These game notes are composed live and posted during the brief break
between quarters. Please excuse typos or misspellings not corrected in the name
of internet speed...
Having deferred to the second half, the Cowboys entered the third quarter
with the ball and the momentum. The Browns defensive secondary had been badly
outmatched in the first half, with Jason Witten abusing the Browns nickel backs
and linebackers. Thanks to the thin Browns secondary, any time Romo wasn't
pressured (which was often) a receiver would be open and available.
The Browns kept the Cowboys more-or-less under control in the third quarter,
as the Cowboys continued to cruise against the Browns.
FIRST DRIVE (Cowboys): After starting at their twenty, Romo quickly hit
Terrell Owens for 31 yards, which was called back due to an offensive pass
interference penalty on Owens (which the Cowboys media and front office in the
press box didn't agree with). With the big play called back, the Browns were
able to force a punt.
Big Plays: Terrell Owens pass interference.
SECOND DRIVE (Browns): Three and out. Two Jamal Lewis runs net eight yards, but
Derek Anderson's third down pass was incomplete.
Big Plays: None
THIRD DRIVE (Cowboys): The Browns nearly caught a break on a Pac-Man Jones
fumble, but the Dallas returner managed to cover the ball. Once again, the
Browns were unable to cover Witten, and Romo started going to Patrick Crayton as
the Browns focused on Owens. Dallas marched effectively through the air, mixing
runs by Barber and Felix Jones effectively as the team drove efficiently against
the Browns defense. Cowboys 28, Browns 7
Big Plays: 19 yard pass to Witten on third-and-five. 25-yard pass to Patrick
Crayton on second and ten from mid-field. Felix Jones right up the middle for
eleven yards and a touchdown.
FOURTH DRIVE (Browns): Three and out. Two incompletions bookend a six-yard
Anderson scramble.
Big Plays: None
FIFTH DRIVE (Cowboys): The Browns got another heavy dose of Witten, Crayton, and
Owens as Romo moved the ball down the field. With the Cowboys throwing the ball
at will, the Browns finally got a turnover: Eric Wright picked off a pass
intended for Owens in the end zone, easily the best defensive play of the day.
Big Plays: Romo to Witten for thirteen on the first play of the drive. Felix
Jones, replacing an injured Marion Barber, scampers for eighteen. Romo to
Crayton for 17, and to Owens for 22. Wright intercepts Romo in the end zone and
runs it back out to the 13.