Cowboys Forget DNA in Dumbfounding Loss to Redskins
By Richie Whitt ••
Despite their shocking success this season, the Cowboys proved last night that they’re not good enough to be dumb.
There are times when they won’t physically be at their best, but head coach Jason Garrett and his team should always be on top of their game mentally. No excuses for the decisions that were made Monday night.
It was the perfect example of how you lose at home to a double-digit underdog: By playing dumb.
DeMarco Murray’s fumble was a mental mistake. After taking a pass from Tony Romo he bolted inside Washington’s 10. There’s good, and then there’s greedy. Murray got greedy, and that’s dumb.
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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 27: Tony Romo #9 of the Dallas Cowboys is sacked by Brandon Meriweather #31 of the Washington Redskins during the first half at AT&T Stadium on October 27, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 27: A Dallas Cowboys cheerleader performs during the second half against the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium on October 27, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 27: A Dallas Cowboys fan reacts during the second half against the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium on October 27, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 27: Jason Witten #82 of the Dallas Cowboys warms up before a game against the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium on October 27, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 27: Dez Bryant #88 of the Dallas Cowboys warms up before a game against the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium on October 27, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 27: Colt McCoy #16 of the Washington Redskins is chased from the pocket by Rolando McClain #55 of the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at AT&T Stadium on October 27, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
Spencer Thornburg
ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 27: Colt McCoy #16 of the Washington Redskins is chased from the pocket by Rolando McClain #55 of the Dallas Cowboys and Anthony Spencer #93 of the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at AT&T Stadium on October 27, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 27: Jason Witten #82 of the Dallas Cowboys runs after the catch as David Amerson #39 of the Washington Redskins moves in for the tackle during the first half at AT&T Stadium on October 27, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 27: Niles Paul #84 of the Washington Redskins is forced out of bounds by J.J. Wilcox #27 of the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at AT&T Stadium on October 27, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 27: Terrance Williams #83 of the Dallas Cowboys is unable to make the catch as Bashaud Breeland #26 of the Washington Redskins defends during the first half at AT&T Stadium on October 27, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 27: Jason Witten #82 of the Dallas Cowboys is unable to make the catch as Keenan Robinson #52 of the Washington Redskins and Brandon Meriweather #31 of the Washington Redskins defend during the first half at AT&T Stadium on October 27, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 27: DeMarco Murray #29 of the Dallas Cowboys carries the ball as Ryan Kerrigan #91 of the Washington Redskins tries to make the tackle during the first half at AT&T Stadium on October 27, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 27: Tony Romo #9 of the Dallas Cowboys directs the offense against the Washington Redskins lines up on defense during the first half at AT&T Stadium on October 27, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 27: Jason Witten #82 of the Dallas Cowboys is unable to make the catch against the Washington Redskins during the first half at AT&T Stadium on October 27, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 27: Dez Bryant #88 of the Dallas Cowboys breaks the tackle attempt by Ryan Clark #25 of the Washington Redskins on his way to a touchdown during the first half at AT&T Stadium on October 27, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 27: Dez Bryant #88 of the Dallas Cowboys breaks away from Ryan Clark #25 of the Washington Redskins to score a touchdown as David Amerson #39 of the Washington Redskins is near during the first half at AT&T Stadium on October 27, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 27: Dez Bryant #88 of the Dallas Cowboys lunges for a touchdown against Ryan Clark #25 of the Washington Redskins during the first half at AT&T Stadium on October 27, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 27: J.J. Wilcox #27 of the Dallas Cowboys intercepts the pass intended for Andre Roberts #12 of the Washington Redskins during the first half at AT&T Stadium on October 27, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 27: Robert Griffin III #10 of the Washington Redskins watches play against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on October 27, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 27: DeSean Jackson #11 of the Washington Redskins drops a pass while defended by Orlando Scandrick #32 of the Dallas Cowboys in the second quarter at AT&T Stadium on October 27, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 27: Tony Romo #9 of the Dallas Cowboys is hurled to the ground by Jason Hatcher #97 of the Washington Redskins during the first half at AT&T Stadium on October 27, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 27: DeMarco Murray #29 of the Dallas Cowboys runs the ball against the Washington Redskins in the second quarter at AT&T Stadium on October 27, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 27: Ryan Kerrigan #91 of the Washington Redskins sacks Tony Romo #9 of the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at AT&T Stadium on October 27, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 27: Dez Bryant #88 of the Dallas Cowboys is tackled by Ryan Clark #25 of the Washington Redskins during the first half at AT&T Stadium on October 27, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 27: Tony Romo #9 of the Dallas Cowboys is sacked by Keenan Robinson #52 of the Washington Redskins during the second half at AT&T Stadium on October 27, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 27: Tony Romo #9 of the Dallas Cowboys is attended to by team personnel after being sacked by Keenan Robinson #52 of the Washington Redskins during the second half at AT&T Stadium on October 27, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 27: Tony Romo #9 of the Dallas Cowboys leaves the field for the dressing room after being sacked by Keenan Robinson #52 of the Washington Redskins during the second half at AT&T Stadium on October 27, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 27: Tony Romo #9 of the Dallas Cowboys leaves the field for the dressing room after being sacked by Keenan Robinson #52 of the Washington Redskins during the second half at AT&T Stadium on October 27, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 27: Orlando Scandrick #32 of the Dallas Cowboys is unable to stop Colt McCoy #16 of the Washington Redskins from running for a touchdown during the second half at AT&T Stadium on October 27, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 27: DeMarco Murray #29 of the Dallas Cowboys collides with Brandon Meriweather #31 of the Washington Redskins during the second half at AT&T Stadium on October 27, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 27: Jordan Reed #86 of the Washington Redskins makes the catch over Bruce Carter #54 of the Dallas Cowboys during overtime at AT&T Stadium on October 27, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 27: Brandon Weeden #3 of the Dallas Cowboys looks downfield as Jason Witten #82 of the Dallas Cowboys cuts across the middle against the Washington Redskins during the second half at AT&T Stadium on October 27, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 27: Jason Witten #82 of the Dallas Cowboys scores a touchdown as Bashaud Breeland #26 of the Washington Redskins is unable to prevent the score during the second half at AT&T Stadium on October 27, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 27: Jason Witten #82 of the Dallas Cowboys reacts after scoring a touchdown as Bashaud Breeland #26 of the Washington Redskins watches during the second half at AT&T Stadium on October 27, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 27: Brandon Weeden #3 of the Dallas Cowboys passes against the Washington Redskins rushes during the second half at AT&T Stadium on October 27, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 27: Head coach Jason Garrett of the Dallas Cowboys talks to an official during the first half against the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium on October 27, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 27: Quarterback Tony Romo #9 of the Dallas Cowboys talks with the coaching staff as the Cowboys take on the Washington Redskins in overtime at Cowboys Stadium on October 27, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 27: Tony Romo #9 of the Dallas Cowboys is knocked to the ground by Brandon Meriweather #31 of the Washington Redskins during the second half at AT&T Stadium on October 27, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
Fighting for an extra inch at the end of a 36-yard gain, Murray was stripped and fumbled. It cost the Cowboys points. It breathed life into the Redskins.
But that was just the start of it.
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The Cowboys’ success can be directly traced to their commitment to run the ball. Behind an offensive line anchored by three first-round draft picks, Murray is setting records and leading the NFL in rushing. The run has set up the pass, and the Cowboys shot out of the gate 6-1 because of it.
But last night, at the worst times, offensive coordinator Scott Linehan and head coach Jason Garrett misplaced that identity and suddenly – inexplicably – betrayed this team’s DNA.
Trailing only 10-7 but with quarterback Tony Romo in the locker room with a back injury, Murray ran 51 yards to the Redskins’ 6 and then another three yards to the 3. But on 2nd- and 3rd-and-goal, the Cowboys called plays for backup quarterback Brandon Weeden to pass. No way around it, that’s nonsensical. How do you know they were bad play calls? Because what do you think the Redskins were hoping? Please don’t keep running Murray because we can’t stop him. Played right into the enemy’s hands.
Both passes to Dez Bryant fell incomplete, and the Cowboys were forced to settle for a field goal.
Again, points left on the field. And more belief instilled into the Redskins.
