Trying to regain momentum after starting 3-4, the Dallas Cowboys fell to undefeated Atlanta Falcons finishing the first half of the season at 3-5. The Cowboys continued to remain in the game even leading for the majority of the first half of the game, yet suffered another 4th quarter collapse and saw Tony Romo lead another last minute drive that fell short.
The Cowboys continue to show that they can hang with the best teams in the league, but make critical mistakes to come up short in 4th quarter. Coaching can’t be blamed for the lapses but will ultimately take the blame. A couple of time the Cowboys were about to get a 3 and out but bailed out the Falcons with penalties on third down to keep the last drive going ending with a field goal and only 17 seconds left.
Trying to mount a last minute drive, Romo use a series of short passes to get the Cowboys into a spot to try a Hail Mary, which ended in a shorter pass to Felix Jones who wasn’t able to lateral the ball to try and score.
The game represented another 4th quarter defense meltdown and another anemic rushing game and definitely shows that some change needs to be made and the team lacks the depth to make a championship run.
On a positive note, the offense seemed to make strong gains when they went into a no-huddle hurry up and could be what the Cowboys need to do to become successful and put teams on their heels. Surprisingly, the Cowboys offense has the same make up of the Saints and could benefit from the hard charging quick-strike offense.
Using an up-tempo offense could help to protect weak offense line play and use the quick reacting, Romo to find the weakness in the opposing defense.
Despite the lack of interceptions, Romo did have a couple of close calls in turning over the ball.
The offense saw some more youth on the filed by seeing extended playing time for RB Lance Dunbar and WR Cole Beasely coming in a couple of plays to relieve Ogletree
Game Notes:
For the first time in a long time, 3rd receiver Kevin Ogletree had another strong showing with 3 receptions for 96 yards and touchdown. On another note, Jason Witten had 7 receptions and surpassed Michael Irvin’s team record for receptions of 750 with a total of 754 to end the Game
Other News Organizations:
ESPN: Cowboys’ D failed with game on line
Dallas Morning News: Missed opportunities ‘haunt’ Tony Romo, Cowboys in 19-13 loss to Falcons
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