It’s always great to have a solid offensive performance to write about. Despite the fact that this effort was against the lowly Raiders, the Cowboys did exactly what they should and that is completely dominate a lesser opponent. Time to break this one down and see just why things went so well this time around.
Just How “Romo Friendly” Were We?
Romo had a fantastic game going 18/29 for 309 yards for 2 TDs, no turnovers and one rush to his credit for a yard loss. There was just simply no doubt about it, Romo was on and clicking this week on the offense. He was able to get over the 300 yard mark by completing less than 20 passes which is just incredible. Romo also made the needed decisions to not turn the ball over, save for one comedic play in which Oakland failed to get an INT by colliding into each other.
All in all though, you simply cannot complain about Romo’s performance in this game.
Checking the Balance
The Cowboys ran a total of 56 plays with 25 of those being rushes, resulting in a pass play being called 55.3% of the time. We seem to have returned to the sweet-spot of majority pass, but not overloading on it. We’ve seen the best performances by the offense reside around 55-60% or so and this game follows that norm. The running game was also allowed to be an essential part of this game as it torched the Raiders for 195 yards, resulting in 7.8 yards/carry.
Once again, no complaints in this area.
In the targeting department, we have a shorter list than usual as only six players saw the ball thrown there way. Miles Austin lead all receivers on the day with 11 targets. Jason Witten followed with 8. Roy Williams was the third option with 4 targets. Running Backs, Marion Barber and Felix Jones, were right behind with 3 and 2 targets respectively. Finally, Patrick Crayton rounded out the day with a single pass thrown his way.
So not a whole lot of impressive spreading of the ball around as we’ve seen in previous weeks in which eight to ten receivers would see the ball come their way. However, I still can’t complain about this spread, especially when five of the six players thrown to were able to record receptions.
Again, well done.
Numbers Don’t Lie
I need to channel Chad Ochocinco for this section title.
If you had any doubt that the Cowboys were completely dominate on the offensive side on the ball, plenty of stats can be tossed in your direction to ensure all doubt is erased. Besides Romo’s 300 yard game, the Cowboys also had two receivers over 100 yards on the day: Miles and Witten. Our three-headed monster at running back all had 60+ yard efforts. We gained 8.8 yards/play throughout the entire game (just think about that number for a bit). We were 2/2 in “goal to go” situations and only had one Red Zone chance shot in the foot due to a horrible penalty (however, we still got a FG).
There is just no other way to slice it, the offense was flat-out impressive.
The Verdict
The verdict for this game is simple, everyone had a solid hand in making this game an absolute field day for the offense. The play calling was well balanced, Romo had a great game, the running attack plowed through at full force, and the receiving corps had a very solid effort.
Simply put, you can’t ask for much more than that.
This was a great way to end the month; however, every Cowboys fan knows what is looming: December. Not only is this the usual time of the year that everything seems to fail, but this stretch of games is going to be the toughest without a season without a doubt. With games at the Giants, against the Eagles, and at New Orleans, this offense is going to be put to a true test.
It’s time to see who is up for it and if Romo can get that December Swoon monkey (that has turned into a gorilla) off his back.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
As always, great detail and analysis Ryan. You think the Dee-fence can tow it if the Cowboys make the play-offs?
As always, great detail and analysis Ryan. You think the Dee-fence can tow it if the Cowboys make the play-offs?