Dallas Cowboys vs. Detroit Lions Ten In-Depth Observations

Jan 4, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten (82) runs with the ball after a catch defended by Detroit Lions middle linebacker Tahir Whitehead (59) during the second quarter in the NFC Wild Card Playoff Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

7. As we saw yesterday, it’s impossible for a quarterback to move the ball effectively when he’s getting beaten, and the Lions completely dominated the Cowboys line in the first half, largely thanks to some amazing blitzes called by ace defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, who deserves a head coaching gig in the near future. But the Cowboys adjusted, and the Lions only put a couple of more shots on Romo in the second half. It’s always important for a QB to stay poised, and there’s no doubt in my mind that Romo did exactly that. He somehow managed to escape without tossing a pick, though he did have some underthrown balls that qualify as “ducks”.

Romo went 19-31 with 9.5 yards per attempt and two TDs to Williams, and he made some ridiculously clutch third and fourth-down throws to the likes of Cole Beasley and Jason Witten. I thought Witten did a fantastic job of moving the chains, and he was easily the Cowboys most reliable pass-catcher out there, which doesn’t come as a surprise in a playoff matchup against at tough defense. Romo never let the mental or literal pressure get to him, even after a beyond dreadful first half.

Next: Stafford was fine