ARLINGTON, Tex. - The Cowboys blew it again.
They had a golden opportunity to strike early in the second half when Kyle Wilber intercepted Matthew Stafford on a tipped pass to the Lions 19 to open the third frame. DeMarco Murray nearly broke throught middle on the following rush before being brought down for a 5 yarder. But quarterback Romo was sacked on 3rd-and-2 and otherwise reliable Dan Bailey would slice his field goal chance.
Detroit answered with a 37 yard field goal after driving 50 yards to increase their lead, 20-7.
Romo answered an early 14-0 deficit with a 76 yard touchdown strike to Terrance Williams in the second quarter. Dallas had 80 yards of offense before then.
Sunday, January 4, 2015
Cowboys come within 17-7 after being stuffed early
ARLINGTON, Tex. - Tony Romo responded to a 14-0 deficit near the end of the second quarter with a 76 yard touchdown strike to Terrance Williams as the Cowboys trail the Detroit Lions 17-7 at the halftime break.
Williams was called for offensive pass interference on the previous play, taking away a 3rd-and-2 conversion to Jason Witten. He would answer back on the resulting 3rd-and-12, a reception on a crossing route through linebacking traffic and outracing the secondary down the far sideline.
Dallas, seeking their first playoff victory since after the 2009 season, had gained 80 yards on their previous 25 plays before the score.
Detroit (11-5) would respond with a 59 yard drive and Matt Prater kicked clean from 39 yards to advance the Lions' lead with three seconds left.
Calvin Johnson converted a 2nd-and-10 to the near side and Golden Tate moved the chains on a 3rd-and-5. Officials initially ruled Tate short, but after a review awarded him the extra half-yard. Reggie Bush took a pass into the red zone with 13 seconds left.
Cowboys backer Bruce Carter nearly had an interception off Stafford when the passer was eyeing Johnson in the end zone with 6 on the clock before head coach Jim Caldwell sent Prater on.
Romo has been sacked 3 times for 23 lost yards and DeMarco Murray held to 30 yards on the ground as the once-vaunted Cowboys front five has been smothered by Detroit's stoppers. The Lions are ranked second in total defense behind Seattle and their run-stop the best in football this season.
The Cowboys' signal-caller is 8-for-16 on 149 yards passing for Dallas (12-4).
Detroit jumped out to a 14-0 lead on Matthew Stafford's 51 yard touchdown toss to Golden Tate on their first possession and Reggie Bush's 18 yard scoring rush to end a 99 yard drive near the end of the first quarter.
Williams was called for offensive pass interference on the previous play, taking away a 3rd-and-2 conversion to Jason Witten. He would answer back on the resulting 3rd-and-12, a reception on a crossing route through linebacking traffic and outracing the secondary down the far sideline.
Dallas, seeking their first playoff victory since after the 2009 season, had gained 80 yards on their previous 25 plays before the score.
Detroit (11-5) would respond with a 59 yard drive and Matt Prater kicked clean from 39 yards to advance the Lions' lead with three seconds left.
Calvin Johnson converted a 2nd-and-10 to the near side and Golden Tate moved the chains on a 3rd-and-5. Officials initially ruled Tate short, but after a review awarded him the extra half-yard. Reggie Bush took a pass into the red zone with 13 seconds left.
Cowboys backer Bruce Carter nearly had an interception off Stafford when the passer was eyeing Johnson in the end zone with 6 on the clock before head coach Jim Caldwell sent Prater on.
Romo has been sacked 3 times for 23 lost yards and DeMarco Murray held to 30 yards on the ground as the once-vaunted Cowboys front five has been smothered by Detroit's stoppers. The Lions are ranked second in total defense behind Seattle and their run-stop the best in football this season.
The Cowboys' signal-caller is 8-for-16 on 149 yards passing for Dallas (12-4).
Detroit jumped out to a 14-0 lead on Matthew Stafford's 51 yard touchdown toss to Golden Tate on their first possession and Reggie Bush's 18 yard scoring rush to end a 99 yard drive near the end of the first quarter.
Lions charge 99 yards, lead Cowboys 14-0
ARLINGTON, Tex. - Reggie Bush scampered for an 18 yard touchdown to give the Detroit Lions into a 14-0 lead over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.
