On Sunday November 13, 2011, the Dallas Cowboys defeated the Buffalo Bills 44-7. Earlier in the week, I wrote about five keys to victory for the Cowboys against the Bills. It appears that they read my article because the Cowboys executed my advice and dominated the Bills.
Stop the Run
Check. The Cowboys contained Bills running back Fred Jackson, the third leading rusher in the NFL. Jackson ran for 114 yards but the defense kept him out of the end zone.
Establish the Run
Check. The Cowboys rushed for 163 yards. Rookie running back DeMarco Murray had another solid game, rushing for 135 yards on 20 carries. Murray also scored on a 1-yard run. With the running game working, the Cowboys were able to execute a balanced offensive attack. Quarterback Tony Romo completed 23 out of 26 passes for 270 yards and three touchdowns.
Wide Receivers Must Step Up
Check. No Miles Austin? No problem. Dez Bryant electrified the crowd right from the start. Bryant scored on a 34-yard touchdown pass from Romo on the opening drive. That set the tone of the game for the Cowboys. On the next possession, Laurent Robinson capped off a 12-play drive with a 5-yard touchdown reception of his own. On the first play of their next possession, Romo found Robinson again. This time it was a 58-yard touchdown grab. Bryant and Robinson stepped up their games today.
Offensive Play-calling
Check! Head Coach Jason Garrett called a great game. The offense gained 433 yards with a balanced attack. Receivers were open. The running game was effective. The passing game was efficient. But Garrett deserves the most credit for turning Romo loose. His aggressive play-calling resulted in two long touchdown passes, both on first down. Garrett showed confidence in Romo and Romo produced.
Where's the Defense?
Check. The Cowboys held the fourth-ranked offense to just 271 total net yards. They also intercepted Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick three times. Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware set the tone early by sacking Fitzpatrick on the Bills' first play from scrimmage. The Cowboys sacked Fitzpatrick once but pressured him the entire game. Cornerback Terence Newman added a 43-yard interception return for a touchdown.
The Cowboys showed how good they can be when they execute on both sides of the ball. With upcoming games against the Washington Redskins, Miami Dolphins and Arizona Cardinals, the Cowboys have a chance to make a nice little run.
More from Edwin Torres:
Broncos Quarterback Tim Tebow Wins Again and Wins Me Over: Fan Reaction
My 2011-12 NFL Picks for Week 10 Against the Spread: Fan's Take
Who is the Better Quarterback, Michael Vick or Tony Romo? Fan Perspective
Edwin Torres has been a fan of the Dallas Cowboys since the days of Tony Dorsett and Roger Staubach. He enjoyed watching the Dallas teams of the 90s dominate opponents on both sides of the ball. Edwin also follows local teams such as the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles. As a longtime fan of the National Football League, Edwin follows many interesting games and stories each week.
