2011 Dallas Cowboys: Another Disappointing Ending

The Dallas Cowboys rang in 2012 with a disappointing loss to the New York Giants 31- 14, which immediately ended their postseason chances. The loss sent the Cowboys to an 8 – 8 record, resulting in third place finish in the NFC East.

Dallas dug a hole that was too big for them to climb out of, going down 21 – 0 at the half.  It was a total team effort in the first half as the offense couldn’t get anything going, the defense couldn’t make key third down stops and the special teams failed to recover a muffed punt by the Giants that would have given Dallas great field position and an opportunity to tie the game at 7. The offense and defense picked it up in the second half but ultimately just didn’t have enough to beat the Giants, who looked a bit more inspired to win this elimination game.

I’ve heard many people try to lay blame at an individual or two but you really can’t fairly do that. I do wonder why they didn’t start the game with the same urgency that they started the second half with.  The Cowboys knew the Giants would have a strong pass rush and that their offensive line was banged up. The three step drops and the no huddle offense should have started from the opening whistle. The defense had some issues all over as they didn’t put enough pressure on Eli Manning, linebackers looked often out of place and the defensive backs failed to play the ball.

In the end, this team didn’t really deserve to make the post season.  The pass that sailed over Miles Austin’s head late in the fourth quarter of the Cowboys – Giants first matchup was actually the wind coming out of the sails of the season. If Tony Romo and Austin would have connected on that play, Dallas would have effectively won the NFC East. But the team melted down and really didn’t recover from it the rest of the season. You also certainly could argue that just a week earlier that the door came of the hinges during “ice my kicker gate” in Arizona. But I tend to put more emphasis on the division games and the Cowboys were 2 – 4 (beat Redskins twice, lost all four against Eagles & Giants) in the NFC East; just not good enough.

Dallas will continue to get criticized in the media for their lack of toughness, leadership etc and some of it is deserved. I don't think it is as cut and dry as critics make it but there is something intangible missing here!!! There have been coaching changes and players moved with basically the same results, so some believe it is one of two constants: Jerry Jones or Romo. I don't think it is either. Whatever it is, the team needs to make it a priority to figure it out. If they don't, America's Team will continue to mire in mediocrity.