escaped the District of Columbia with a victory Sunday, needing Tony Romo to step in once again with a late fourth quarter drive to win the day. The Cowboys will see the league’s best rushing attack when they face the Philadelphia Eagles in prime time Sunday Night Football on NBC.
The Eagles boast the accurate arm of quarterback Nick Foles, the elusive wide receiver DeSean Jackson, and the league’s top running back LeSean McCoy. Philadelphia and rookie head coach Chip Kelly also deploy one of the most dangerous tight end duos in the league with Brent Celek and Zach Ertz.
Where the Eagles have shown themselves vulnerable to opponents, however, is in their very average rushing defense ranking 16th in the NFL, and Philadelphia’s biggest team weakness allowing the league’s second most passing yards.
What the stats point at in my mind is that to beat the Philadelphia Eagles in prime time next week, the Cowboys “new triplets” of Romo, Bryant, and Murray must have another high yardage game. The Dallas defense will have a tough time stopping Philly, but the Cowboys attack may be able to outscore the Eagles.
Regardless, the Cowboys 2013 offensive unit has shown an impressive ability to gain yards, and the matchup at AT&T Stadium on Sunday night should be a fun one to watch, especially if you like high scoring NFL football.
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