Dallas Cowboys Held Back By Penalties

Yellow flags color the Cowboys Game

Going into the game against the Washington Redskins the Dallas Cowboys only concern was the injuries to the offensive line. Those injuries ended up being just as big of an issue as everyone thought they were as the Cowboys fall to the Redskins 13-7 in Landover, Maryland.

The Cowboys defense held the Redskins to just three points despite multiple trips into the red zone until the final few seconds of the second quarter. When the Cowboys elected to run a play rather than go into the locker room. Down just three points on the play in question Romo sent a lateral pass to running back Tashard Choice. Redskins’ cornerback DeAngelo Hall stripped the ball from Choice as he was going to the grown. Hall then returned the ball to the end zone giving the Redskins a 10-0 lead at the half. Poor play calling was a problem for the Cowboys last season, and once again fans are left scratching their heads wondering what offensive coordinator Jason Garrett was thinking.

Another concern for the Cowboys remains kicker David Buehler who missed a 34-yard field goal wide right. Perhaps it was nerves, but it’s definitely something to keep in mind as the Cowboys face the Chicago Bears next weekend.

Dallas had a giant goose egg in the score column until late in the third quarter. With 1:41 left on the clock Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo heaved a pass towards the back of the end zone to wide receiver Miles Austin, who hadn’t been a factor all day, avoiding a shutout.

By far the story of the game was the amazing two-minute drive when Tony Romo led his team down the field only to end in heart shattering failure. With three seconds left on the clock and Dallas needed a touchdown, which, Tony Romo and wide receiver Roy Williams provided.  However, Cowboys’ right tackle Alex Barron subbing for the injured right tackle Marc Colombo, was called for a blatant holding penalty.  The Cowboy players, who were jumping around, were coming onto the field to celebrate the victory.  Tony Romo was practically dancing until someone saw the flag and everything stopped.  The official turned on his microphone and uttered the words of doom for the Dallas Cowboys and their fans. “Holding, offense #71. Since this is an offensive penalty and time has expired, the game is over.”  Those words and the roar of the fans at FedEx Field, said it was all over.

Right tackle Alex Barron had three penalties for holding in the second half of the game.  The Cowboys had twelve penalties in the game.  It’s inconceivable that the team who had the longest training camp in the NFL could have this many problems.

There weren’t many bright spots in the game for the Cowboys, but a few players showed signs of excellence.  Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo was 31/41 for 282 yards and one touchdown. Also rookie Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant looked strong in his NFL debut with 8 carries for 56 yards.
The Redskins most talked about free agent acquisition didn’t provide a stellar showing in his debut. Quarterback Donovon McNabb was 15/32 for 171 yards.  McNabb leaves Redskins fans wondering if he can carry the team back to prominence.

Starting the season 0-1 isn’t easy to swallow, but the Cowboys have fifteen more games to play this season in their quest for a history making Super Bowl.

http://rayssportsramblingsnfl.blogspot.com/2010/09/penalties-hold-cowboys-back.html

By Rachel Trimm: Jabberhead, Blogger, SJ Contributing Author. Read more of her works at Ray's Sports Ramblings: The Gridiron Edition

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