The score capped off a 99 yard drive that was resurrected on a crucial Cowboys penalty in the end zone.
Receiver Golden Tate threw a block on J.J. Wilcox as Bush rushed middle, then cut left down the sideline and over the pylon for the two score advantage for Detroit, who seeks their first playoff victory since 1991.
The scoring drive was the first of that length in the postseason in 12 years.
After being pinned inside the 1 by Cowboys punter Chris Jones, Detroit failed to convert, though would be bailed out when their punter, Sam Martin, was run into in the end zone, converting the 4th-and-5.
Stafford rushed himself for 9 yards and a first down after shuffling past a would-be tackle and Reggie Bush followed with a 9 yard gash of his own. Joique Bell found a hole through the middle to convert the 2nd-and-1, and again on a fake end-around toss for 18 yards through traffic to the Cowboys 31.
Matthew Stafford put Detroit on the board after their first possession, a 51 yard touchdown strike to Golden Tate on a 4 play charge over 62 yards, all passes. Stafford is XXXX
Tony Romo fumbled on a sack on the Cowboys' third possession, but Dallas would recover and Jason Witten would convert a 3rd-and-12 toss.
Detroit outgained Dallas 155-34 in total yardage and 65-8 rushing.
The score capped off a 99 yard drive that was resurrected on a crucial Cowboys penalty in the end zone.
Receiver Golden Tate threw a block on J.J. Wilcox as Bush rushed middle, then cut left down the sideline and over the pylon for the two score advantage for Detroit, who seeks their first playoff victory since 1991.
The scoring drive was the first of that length in the postseason in 12 years.
After being pinned inside the 1 by Cowboys punter Chris Jones, Detroit failed to convert, though would be bailed out when their punter, Sam Martin, was run into in the end zone, converting the 4th-and-5.
Stafford rushed himself for 9 yards and a first down after shuffling past a would-be tackle and Reggie Bush followed with a 9 yard gash of his own. Joique Bell found a hole through the middle to convert the 2nd-and-1, and again on a fake end-around toss for 18 yards through traffic to the Cowboys 31.
Matthew Stafford put Detroit on the board after their first possession, a 51 yard touchdown strike to Golden Tate on a 4 play charge over 62 yards, all passes. Stafford is XXXX
Tony Romo fumbled on a sack on the Cowboys' third possession, but Dallas would recover and Jason Witten would convert a 3rd-and-12 toss.
Detroit outgained Dallas 155-34 in total yardage and 65-8 rushing.
Stafford connects with Tate, Lions lead 7-0
ARLINGTON, Tex. - Matthew Stafford flung a 51 yard touchdown to Golden Tate as the Detroit Lions lead the Dallas Cowboys 7-0 early in the first quarter of an NFC Wild Card game.
The Dallas native engineered the 62 yard drive over 4 plays after Dallas (12-5) went 3 yards in as many snaps to open the contest.
Tate was decked by C.J. Spillman as he caught the punt that would kick off Detroit's succeeding possession. Stafford connected with Joique Bell on an 11 yard gainer to start the drive.
Dallas is seeking their first playoff victory, and Tony Romo his second, since after the 2009 season.
The Dallas native engineered the 62 yard drive over 4 plays after Dallas (12-5) went 3 yards in as many snaps to open the contest.
Tate was decked by C.J. Spillman as he caught the punt that would kick off Detroit's succeeding possession. Stafford connected with Joique Bell on an 11 yard gainer to start the drive.
Dallas is seeking their first playoff victory, and Tony Romo his second, since after the 2009 season.
Luck tosses TD as Colts lead Cincy 20-10
INDIANAPOLIS - Andrew Luck flung 10 straight completions before airing a 36 yard touchdown to Donte Moncrief as the Colts lead the Bengals 20-10 in the third quarter of an AFC Wild Card game on Sunday.
Under a blitz, Luck danced from a would-be sack and stepped into the back shoulder toss as he was tripped from behind, finding the rookie receiver as he broke from two defensive backs to the right side of the end zone.
The 61 yard drive came halfway through the third frame following two Bengals three-and-outs as Luck has outdueled Andy Dalton 298-91, completing 23 of his 35 pass attempts. Daniel Herron has 81 yards through the air and 35 on the ground. T.Y. Hilton follows with 80 yards receiving for Indy.
