Cowboys Win Overtime Thriller Over Texans, 20-17; Dez Bryant Circus Catch
Oct 5, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) throws a touchdown pass while rushed by Houston Texans defensive back Danieal Manning (38) in the third quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Unfortunately, a Romo interception early in the fourth quarter by Houston safety Kendrick Lewis halted another Dallas scoring drive just outside the redzone. The Texans offense wasn’t able to take advantage and was forced to punt after another three and out. Harris was able to capitalize on the punt return, taking the ball back 39-yards to the Houston 30-yard line.
The Cowboys would take advantage of the good field position. After a 17-yard run by Murray, Romo would find the back shoulder of wide receiver Dez Bryant in the front corner for the endzone for another touchdown. That extended Dallas’ lead, 17-7.
Nearing the end of the fourth quarter, a third down stand by Dallas resulted in a 29 yard Randy Bullock field goal, trimming the Cowboys lead to seven points. With 2:27 left in the game, the Cowboys mismanaged their way into using only 29 seconds on the clock before being forced to punt it back to the Texans. That unfortunate series by Dallas included a delay of game penalty coming out of a Houston called timeout.
The Texans capitalized on the Cowboys’ mental mistakes by going 45-yards in just four plays, ending in the endzone following a one-yard Foster run to tie the game, 17-17. Dallas had a chance to win the game, but Bailey miss a 53-yard field goal that ended regulation and sent the game into overtime.
Despite winning the toss and opting to receive the ball first, the Texans offense once again stalled. This time Dallas would take full advantage and drove the ball into field goal range despite starting the drive on their own 10-yard line. The play of the game happened during that drive as Bryant made a 37-yard circus catch over and through his defender to get Dallas into field goal range. And Bailey, with a chance to redeem himself, hit the 49-yard game winning field goal.