Cowboys - 1 down and 6 to go

By J. Arguello

December 2, 2015

Cowboy nation was excited and hopeful from our match this weekend against the Miami Dolphins. In our first possession we saw a quick three and out under strenuous weather conditions. The possession was sloppy yet gracious after Romo made a brilliant left handed throw out of the end zone for an eight yard completion and saving us from starting the game with a safety. That first pass play was proof that that’s what this team has been missing, a veteran quarterback making quick and smart reactions to tough situations. Is it enough though? No way. Sunday was great and we all enjoyed the rest of our day because of it, but we’re still a long way from making this season bearable.

As the weather cleared up, Romo’s offense and the sun came out simultaneously. There was a little rust apparent resulting in two Romo interceptions, but we all knew sitting for two months that was expected and reasonable. He did balance those two interceptions with two touchdown passes. For the day he went 18 for 28 and 227 yards, giving him a 64% completion rate. These stats don’t paint the picture of his overall play though. These stats don’t reveal him encouraging the defense going onto the field while he’s coming off. I haven’t heard of Terrance Williams saying how Romo motivated him to play better, Sunday, but that’s what I’m betting on. Williams had his best game of the season so far. All season he’s been dropping every other pass that came his way. Sunday was different. He caught 4 for 80 yards and a great touchdown catch late in the 2^nd quarter.  Romo not only cleaned his own rust, but the whole offense’s.

Our Defense contributed big in the game with a 12 yard pick six by Rolando McClain which resulted in our first defensive touchdown all season. We did however see glimpses of what we have painfully endured all season - with late quarter scoring drives, missed opportunities and missed tackles. The defense was definitely bending at times, especially late in the game, but we never broke. When our offense is scoring and our defense is getting touchdowns we are able to bend and not result in a loss. Sean Lee was back from his concussion leading the team in tackles with 5. With every one of those tackles I think we were all worried he was going to be sidelined with another injury. Hopefully this defensive leader can stay healthy for the rest of the season.

Undefeated Carolina is coming to town for Thanksgiving, this Thursday. With the return of our full team and the stakes involved, it should be an exciting one. If the Cowboys get a win here there could be a serious shift in momentum to our season. All we need is the team itself to believe they’re great and the magic of the football Gods will reveal themselves. 

Till then- enjoy the turkey and your Family!