Cowboys lose game and Romo in Arizona

Dallas falls on blocked punt after forcing OT

Halloween is more than two weeks away, but who could blame the Cowboys and their fans for feeling a bit spooked after what occurred in Sunday’s game at Arizona? Not only did the Cowboys lose a heartbreaking game in overtime, but also received the frightening news that quarterback Tony Romo would be out for an extended period of time.

The game that was hyped up to be a Wild West shootout started off with a bang as the Cardinals J.J Arrington took the opening kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown. Just like that Arizona was up 7-0, but the expected offensive explosion never quite took place. Instead, a defensive and mistake riddled struggle developed all the way to half time.

For the second straight week Tony Romo found himself running for his life from a consistent pass rush, and no matter how much Terrell Owens ripped his offensive line for not protecting their quarterback there seemed little they could do to stop the pressure. Romo was sacked twice with a fumble and initially appeared to be sacked for a third time with another turnover that would’ve resulted in a touchdown for the Cardinals. Dallas challenged the play and the call was reversed with the officials citing the infamous “tuck rule”, resulting in no loss of possession for the Cowboys. It was a huge call because moments later the Cowboys would get their first score when Romo connected with Patrick Crayton for 55 yards and a TD.

Both teams committed their share of errors during the first two quarters. Besides Romo’s continuing difficulty of holding onto the football, Kurt Warner also fumbled and threw an interception, and the Cardinals muffed a kickoff return near the end of the second quarter. Yet the Cowboys could not capitalize on the muffed return. After failing to move the ball in for six points, Nick Foulke shanked a 36 yard field goal try, hitting the left up right.

> Buy Dallas Cowboys apparel & jerseys online through Pro Football Fans and check out the 2008 NFL scores!

In the second half the Cowboys struck first, taking their first lead of the game on a 14 yard touchdown pass from Romo to Miles Austin. The Cardinals would answer, coming right back on the ensuing drive when Warner hit Larry Fitzgerald for the score. The Cardinals padded their lead as the Dallas offense continued to sputter, upping the score to 24-14. But late in the 4 th quarter the Cowboys began an improbable comeback. Marion Barber busted a short pass from Romo for 70 yards and a touchdown right at the two minute warning. Then, after a three and out from Arizona, the Cowboys were able to get in position for a long 52 yard field goal attempt. This time Foulke nailed it and sent the game into overtime. After winning the toss it appeared the Cowboys were on their way to another heroic finish, but once again Romo was sacked, and it was on this play that the Cowboys starting quarterback said he broke his finger. After failing to convert a 3 rd and 18, the Cowboys were forced to punt. The Cardinals penetrated the line, blocked Mat McBriar’s kick, and scored. Game over. It was the first time in NFL history that a contest ended in overtime with a blocked punt for a touchdown.

The loss in itself was bad enough for the Cowboys, their second in three weeks. Monday morning brought more unpleasant news as it was announced that Tony Romo had broken his pinky finger on his throwing hand and will miss at least four weeks. Also added to the list of casualties were Mat McBriar, whose foot was broken on the blocked punt and could miss the rest of the season and Felix Jones who suffered a partially torn hamstring is expected to be out two to four weeks. s

By Steven Mondelli
ProFootball-fans.com Dallas Cowboys Correspondent