The Colts have outgained the Bengals 351-170. Cincinnati has suffered offensively as wide receiver A.J. Green and tight end Jermaine Gresham are both out with a concussion and back injury respectively.
Herron and Jeremy Hill rushed for touchdowns in the first quarter before the Colts added two field goals and the Bengals a third as Cincinnati seeks their first playoff victory in five attempts since 1991.
Under a blitz, Luck danced from a would-be sack and stepped into the back shoulder toss as he was tripped from behind, finding the rookie receiver as he broke from two defensive backs to the right side of the end zone.
The 61 yard drive came halfway through the third frame following two Bengals three-and-outs as Luck has outdueled Andy Dalton 298-91, completing 23 of his 35 pass attempts. Daniel Herron has 81 yards through the air and 35 on the ground. T.Y. Hilton follows with 80 yards receiving for Indy.
The Colts have outgained the Bengals 351-170. Cincinnati has suffered offensively as wide receiver A.J. Green and tight end Jermaine Gresham are both out with a concussion and back injury respectively.
Herron and Jeremy Hill rushed for touchdowns in the first quarter before the Colts added two field goals and the Bengals a third as Cincinnati seeks their first playoff victory in five attempts since 1991.
Colts leading Bengals 13-10 at half
INDIANAPOLIS - Mike Nugent kicked a 57 yard field goal to close the first half as the Bengals come within 13-10 of the Colts in an AFC Wild Card game on Sunday.
Nugent struck clean and bounced inside off the left upright for his career-best kick and the Bengals' postseason best.
Cincinnati gained possession suddenly off a turnover as the Colts were driving.
Colts back Daniel Herron rushed for a first down on a promising drive before Darqueze Dennard stripped him at the Bengals 35 and returning to the 41. Herron powered the Colts with 61 yards on 6 receptions and 34 yards on 5 rushes and a touchdown in the first quarter, gaining 58 of the Colts' 71 yards on that first possession.
Ryan Hewitt converted the following 3rd-and-11 toss from Andy Dalton to the Colts 44, though Giovani Bernard caught short of the 3rd-and-6 play shortly after, setting up Nugent's boot on the 4th-and-5 with 10 seconds left.
Indianapolis had two sure chances in the red zone to come away with touchdowns in the first half, but the Bengals defense would stiffen both times and hold the home side to field goals.
T.Y. Hilton hauled in a 17 yarder along the sideline to convert a 3rd-and-11 pass from Andrew Luck and again for 30 yards on a crossing route to the Bengals 20.
But Luck's 3rd-and-10 toss for Reggie Wayne in the end zone was tipped incomplete by Bengals corner Dre Kirkpatrick and Adam Vinatieri kicked from 38 yards.
Vinatieri booted a 23 yard field goal to end a drive propelled by Hakeem Nicks' 45 yard pass play to the Bengals 17, his longest play as a Colt and the longest play of the game thus far. Hilton had a sure 3rd-and-4 conversion in his grasp before dropping it as he stepped out of bounds, a gain that would have produced a 1st-and-Goal.
Jeremy Hill and Daniel Herron rushed for touchdowns to produce a 7-7 tie between Cincinnati and Indianapolis in the first quarter.
Andrew Luck is 16-for-27 on 219 yards passing, 4 of those for 80 yards to Hilton.
Cincinnati, seeking their first playoff victory in five tries since 1991, are without wide receiver A.J. Green (concussion) and tight end Jermaine Gresham (back).
Nugent struck clean and bounced inside off the left upright for his career-best kick and the Bengals' postseason best.
Cincinnati gained possession suddenly off a turnover as the Colts were driving.
Colts back Daniel Herron rushed for a first down on a promising drive before Darqueze Dennard stripped him at the Bengals 35 and returning to the 41. Herron powered the Colts with 61 yards on 6 receptions and 34 yards on 5 rushes and a touchdown in the first quarter, gaining 58 of the Colts' 71 yards on that first possession.
Ryan Hewitt converted the following 3rd-and-11 toss from Andy Dalton to the Colts 44, though Giovani Bernard caught short of the 3rd-and-6 play shortly after, setting up Nugent's boot on the 4th-and-5 with 10 seconds left.
