QB Tony Romo threw for a career high in yardage, but it wasn’t enough to rally the Cowboys over the Redskins. (US Presswire) |
For the second straight week, the Cowboys faced a big first-half deficit. This time, trailing 28-3 was too much to overcome as Robert Griffin III and the Redskins were too strong. The Cowboys were banged up coming into the game, and it only got worse.
Here are the grades for all three phases of the game, along with coaching.
Offense: B-
It’s hard to think Tony Romo would have a career-high 441 passing yards, especially playing behind a patchwork offensive line, and it doesn’t warrant an A grade. The Cowboys had too many mistakes to receive high marks. Romo was courageous in defeat, throwing 62 times playing with an offense filled with backups. With Tyron Smith, DeMarco Murray and then Miles Austin out, the Cowboys did their best but just couldn’t crawl out of a 28-3 halftime hole. Previous game's grade: C+
Defense: D
The only reason it’s not worse is because of all the injuries this defense has suffered. Eventually, we knew it would catch up to the unit and it has. And it’s only getting worse it seems with Bruce Carter potentially lost for the season with a dislocated elbow. Orlando Scandrick also was hurt in the game. But the ones out there still had no answer for RG3 and the Redskins, who led 28-3 at halftime. Even when the offense rallied to within seven points, it couldn’t get off the field and give the ball back to the offense with a one-score game. Previous game's grade: B
Special Teams: B
Special teams weren't a big factor in the outcome. Neither team had many punts and Dan Bailey hit three field goals to keep it as close as possible. Previous game's grade: C+
Coaching: C-
For the second straight game, Jason Garrett spent the first half trying to force a running game that didn't exist, only to turn things over to Romo in the second half. They could escape a 13-0 deficit to the Browns the previous week but not a 28-3 hole this time. Garrett is also responsible for the Cowboys’ slow starts. Rob Ryan’s defense was torched throughout the game, but with all the different pieces he’s playing with, he should get some sort of pass, considering guys like Charlie Peprah and Ernie Sims are starting, after being on the street just three weeks ago. Previous game's grade: B
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