It was a record setting day in Arlington, just not the sort of record Cowboys fans had hoped for. After surrendering a 24-point, third quarter lead, Dallas fell to the Detroit Lions on Sunday afternoon, 34-30--which brings us back to that record. It was the greatest collapse in the history of the franchise. Yep.
It all started so well, as epic collapses usually do. Dez Bryant caught two first half touchdowns, and finished with three catches for 37 yards. Dan Bailey provided two first half field goals, finishing a perfect three-for-three on attempts, which we suppose is a kind of a bright spot--as is the fact that the Cowboys might have found a receiver in Laurent Robinson. Robinson led Dallas in receiving with seven catches and 116 yards.
Anyway, at half, the team led the Lions 20-3.
Tony Romo, who obviously started hot, continued on in the second half, throwing his third touchdown pass, a one-yarder to Jason Witten, early in the third quarter.
This is when the trouble starts.
Romo, at this point having a highly impressive game, threw a pick six, which cruelly enough for Dallas fans, was taken in by former Cowboy, Bobby Carpenter. Then, he threw another pick six, this time to Chris Houston. Then, it was a ten point game, at 27-17.
Bailey hit his third field goal to once again extend the Cowboys lead, this time to 30-17.
But the Lions answered with a touchdown pass from Matt Stafford to Calvin Johnson early in the fourth, and a Jason Hanson field goal, his second of the day, to bring the tally to 30-27, Cowboys.
On the Dallas’ ensuing drive, Romo threw his third interception of the day. This one would set up what would prove to be the game winning drive for the Lions, capped with Johnson’s second TD catch of the day.
Felix Jones ran out of bounds well before the first down marker on Dallas’ final drive in order to stop the clock. Which would’ve been fine, but it was fourth down. Yep, that’s how it ended. Final score: Lions 34, Cowboys 30.
At 2-2, Dallas has a bye next week.
Stay on top of the latest Dallas Cowboys news with NBCDFW.com. Follow NBC DFW Sports on Facebook or have breaking Cowboys news sent directly to your phone with Blue Star SMS alerts. Text "bluestar" to 622339 (NBCDFW) to subscribe to this free service. Read more about it here.