Indianapolis had two sure chances in the red zone to come away with touchdowns in the first half, but the Bengals defense would stiffen both times and hold the home side to field goals.
T.Y. Hilton hauled in a 17 yarder along the sideline to convert a 3rd-and-11 pass from Andrew Luck and again for 30 yards on a crossing route to the Bengals 20.
But Luck's 3rd-and-10 toss for Reggie Wayne in the end zone was tipped incomplete by Bengals corner Dre Kirkpatrick and Adam Vinatieri kicked from 38 yards.
Vinatieri booted a 23 yard field goal to end a drive propelled by Hakeem Nicks' 45 yard pass play to the Bengals 17, his longest play as a Colt and the longest play of the game thus far. Hilton had a sure 3rd-and-4 conversion in his grasp before dropping it as he stepped out of bounds, a gain that would have produced a 1st-and-Goal.
Jeremy Hill and Daniel Herron rushed for touchdowns to produce a 7-7 tie between Cincinnati and Indianapolis in the first quarter.
Andrew Luck is 16-for-27 on 219 yards passing, 4 of those for 80 yards to Hilton.
Cincinnati, seeking their first playoff victory in five tries since 1991, are without wide receiver A.J. Green (concussion) and tight end Jermaine Gresham (back).
Bengals, Colts tied 7-7 in first
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - Jeremy Hill rushed for a 1 yard touchdown to cap off a 74 yard drive to produce a 7-7 tie between the Bengals and Colts in an AFC Wild Card game on Sunday.
It was the first time the Bengals scored a touchdown against the Colts in 16 previous possessions.
Hill converted a 3rd-and-1 into Colts territory bouncing off right end on an 18 yard boost and Rex Burkhead caught to the Colts 5 on a 26 yarder from Andy Dalton.
Daniel Herron accounted for 58 of the 71 yards gained on the Colts' first drive, culminated in Herron's 2 yard scoring rush for the quick lead.
Cincinnati is seeking to end a six-game playoff losing streak, the third-worst in football behind Detroit (7) and Kansas City (8).
It was the first time the Bengals scored a touchdown against the Colts in 16 previous possessions.
Hill converted a 3rd-and-1 into Colts territory bouncing off right end on an 18 yard boost and Rex Burkhead caught to the Colts 5 on a 26 yarder from Andy Dalton.
Daniel Herron accounted for 58 of the 71 yards gained on the Colts' first drive, culminated in Herron's 2 yard scoring rush for the quick lead.
Cincinnati is seeking to end a six-game playoff losing streak, the third-worst in football behind Detroit (7) and Kansas City (8).
Herron charges Colts to 7-0 lead early
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - Daniel "Boom" Herron rushed for a 2 yard touchdown as the Indianapolis Colts take an early 7-0 lead on the Cincinnati Bengals in the first quarter of their AFC Wild Card game on Sunday.
He featured on the Colts' first drive, a 71 yard charge, hauling in passes of 18 and 8 yards before the former Ohio State Buckeye took a toss in the flat for a 27 yard burst through traffic to the Bengals 13.
Dwayne Allen caught for a first down to the Bengals 2 to set up Herron's score.
Luck nearly had T.Y. Hilton for a touchdown on their first drive, but Terrance Newman swatted the ball from his grasp as both fell on the goal line.
Luck is 3-of-6 for 34 yards as the Colts seek to hand the Bengals their fourth playoff defeat in as many seasons.
He featured on the Colts' first drive, a 71 yard charge, hauling in passes of 18 and 8 yards before the former Ohio State Buckeye took a toss in the flat for a 27 yard burst through traffic to the Bengals 13.
Dwayne Allen caught for a first down to the Bengals 2 to set up Herron's score.
Luck nearly had T.Y. Hilton for a touchdown on their first drive, but Terrance Newman swatted the ball from his grasp as both fell on the goal line.
Luck is 3-of-6 for 34 yards as the Colts seek to hand the Bengals their fourth playoff defeat in as many seasons.
Saturday, January 3, 2015
Ravens leading Steelers 10-9 at half
PITTSBURGH - Bernard Pierce rushed five yards for a touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens lead the field goal happy Pittsburgh Steelers 10-9 after thirty minutes in their AFC Wild Card game on Saturday.
