How The East Was Won! My 5 Points

My 5 Points: Cowboys vs. Colts
by. William C. Walker Jr.

December 21, 2014

FINALLY!!!!!!!!!! After three straight years of going into the last game of the season with a chance to win the NFC East.  The Dallas Cowboys finally completed the task, and did before the last game of the season.  As soon as the Pigeons of Philadelphia (aka Eagles) wet the bed in a loss to the Washington Redskins Saturday night the stage was set for Sunday.  Win and the Cowboys would be in the postseason and win the NFC East for the first time since 2009. Sit back and let's take a look at my 5 points of the Cowboys vs Colts.

5. All On The Line: With DeMarco Murray having a broken left hand, more than ever the offensive line had to perform at a high level.  That's exactly what this young group did.  Even though the Cowboys only averaged 3 yards a carry they stuck with their game plan of a balanced attack.  Romo by the way had all day to sit back and pick the Colts defense apart.  Week after week this offensive line continues to cement their claim as being the best in the league.  Now with a chance at a playoff run they could add to the resume.

4. Defensive Dominance: Part of the reason the Cowboys continue to shock naysayers this season rest upon this defense.  This unheralded unit saved their best performance for last.  Facing the league's leader in passing yards and touchdowns Colts qb Andrew Luck the defense dominated.  At one point in the first half Tony Romo had more touchdown passes then Luck had completions.  Similar to the start last week in Philadelphia the defense forced the Colts to consecutive 3 & outs.  The Cowboys roared to a 21-0 lead, unlike in Philly there was no comeback.  If the defense can continue to raise their game to match the offense's level this team can make serious noise in the playoffs.

3. DeMarco All Guts: With a chance to clinch the NFC East DeMarco Murray refused not to play.  Just have surgery on his broken left hand on Monday, Murray could've elected to sit this game out.  He didn't and while he didn't rush for over a hundred yards for only the 4th time this season, he did add a score.  As well as in spite of his broken hand was instrumental during blitz pick-ups assisting Romo in having one of his best days ever.  If anyone ever questions DeMarco's heart of passion for the game, have that person committed because they're insane.

2. Pick Your Poison: With the Colts selling out determined to stop the run, they continued to leave themselves vulnerable to the pass.  Romo happily accepted the challenge, but this passing attack is becoming more than simply Dez Bryant and Jason Witten.  While both of those superstars did reach the end zone.  Teams are going to having to take account of blitz beater Cole Beasley who got into the end zone for the 4th time in the last 3 games. After slowing down after a hot start to the season Terrance Williams re-emerged as a deep threat also scoring twice.  This offensive is going to be hard to stop with the multitude of weapons at Tony Romo's disposal.

1. ROMO ON FIRE!: Tony Romo may not have thrown for a ton of yards, but this arguably could have been his best game ever.  Add in the fact that with this game he's become the all time leading passer in franchise history.  He didn't have his second incomplete pass until the 4th quarter. Romo finished the game 18-20 218 yards and 4 touchdowns.  Setting a new career high with 15 straight completions, he was one completion away from breaking Kurt Warner's completion percentage record.  Romo has said that his best football is ahead of him, with performances like this it doesn't seem like he's lying.  Even more encouraging was the movement he continued to display looking the healthiest he's been all year.  When nothing was there multiple times Romo escaped the pocket to gain yards.  This was things he couldn't do only a few weeks ago.  Every loss that the Cowboys have suffered this season has stemmed from Romo's health.  The first game to San Francisco, being knocked out in the Monday night game vs Washington, unable to play against Arizona, and finally on Thanksgiving playing on only 2 days rest against Philadelphia.  If the Cowboys choose to rest Romo next week against the Redskins I like the thought of a Tony Romo with an extra week of rest entering the PLAYOFFS!

during the first half of their NFL football game in Arlington on Dec 21, 2014. Michael Ainsworth/The Dallas Morning News

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) catches a touchdown in front of Indianapolis Colts cornerback Greg Toler

Bonus Point: December Boys!: A lot was made of the Cowboys December slump.  Even facing a horrible Chicago Bears team people doubted the team.  After being embarrassed on Thanksgiving by the Philadelphia Eagles again more doubt.  Finally with a chance to win the NFC East thanks to an Eagles loss, there were those that doubted the Cowboys to beat the Colts.  After all the doubts the COWBOYS are 3-0 in DECEMBER!!!!!!!