That happened not only because Romo is an infinitely better passer than Brandon Weeden and Matt Cassel, but also because his return allowed Scott Linehan to open up the playbook and be aggressive with his play-calling once again, and it showed. The division traded water instead, with a 5-3 run from the Giants qualifying as a breakthrough-they’re sitting all alone in first place because of it. But it wasn’t with this type of passion and it never felt as authentic.
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On the contrary. At times Sunday, Romo seemed like a second offensive coordinator on the field, changing the play call, gesturing people around. But you’ll be hard-pressed to find someone who would argue the phrase “Dallas won because Romo was back in the lineup'”. If you starting to wonder if the talent is more to blame than the coaching, then you are on to something.
The Dolphins offense would go three-and-out and have to punt.
As the Cowboys’ Jason Garrett said, though, “I thought our defense was outstanding throughout the ball game …”
McFadden’s 122 carries for 494 yards over the last five games are the most carries he’s ever had in a five-game span in his career. Miami’s defense stepped up on the next series and forced a three and out, which would give them good field position at their own 42. But we really hurt ourselves. The notion that one team “wants” to win more than another usually is a fallacy. He’s exciting. Everyone in our locker room believes in him. “And obviously the results weren’t exactly the way they wanted or anything, but I think when you watch how they play, I think it gives us a great opportunity to still go out and accomplish the goals”. There’s no saying what record he needs to finish with to keep his job. Counting them out for the playoffs – something no 2-7 team has ever reached – would be a big mistake.
Newton completed 21 of 34 passes for 246 yards and threw TD passes to five different receivers as Carolina stretched its regular-season win streak to 14 games, including eighth straight at home.
“Yeah I didn’t envision my two-month layoff coming back with a left-hander”, said Romo cracking another grin.
It won’t be easy for the coaching staff to turn it around. Running back Lamar Miller gained only 44 yards, and wide receiver Jarvis Landry was held to 66 yards on four catches. “It just comes down to execution”.
Romo completed 18 of his 28 pass attempts for 227 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions in wet conditions as the stadium was doused in periodic downpours throughout the first half.
Among the most telling numbers in this game were the Dolphins defense giving up 166 rushing yards and the offense converting only 1 of 10 third-down situations.
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Undrafted rookie linebacker Neville Hewitt continues to impress.
