Cowboys Beat Chiefs in OT

The Dallas Cowboys won 26-20 in Kansas City despite their best efforts to lose.  Only the record-breaking game played by receiver Miles Austin prevented the Chiefs from getting their first win of the year.

Austin, starting his first NFL game for the injured Roy Williams, caught 10 passes for a team record 250 yards, including a 60 yard touchdown to win the game in overtime.

The rest of the Cowboys offense kept shooting themselves in the foot.  Four of ten drives in regulation were stalled by penalties. Another one ended with a fumble, and one was just to run out the clock.  Even in overtime, the Cowboys were in trouble thanks to a holding penalty on Flozell Adams (his 3rd penalty of the day). Only a great play by Austin saved them.  Four different offensive lineman drew penalties on the day.  That is a sign of poor coaching where no one is held accountable.

Quarterback Tony Romo had a good day on paper – 20 for 34 for 351 yards and 2 TDs. He was obviously kept on a tight leash for the day with most of his passes short or even screen passes. Maybe a leash is good, since he did not have any interceptions.  He did what was asked of him, which is a good thing.

Running back Marion Barber did not look to be 100 percent healthy. He did not run with the punishing style that we have become accustomed to. Fortunately, Tashard Choice came in and had an explosive day with 92 yards on just 8 carries with one touchdown.

Defensively, the Cowboys started good, but seemed to wear down as the game went on.  Dallas has had a habit of that since Wade Phillips took over the defensive play-calling.  Think back to the final game at Texas Stadium, the Philly embarrassment, the home opener against the Giants, etc.  This time, the Cowboys let the Chiefs march down the field and score in the final minutes.  We should be thankful the Chiefs chose to tie the game rather than go for 2 points. As with the offense, penalties killed the Cowboys.  On the final drive of regulation they gave up four offsides in seven plays. How do you line up offsides? More evidence of a team with no accountability.

The Cowboys were penalized 13 times for 90 yards.  That’s more yards given up in penalties than the Chiefs had in rushing. And most of them came at critical times.

The Cowboys get the win, but playing like this will not result in many more.