That despite the Steelers holding the ball for nearly 21 minutes to Baltimore's 9.
Pierce capped off an 80 yard drive for Baltimore at 12:28 in the second quarter. Owen Daniels caught for 18 yards into Steelers territory and Justin Forsett to the Pittsburgh 5.
Ben Roethlisberger is 18-of-24 for 183 yards passing for Pittsburgh (11-5), who are in the postseason for the first time in three seasons. He extended a play early after escaping a sure sack from DeAngelo Young, throwing his trademark pump-fake and rolling right for a 30 yard strike to Heath Miller.
But the Steelers are 4-for-9 on third-down plays and 0-for-1 inside the 20 as Shaun Suisham kicked from 45 and 22 yards. His 47 yard boot with 37 seconds left in the first half brought the home side within 1 of their rivals.
Josh Harris has carried 5 times for 6 yards in relief of starting back Le'Veon Bell, who was ruled out yesterday with a knee injury suffered in the team's regular season finale.
Ben Tate, signed this week from Minnesota, has 17 yards on 4 rushes for the Steelers, who are 9-0 against teams they play three times in a season.
That despite the Steelers holding the ball for nearly 21 minutes to Baltimore's 9.
Pierce capped off an 80 yard drive for Baltimore at 12:28 in the second quarter. Owen Daniels caught for 18 yards into Steelers territory and Justin Forsett to the Pittsburgh 5.
Ben Roethlisberger is 18-of-24 for 183 yards passing for Pittsburgh (11-5), who are in the postseason for the first time in three seasons. He extended a play early after escaping a sure sack from DeAngelo Young, throwing his trademark pump-fake and rolling right for a 30 yard strike to Heath Miller.
But the Steelers are 4-for-9 on third-down plays and 0-for-1 inside the 20 as Shaun Suisham kicked from 45 and 22 yards. His 47 yard boot with 37 seconds left in the first half brought the home side within 1 of their rivals.
Josh Harris has carried 5 times for 6 yards in relief of starting back Le'Veon Bell, who was ruled out yesterday with a knee injury suffered in the team's regular season finale.
Ben Tate, signed this week from Minnesota, has 17 yards on 4 rushes for the Steelers, who are 9-0 against teams they play three times in a season.
Alabama: Daron Payne commits
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Daron Payne, the Rivals.com No. 3 defensive tackle and No. 21 overall football player, has given a verbal commitment to attend the University of Alabama over Auburn.
Payne, of Shades Valley High School in Irondale, Alabama, also received offers from Florida State and Ole Miss.
He grew up a fan of the Auburn Tigers, though the relationship he made with Tide offensive line coach Mario Cristobal over the past year would influence his decision.
"It's a school where I feel they can better me as a player," Payne said. "I like Alabama because of their development history, the facilities and the coaching staff."
The 6-foot-2, 335 pound tackle is the fifth five-star player to sign with the Crimson Tide, alongside quarterback Blake Barnett, receiver Calvin Ridley and defensive backs Deionte Thompson and Minkah Fitzpatrick.
"They were showing me some film," said Payne, who will visit the school in January. "They were telling me how they don't really run a 3-4 defense anymore. They use different front and rotate guys in and out. They said they want to use me inside-out."
Alabama recorded the nation's best recruiting class for 2015, according to Rivals.com.
Payne, of Shades Valley High School in Irondale, Alabama, also received offers from Florida State and Ole Miss.
He grew up a fan of the Auburn Tigers, though the relationship he made with Tide offensive line coach Mario Cristobal over the past year would influence his decision.
"It's a school where I feel they can better me as a player," Payne said. "I like Alabama because of their development history, the facilities and the coaching staff."
The 6-foot-2, 335 pound tackle is the fifth five-star player to sign with the Crimson Tide, alongside quarterback Blake Barnett, receiver Calvin Ridley and defensive backs Deionte Thompson and Minkah Fitzpatrick.
"They were showing me some film," said Payne, who will visit the school in January. "They were telling me how they don't really run a 3-4 defense anymore. They use different front and rotate guys in and out. They said they want to use me inside-out."
Alabama recorded the nation's best recruiting class for 2015, according to Rivals.com.