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ARLINGTON, TX - JANUARY 04: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform during the first half of their NFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Detroit Lions at AT&T Stadium on January 4, 2015 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - JANUARY 04: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform during the first half of their NFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Detroit Lions at AT&T Stadium on January 4, 2015 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - JANUARY 04: A Dallas Cowboys dancer performs during a break in the game against the Detroit Lions during the NFC Wildcard Playoff Game at AT&T Stadium on January 4, 2015 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - JANUARY 04: A Dallas Cowboys dancer performs during a break in the game against the Detroit Lions during the NFC Wildcard Playoff Game at AT&T Stadium on January 4, 2015 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 10: Members of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders team up with FedEx Office to help support the American Red Cross as part of Pack. Ship. Give. on December 10, 2014 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images for FedEx Office)
DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 10: Randy Scarborough, vice president of retail marketing for FedEx, NFL Star Drew Pearson and members of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders team up with FedEx Office to help support the American Red Cross as part of Pack. Ship. Give. on December 10, 2014 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images for FedEx Office)
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ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 21: A Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader performs in the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at AT&T Stadium on December 21, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 27: The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders enter the field before the start of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium on November 27, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 27: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform as tha Dallas Cowboys take on the Philadelphia Eagles in the secodn quarter at AT&T Stadium on November 27, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 27: A Dallas Cowboys cheerleader performs during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Cowboys Stadium on November 27, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 02: A Dallas Cowboys cheerleader at AT&T Stadium on November 2, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 02: A Dallas Cowboys cheerleader at AT&T Stadium on November 2, 2014 in Arlington, Texas.
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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 02: A Dallas Cowboys cheerleader at AT&T Stadium on November 2, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 2: Cheerleaders of the Dallas Cowboys perform before a game against the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium on November 2, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. The Cardinals defeated the Cowboys 28-17. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 02: A Dallas Cowboys cheerleader at AT&T Stadium on November 2, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 27: A Dallas Cowboys cheerleader performs during the second half against the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium on October 27, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 05: The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders berform in the second half as the Cowboys take on the Houston Texans at AT&T Stadium on October 5, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 05: The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders berform in the second half as the Cowboys take on the Houston Texans at AT&T Stadium on October 5, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 05: Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders perform in the second half against the Houston Texans at AT&T Stadium on October 5, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 28: A Dallas Cowboys cheerleader performs in the first half at AT&T Stadium on September 28, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 28: A Dallas Cowboys cheerleader performs in the first half at AT&T Stadium on September 28, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 28: A Dallas Cowboys cheerleader performs in the first half at AT&T Stadium on September 28, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 28: A Dallas Cowboys cheerleader performs against the New Orleans Saints in the first half at AT&T Stadium on September 28, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 07: A Dallas Cowboys cheerleader performs during the NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at AT&T Stadium on September 7, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. The 49ers defeated the Cowboys 28-17. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 07: A Dallas Cowboys cheerleader performs during the NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at AT&T Stadium on September 7, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. The 49ers defeated the Cowboys 28-17. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 07: A Dallas Cowboys cheerleader performs during the NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at AT&T Stadium on September 7, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. The 49ers defeated the Cowboys 28-17. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 07: A Dallas Cowboys cheerleader performs during the NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at AT&T Stadium on September 7, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. The 49ers defeated the Cowboys 28-17. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 07: The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders perform during the NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at AT&T Stadium on September 7, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. The 49ers defeated the Cowboys 28-17. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 07: A Dallas Cowboys cheerleader performs during a game against the San Francisco 49ers at AT&T Stadium on September 7, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 07: A Dallas Cowboys cheerleader performs during a game against the San Francisco 49ers at AT&T Stadium on September 7, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 07: The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders perform during the NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at AT&T Stadium on September 7, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. The 49ers defeated the Cowboys 28-17. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 07: The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders perform during the NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at AT&T Stadium on September 7, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. The 49ers defeated the Cowboys 28-17. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 07: The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders perform during the NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at AT&T Stadium on September 7, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. The 49ers defeated the Cowboys 28-17. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 07: A Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader performs during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the San Francisco 49ers at AT&T Stadium on September 7, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 07: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform before the start of the game against the San Francisco 49ers at AT&T Stadium on September 7, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 28: A Dallas Cowboy cheerleader perfroms in the first half of their preseason game against the Denver Bronco in the first half at AT&T Stadium on August 28, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 28: A Dallas Cowboy cheerleader perfroms in the first half of their preseason game against the Denver Broncos at AT&T Stadium on August 28, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 28: A Dallas Cowboy cheerleader perfroms in the first half of their preseason game against the Denver Broncos at AT&T Stadium on August 28, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 16: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform during the preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium on August 16, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 16: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform during the preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium on August 16, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 16: A Dallas Cowboys cheerleader performs during an NFL preseason game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on August 16, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 16: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform during the preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium on August 16, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 16: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform during the preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium on August 16, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 16: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform during the preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium on August 16, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 16: A Dallas Cowboys cheerleader performs during an NFL preseason game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on August 16, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 16: A Dallas Cowboys cheerleader performs during an NFL preseason game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on August 16, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 16: A Dallas Cowboys cheerleader performs during an NFL preseason game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on August 16, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Jose Sanchez, NBC 5 Photojournalist
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders at Cowboys Camp 2014 in Oxnard, California.
