Dallas survives early scare from Detroit
Since 2009, the Dallas Cowboys haven’t made it to the post-season. After winning the NFC East division this season in an impressive 12-4 season, they were back home for their first ever playoff game at AT&T Stadium. The game would start with an unfortunate three-and-out for the home team, as their wild card opponent, the Detroit Lions would immediately score on a 51-yard pass from Matthew Stafford to Golden Tate.
Dallas would have empty possession during the opening quarter, which would lead to Reggie Bush scoring an 18-yard run on the next ensuring drive. Both teams struggled to properly incorporate their run-game into the offense, finishing both under 100 yards each. Romo continued his MVP-like season finishing the game with a 114 rating, two touchdowns and nearly 300 yards. Before the 2nd half would begin, Dallas would see their first points of the game on a 76-yard pass completion to Terrance Williams. With momentum obviously shifting their way, Detroit would answer back with a 39-yard field goal to push their lead back to 10.
In the 2nd half, it was all Dallas, as they lit the score board with a 17-3 edge – including a late 4th quarter drive that saw many questionable defensive calls on the Lions. With DeMarco Murray putting his stamp on the game, with a touchdown to give them the lead, Terrance Williams would score his 2nd touchdown of the game to cap off a 59-yard drive. They now head to Lambeau Field for game against Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers.
This marks the first time the two teams will play this season, as a well-rested cheese-head team will be awaiting America’s Team. Dallas is the obvious under-dog heading into the divisional round of playoffs next weekend, but have more momentum carried from recent weeks into the post-season, for a potential upset victory.