Lions-Cowboys NFC Wild Card preview
ARLINGTON, Tex. - After what seemed an eternity of 8-8 seasons and perpetual exclusion from the playoffs, the Dallas Cowboys once again find themselves in contention when it counts.
Capturing their first division crown since 2009, the Cowboys will host the Detroit Lions for an NFC Wild Card game on Sunday.
Quarterback Tony Romo finished his regular season campaign with 34 touchdowns (fourth-most) and 9 interceptions (10th-fewest) on 3,405 yards passing, and seeks a second win in his postseason career against three defeats. Sunday will find Romo in his first playoff contest in five seasons.
"I'm playing at a level I'm proud of and hope to get better," Romo said. "I'm just excited about the progression of improvement and want to keep this going in our next game."
"He's the guy who orchestrates and leads everything we do on offense," Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett said of his quarterback.
Dallas (12-5) rebounded from a 23-point defeat to the Eagles on Thanksgiving with four straight victories to end their regular season, scoring 41 points per game and ending the year as one of four undefeated teams in December.
And made history in the process as running back DeMarco Murray and wide receiver Dez Bryant secured Cowboys franchise records in their fields at the Washington Redskins in Week 17, a 44-17 Dallas rout.
Bryant hauled in two touchdowns in that contest, good for his 15th and 16th this season, the most of any Cowboys receiver in 54 years of football.
"Dez is really a remarkable player," Cowboys tight end Jason Witten said, "a dynamic player, and it's great to see his growth.
"As a teammate, as a leader, as a veteran guy, you can take a lot of pride in seeing the growth of Dez and DeMarco [Murray] mature as players."
Murray's 32 yard rush last Sunday would brake the franchise's single-season rushing record held by Emmitt Smith since 1995. He finished that game with 100 yards on 20 rush attempts and a touchdown.
He gained 100 yards in 12 contests this season, the second-highest total in the league's history.
The Cowboys rush the football a league-high 68 percent of the time, aiding DeMarco Murray to the rushing title with 1,845 yards and 13 touchdowns, both marks the best in the game. He rushed for at least one touchdown in his last three appearances for Dallas.
Murray will rush behind a front five that had three of its own elected to the Pro Bowl en route to the second-most rushing yards every Sunday (147.1 ypg) behind only the Seahawks.
Though the Cowboys' backfield will face a stiff test in the Lions' defensive line, a unit that allows a league-low 69.3 yards per game and 3.3 yards per first down rush attempt.
Detroit (11-5) will feature Ndamukong Suh on that line after he won his appeal of a one-game suspension he intially received for stomping on the leg of Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers in their game last Sunday.
"I'm just pleased with the decision and glad I have the opportunity," said Suh this week, whose suspension was replaced with a $70,000 fine. "I can go against Dallas and help my teammates win the game. I think that's most important."
His 8 1/2 sacks were the most for the Lions' stout group, which held opponents to under 100 yards rushing in 14 of 16 outings this season. In five games, opposing backs could not surpass 50 yards against them.
"We have a great defense, they've held us in games a lot of times," Lions receiver Calvin Johnson said of their stopping eleven. "Like they say, 'defense wins championships', so if we just step our game up on offense we'll be alright."
The Lions failed to secure the NFC North in their game at Lambeau Field, falling 30-20 to the Packers, though will appear in the postseason under head coach Jim Caldwell after a two-year drought.
They play extra football for the second time in 15 years, though have lost 10 of 11 playoff games in the Super Bowl era.
Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford in 0-16 in career road games against teams with a winning record, the third-most defeats by a passer in that category since the 1970 merger.
"I think, obviously, you watch every game and find ways that you can get better, win, lose, or draw," said Stafford, in search of his first playoff win. "We're a battle-tested team and have won 11 football games this year. We found ways to win a lot of them and we'll continue to do that. We just have to move forward."
Stafford found 22 touchdowns and 12 interceptions and is 2-0 in his career against the Cowboys. He surpassed the 4,000 yard mark for his fourth straight season, tossing for 4,257 yards this year.
Detroit scored 15.5 points per game away from Ford Field, underscored only by the Raiders and Jaguars.
Dallas leads Detroit 13-12 in their all-time series and both sides have split two playoff meetings.
Capturing their first division crown since 2009, the Cowboys will host the Detroit Lions for an NFC Wild Card game on Sunday.
