The Cowboys expected to be competitive with the Saints this season. Unfortunately the expectation was to be competitive in the playoffs, not in a meaningless game on Turkey Day. Even though it was a loss, this game still illustrated the difference that Jason Garrett has made on the team. Wade's boys would have folded down 20-3 in the second quarter. Garrett's version scratched and clawed, and most importantly COMPETED.
It would be easy to look at this game and blame the loss on Roy Williams. Reports out of the locker room say Roy is blaming himself. I submit that there is enough blame to go around. First, if Jason Garrett goes for a very makeable field goal in the first quarter instead of going for 4th and 1, those three points tie the game. Sure you might say that is hindsight, but just know that my philosophy is get all the points you can and see where you are in the fourth quarter. In this case, you would have been tied.
Next, on the final drive of the game, if Miles Austin catches the ball on 2nd and 1 before trying to run with it, he gets at least 10 yards, and Buehler is probably kicking a 45 yarder instead of a 59 yarder. Sounds more makeable doesn't it.
These are just two examples, and I am sure if you watched the game you can chime in with your own. The good thing for Cowboys fans is the last few weeks the team has been competitive with the top teams in the NFC (Giants and Saints). The bad news is they were 1-7 before they got that way.
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