Cowboys Lose Stadium Opener

The New York Giants spoiled the opening of the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium with a 33-31 win thanks to a last-second field goal. It was a devastating end to what had been a glorious night for Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. Jones’ new $1.2 billion stadium was filled to capacity, with over 105, 000 fans filling every inch of the building and spilling out into the plazas.  Special ceremonies were held for everything from opening the roof and end zone doors to uncovering the signature star at midfield to unveiling the Ring of Honor. Cowboys legends were on hand for the Ring of Honor ceremony and even former President George W. Bush made the opening coin toss before retreating to Jones’ suite to watch the game with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and broadcasting legends John Madden and Pat Summerall.

 

If only the Cowboys could have played up to the level of their house.  Quarterback Tony Romo was awful, throwing 3 interceptions.  Romo could not seem to place a pass anywhere near his intended receivers that are not named Witten.

The Cowboys running game was extraordinary.  Marion Barber rushed for 124 yards on 18 carries and Felix Jones added another 96 yards on 7 carries. It remains a mystery why offensive coordinator Jason Garrett continued to force the struggling passing game.

The defense had ups and downs. While they were able to limit the Giants rushing attack, giving up less than 100 yards total on the ground, they did not seem to be able to stop them on important downs.  With the Cowboys giving the ball to the Giants on their own end of the field, New York did not need to run much more than 100 yards.  Certainly, the Cowboys defense was unable to stop the pass. Giants QB Eli Manning hardly ever saw a white jersey the entire game. 

The Cowboys were penalized 4 times, with the most significant one by offensive tackle Flozell Adams, the most penalized player in the NFL. Adams’ penalty nullified a 40 yard pass and resulted with the Cowboys pinned deep in their own territory and the Giants ultimately scoring.    It seems like every game this guy single-handedly stops a Cowboys drive.  Eventually, he may get on the payroll of the opposing teams.

As bad as the Cowboys played, they had enough firepower to stay in the game, even taking the lead with 3:40 to go. That is quite a feat for a team who turned the ball over 4 times.  Unfortunately, the defense could not defend, and the Giants easily got into field goal position and had time to burn on the clock.

The Cowboys showed once again they are not quite ready to win on the big stage.  Unfortunately for them, they play on the biggest stage in the league.