Jose Sanchez, NBC 5 Photojournalist
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders at Cowboys Camp 2014 in Oxnard, California.
Jose Sanchez, NBC 5 Photojournalist
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders at Cowboys Camp 2014 in Oxnard, California.
Jose Sanchez, NBC 5 Photojournalist
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders at Cowboys Camp 2014 in Oxnard, California.
Jose Sanchez, NBC 5 Photojournalist
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders at Cowboys Camp 2014 in Oxnard, California.
Jose Sanchez, NBC 5 Photojournalist
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders at Cowboys Camp 2014 in Oxnard, California.
Jose Sanchez, NBC 5 Photojournalist
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders at Cowboys Camp 2014 in Oxnard, California.
Jose Sanchez, NBC 5 Photojournalist
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders at Cowboys Camp 2014 in Oxnard, California.
Jose Sanchez, NBC 5 Photojournalist
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders at Cowboys Camp 2014 in Oxnard, California.
Jose Sanchez, NBC 5 Photojournalist
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders at Cowboys Camp 2014 in Oxnard, California.
Jose Sanchez, NBC 5 Photojournalist
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders at Cowboys Camp 2014 in Oxnard, California.
Jose Sanchez, NBC 5 Photojournalist
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders at Cowboys Camp 2014 in Oxnard, California.
Jose Sanchez, NBC 5 Photojournalist
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders at Cowboys Camp 2014 in Oxnard, California.
Jose Sanchez, NBC 5 Photojournalist
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders at Cowboys Camp 2014 in Oxnard, California.
Jose Sanchez, NBC 5 Photojournalist
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders at Cowboys Camp 2014 in Oxnard, California.
Jose Sanchez, NBC 5 Photojournalist
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders at Cowboys Camp 2014 in Oxnard, California.
Jose Sanchez, NBC 5 Photojournalist
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders at Cowboys Camp 2014 in Oxnard, California.
Jose Sanchez, NBC 5 Photojournalist
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders at Cowboys Camp 2014 in Oxnard, California.
Jose Sanchez, NBC 5 Photojournalist
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders at Cowboys Camp 2014 in Oxnard, California.
Jose Sanchez, NBC 5 Photojournalist
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders at Cowboys Camp 2014 in Oxnard, California.
Jose Sanchez, NBC 5 Photojournalist
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders at Cowboys Camp 2014 in Oxnard, California.
Jose Sanchez, NBC 5 Photojournalist
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders at Cowboys Camp 2014 in Oxnard, California.
Jose Sanchez, NBC 5 Photojournalist
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders at Cowboys Camp 2014 in Oxnard, California.
Jose Sanchez, NBC 5 Photojournalist
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders at Cowboys Camp 2014 in Oxnard, California.
Jose Sanchez, NBC 5 Photojournalist
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders at Cowboys Camp 2014 in Oxnard, California.
Jose Sanchez, NBC 5 Photojournalist
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders at Cowboys Camp 2014 in Oxnard, California.
Jose Sanchez, NBC 5 Photojournalist
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders at Cowboys Camp 2014 in Oxnard, California.
Jose Sanchez, NBC 5 Photojournalist
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders at Cowboys Camp 2014 in Oxnard, California.
Jose Sanchez, NBC 5 Photojournalist
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders at Cowboys Camp 2014 in Oxnard, California.
Same unforced errors on the Cowboys’ final drive in overtime. Murray – who amassed 141 yards and 7.4 yards per carry on the night – gained eight yards on first down. But on 2nd, 3rd and 4th down Romo threw incomplete passes to secure the loss and reserve the dunce caps.
“We’ve done a good job of having balance in our plays all season,” Garrett attempted to reason after the game.
The Cowboys have grown into a better team. But last night was a stark reminder that they haven’t yet matured into a smarter one.
A native Texan who was born in Duncanville and graduated from UT-Arlington, Richie Whitt has been a mainstay in the Metroplex media since 1986. He’s held prominent roles on all media platforms including newspaper (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), radio (105.3 The Fan) and TV (co-host on TXA 21 and numerous guest appearances, including NBC 5). He currently lives in McKinney with his wife, Sybil, and two very spoiled dogs.
