The Dallas Cowboys survived the Cleveland Browns to escape a loss that would have been dramatic
The Cowboys showed a not-so-nice face, once again, against the Cleveland Browns.
Cleveland took an early lead with a touchdown pass from rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden to tight end, former Patriot, Benjamin Watson (photo 1).
Next Phil Dawson (photo 2), Cleveland's kicker, adds two field goals for a 51-yard and a 37-yard distance to put the score to 13 nothing.
Dallas, unable to score points throught the entire first half, earns just 32 yards and one first down after their first two offensive drives and won't reach Cleveland's red zone. America's team was shut out until a 44-yard field goal by Dan Bailey (photo 3) to reduce Cowboys' deficit to 10 points as the score is 13-3 Browns.
There won't be anymore point in the 3rd.
Like in week 8, against the defending champs, Dallas awakes in second half, scoring a 2-yard touchdown by Felix Jones (photo 4) and a 28-yard score on a pass caught by receiver Dez Bryant (photo 5 & 6).The Cowboys take the lead on a 17-13 score until Browns' quarterback throws a 18-yard bullet to Benjamin Watson for his second touchdown of the day (photo 7), 20-17 Browns.
Another Dan Bailey's 32-yard field goal will be added to tie the game up and send both teams in overtime as the score is now 20-20.
Please note the very good game of rookie halfback Trent Richardson who ends up the game just 5 yards shy of a 100-yard game as he runs for 95 yards.
Dallas will need two offensive drives to finally bend the game on a 32-yard field goal by kicker Dan Bailey (photo 8) and gets the victory in the pain.
Analysis
The Dallas Cowboys really play football only in second half when they face a complicated situation (like against the G men in week 8).
They are obliged to run after the score.
Okay, with DeMarco Murray out, the running game is less effective, but why on 3rd & 2 you throw the ball instead of running it? Dallas' 3rd down efficiency is awful, they convert simply 4/14 and you know that your pass protection is not the best in the NFL, against Cleveland you gave up 7 sacks, 92 yards on penalties and allowed 311 total yards!
My point is Dallas must play better on both side of the ball if they want to reach the playoffs, next year maybe...