Dallas Cowboys Routed by Philadelphia Eagles

The crushed the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, 44-3. The Eagles beat the odds and will advance to the NFL playoffs with a wild card and the Dallas Cowboys will go home and pick up the pieces.

Donovan McNabb and the Eagles offense looked strong, but the real disaster was Tony Romo and the Dallas Cowboys offense, with fumbles and interceptions, combined with an overall lack of productivity resulting in the worst loss of the season to a hated rival.

It was a situation of “Win and You’re In” for both the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys. The winner would go on to the NFL playoffs, while the loser would go home. The Dallas Cowboys came into the game knowing their predicament, however the Philadelphia Eagles were not sure of their playoff chances until they were helped earlier in the day by a Tampa Bay loss to the Raiders as well as a Chicago Bears loss to the Houston Texans. By game time it was clear that both teams were playing to keep their season alive. However, by the end of the game it was also clear that only one team realized this game meant something.

Both the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys started the game tentatively, with the teams exchanging field goals and trying to get a feel for the opponent but by the end of the first half, it was clear that one team had asserted itself.

Donovan McNabb and the Philadelphia Eagles offense started the second quarter on with a 59-yard long run from running back Correll Buckhalter. This brought the Eagles inside the Dallas Cowboys 10-yard line, and 3 plays later Donovan McNabb crossed the line himself for the touchdown to give the Eagles the lead, 10-3.

After a three and out from the Dallas Cowboys offense, the Eagles kept building momentum with another solid drive that resulted in a Correll Buckhalter reception for a touchdown.

The ensuing drive started out well for the Cowboys with Tony Romo finding Jason Witten, who powered over for a first down. However, Jason Witten’s effort and hard work was all for naught when Tony Romo under threw Roy Williams, and Eagles cornerback Sheldon Brown got his first interception of the season.

After the interception, the Eagles drove again. An extremely, dumb late hit out of bounds courtesy of Adam “Pacman” Jones, and a pass interference from Terrance Newman set the Eagles up for a third touchdown when Donovan McNabb connected with Brent Celek and the Eagles increased their lead, 24-3.

On the ensuing kickoff, Adam “Pacman” Jones fumbled the ball on his return. The Philadelphia Eagles were able to recover the fumble and after the David Akers 50 yard field goal, the Eagles went into half time with a 27-3 lead over the Dallas Cowboys.

The Dallas Cowboys, desperately needing to turn things around, started the second half on their own 19-yard line, and Tashard Choice immediately started the half with a first down run. After Tashard Choice brought the Cowboys to 3rd and inches, Terrell Owens dropped a Tony Romo pass. As the Dallas punt team ran on, Tony Romo sent them off and rushed over for the first down.

On the ensuing first down, Tony Romo was almost sacked, but kept his composure and threw across the field to Jason Witten who, being behind the line of scrimmage, connected with Terrell Owens for a 41-yard gain.

Several plays later however, Tony Romo fumbled and Bryan Dawkins was able to recover the ball and return it for a touchdown, meaning the Philadelphia Eagles had scored a shocking 31 unanswered points to lead the Dallas Cowboys 34-7.

The Cowboys offense, again starting after an Eagles score and desperate to build some momentum, began what looked like a solid drive. Patrick Crayton and Terrell Owens both had big receptions, but a Marion Barber fumble led to another Philadelphia defensive touchdown. I was able to wipe the tears from my eyes long enough to see that the Eagles led 41-3.

Another Tony Romo fumble led to another David Akers field goal, but by then the damage had been done. The Eagles second team was able to close out the game, and the Cowboys season.

Now, for those of you in mourning at the end of another disastrous December for the Dallas Cowboys, take comfort in the fact that the man at the helm is such an excellent dancer

For those using Internet Explorer, fear not, you can also view this video here.

With Twinkle Toes Jerry Jones at the helm, I feel confident that the Dallas Cowboys can quickly overcome this recent setback and regain their proper title of “Lords of The Dance.” It is clear that this savvy marketing belongs in a place of honor in Cowboy’s Lore, alongside the Hail Mary Pass, NFL Leading Career Rusher, and the Ice Bowl.