Dallas Trips and Falls to New England

Overtime Heroics Editorial

2112 days ago

Sunday’s match-up between New England Patriots and Dallas Cowboys was a sloppy one for both sides. Battling bad weather, horrendous officiating, and questionable coaching, Dallas couldn’t get out of their own way while New England capitalized on several Cowboy mishaps. Plagued with another slow start against New England’s vaunted defense, the Cowboys began the game with a three-and-out. Seemingly, this would be the beginning of severing crucial miscues for America’s Team.

Multiple Miscues

New England Patriots’ Matthew Slater (18) blocks a punt by Dallas Cowboys punter Chris Jones (6) in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)(Elise Amendola / AP)

It’s tough to say which was worse for Dallas on Sunday, the officials, incompetent coaching, or Keith O’Quinn’s special teams Unit. Although Dallas got the short end of the stick on two phantom tripping calls, special teams dug Dallas into an early hole. Early in the first quarter, the Cowboys stalled on their second possession, settling to attempt a 46-yard field goal. Brett Maher put enough leg behind the kick but missed just left, hitting the upright. This was followed up with a blocked punt and multiple mishandled kickoffs for Dallas. O’Quinn’s unit never adjusted for the rain or winds, choosing to stay planted in the endzone while kickoff routinely landed between the 10 and 20-yard lines. Dallas will have to adjust on special teams if they hope to punch their card to the playoffs.

Nov 24, 2019; Foxborough, MA, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett watches from the sideline as they take on the New England Patriots in the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

While it’s easy to blame special teams, Jerry Jones must take a long hard look at his head coach. Jason Garrett continues to underperform and is known more for his clapping than coaching. Kellen Moore and Keith O’Quinn might be calling plays for their respective units, but the buck stops with Garrett. Seeing his kick returners playing too deep for the winds and rain, Garrett should have adjusted to compensate. By not taking charge Garrett cost the Cowboys valuable field position against the league’s best defense. Dallas’ winningest coach not only cost Dallas field position but a much-needed victory. After a 59-yard catch and run by Randall Cobb, Dallas stalled at the 11-yard line. Down by a touchdown and in four-down territory, Garrett opted for a Brett Maher field goal. Ultimately, this would cost Dallas the game as they started their last possession from their own 8-yard line.

What’s Next?

America’s team must utilize their short-term memory as they prepare to host the 8-3 Buffalo Bills on Thanksgiving. Each week it seems Dallas is in a must-win match-up. Thursday will be no different with Dallas grasping to their NFC East one-game lead over the Philadelphia Eagles. With each passing week, it appears the NFC East will be decided week 16 when the Cowboys visit Philly at Lincoln Financial Field.

For more on the Dallas Cowboys and NFL be sure to follow me on Twitter @FootballRaw. Also, be sure to check out the Overtime Heroics Forums Page to join me and many others in discussing anything and everything NFL and Fantasy Football. Be sure you check out our shop and grab some Overtime Heroics apparel as well.