The Dallas Cowboys have suffered some heartbreakers this season. The Cowboys have lost three games this season when leading by at least 12 points in the fourth quarter. In the team’s entire history prior to 2011, Dallas only lost two such games. In fifty years, the Cowboys didn’t choke as many times as the Dallas faithful have witnessed this year alone.
The first thing many point to is the coaching staff. This is the first full season for Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett and defensive coordinator Rob Ryan. However, one must examine the numbers to determine the cause of this problem.
The Cowboys’ defense has given up a truckload of passing yards and touchdowns in the second half of games this year, especially in the fourth quarter. However, Dallas’ defense as a whole is much better than it was a year ago, proving Ryan’s worth.
Although the Cowboys’ loss to the Arizona Cardinals wasn’t a 12-point collapse, Dallas still gave up a fourth quarter lead. Still, the Cowboys were in position to win the game until Garrett iced his own kicker. On that note, Garrett does deserve some of the blame.
Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo was responsible for the first two collapses this season when he threw late-game interceptions with a big lead. Ryan’s defense was rock solid against the New York Jets and Detroit Lions, but was constantly forced back onto the field following Romo turnovers. However, Romo was the only reason the Cowboys even had a chance to win the game against the Giants, so he’s not completely to blame, either.
Collectively, the Cowboys haven’t performed at a championship level this season. The old saying “a chain is only as strong as its weakest link” applies to Dallas perfectly. The Cowboys’ weakest link has been a different one each game this season, meaning this team just isn’t’ ready to contend yet.
That means personnel changes this coming offseason. If Cowboys owner Jerry Jones doesn’t make any changes to his roster before the 2012 season, then the blame is squarely on him and him alone at that point. Until then, the Cowboys’ record-breaking disappointment will continue.
Follow Jeric Griffin on Twitter @JericGriffin
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