NFL Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys Continue To Show Resolve In Big-Time Moments

Fresh Videos

By @KyleOnTheDaily

Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Cowboys won’t get any style points in Sunday’s overtime victory over the Houston Texans, but that doesn’t matter.

The team found a way to hang on to start the season 4-1 for the first time since 2008 and for the 15th time in franchise history. The Cowboys deserve credit as they continue to demonstrate a winning mettle that’s been absent since Jason Garrett took over as head coach.

Everyone at AT&T Stadium had to be thinking they were about to witness another monumental Cowboys’ collapse after the team blew a double-digit, fourth-quarter lead, and “Mr. Automatic” Dan Bailey missed a 53-yard game winner as time expired.

Instead, fans witnessed something else — the resolve of a contender.

Dallas could’ve crumbled early in the overtime period — especially after Texans running back Arian Foster ripped off two large gains to set his team up near midfield — but they didn’t. The defense was able to hold on just enough to force Houston to punt and get the ball back to their high-octane offense. Just a few minutes prior, this same unit allowed Ryan Fitzpatrick and Co. to drive down the field to tie the game with a four-play 45-yard TD drive.

By making a crucial stop when they had previously failed to do so, the defense once again proved they had a short memory and a champion’s mentality. They weren’t the only ones, though.

Tony Romo could’ve allowed another one of his team’s late swoons to affect him mentally heading into overtime, but he remained poised. This was evident on his bail-out heave to Dez Bryant. As the Texans’ defense rapidly broke down the pocket, Romo made a quick decision and gave his favorite target an opportunity to make a play on the ball instead of just throwing it away — boy, did that decision payoff. Bryant made a circus catch that ended up clinching the game for Dallas. There’s just no stopping Bryant when the game is on the line, as No. 88 has always possessed that won’t-be-denied attitude.

The Cowboys’ special teams unit also joined in on the mental toughness display. After his miss at the end of regulation ended his franchise streak of consecutive made kicks, “Dan The Man”  kicked a 49-yard field goal in overtime to earn his redemption and seal the deal for the Cowboys.

Resolve and resiliency are what make winners in the NFL, and the Cowboys showed once again they can execute in big-time moments. Garrett should be proud of his three units (offense, defense and special teams) come Monday.

Kyle Nault is a NFL writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @KyleOnTheDaily.

Share Tweet
Trending Now on