Quarterback Tony Romo finished his regular season campaign with 34 touchdowns (fourth-most) and 9 interceptions (10th-fewest) on 3,405 yards passing, and seeks a second win in his postseason career against three defeats. Sunday will find Romo in his first playoff contest in five seasons.
"I'm playing at a level I'm proud of and hope to get better," Romo said. "I'm just excited about the progression of improvement and want to keep this going in our next game."
"He's the guy who orchestrates and leads everything we do on offense," Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett said of his quarterback.
Dallas (12-5) rebounded from a 23-point defeat to the Eagles on Thanksgiving with four straight victories to end their regular season, scoring 41 points per game and ending the year as one of four undefeated teams in December.
And made history in the process as running back DeMarco Murray and wide receiver Dez Bryant secured Cowboys franchise records in their fields at the Washington Redskins in Week 17, a 44-17 Dallas rout.
Bryant hauled in two touchdowns in that contest, good for his 15th and 16th this season, the most of any Cowboys receiver in 54 years of football.
"Dez is really a remarkable player," Cowboys tight end Jason Witten said, "a dynamic player, and it's great to see his growth.
"As a teammate, as a leader, as a veteran guy, you can take a lot of pride in seeing the growth of Dez and DeMarco [Murray] mature as players."
Murray's 32 yard rush last Sunday would brake the franchise's single-season rushing record held by Emmitt Smith since 1995. He finished that game with 100 yards on 20 rush attempts and a touchdown.
He gained 100 yards in 12 contests this season, the second-highest total in the league's history.
The Cowboys rush the football a league-high 68 percent of the time, aiding DeMarco Murray to the rushing title with 1,845 yards and 13 touchdowns, both marks the best in the game. He rushed for at least one touchdown in his last three appearances for Dallas.
Murray will rush behind a front five that had three of its own elected to the Pro Bowl en route to the second-most rushing yards every Sunday (147.1 ypg) behind only the Seahawks.
Though the Cowboys' backfield will face a stiff test in the Lions' defensive line, a unit that allows a league-low 69.3 yards per game and 3.3 yards per first down rush attempt.
Detroit (11-5) will feature Ndamukong Suh on that line after he won his appeal of a one-game suspension he intially received for stomping on the leg of Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers in their game last Sunday.
"I'm just pleased with the decision and glad I have the opportunity," said Suh this week, whose suspension was replaced with a $70,000 fine. "I can go against Dallas and help my teammates win the game. I think that's most important."
His 8 1/2 sacks were the most for the Lions' stout group, which held opponents to under 100 yards rushing in 14 of 16 outings this season. In five games, opposing backs could not surpass 50 yards against them.
"We have a great defense, they've held us in games a lot of times," Lions receiver Calvin Johnson said of their stopping eleven. "Like they say, 'defense wins championships', so if we just step our game up on offense we'll be alright."
The Lions failed to secure the NFC North in their game at Lambeau Field, falling 30-20 to the Packers, though will appear in the postseason under head coach Jim Caldwell after a two-year drought.
They play extra football for the second time in 15 years, though have lost 10 of 11 playoff games in the Super Bowl era.
Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford in 0-16 in career road games against teams with a winning record, the third-most defeats by a passer in that category since the 1970 merger.
"I think, obviously, you watch every game and find ways that you can get better, win, lose, or draw," said Stafford, in search of his first playoff win. "We're a battle-tested team and have won 11 football games this year. We found ways to win a lot of them and we'll continue to do that. We just have to move forward."
Stafford found 22 touchdowns and 12 interceptions and is 2-0 in his career against the Cowboys. He surpassed the 4,000 yard mark for his fourth straight season, tossing for 4,257 yards this year.
Detroit scored 15.5 points per game away from Ford Field, underscored only by the Raiders and Jaguars.
Dallas leads Detroit 13-12 in their all-time series and both sides have split two playoff meetings.
Friday, January 2, 2015
Eagles: New titles for Roseman, Kelly
PHILADELPHIA - After a losing December that found the Eagles end their season on a three-game skid and bounced from the postseason, a change was coming in the team's management.
That change came Friday.
Eagles owner, chairman, and chief executive Jeffrey Lurie announced new job titles for general manager Howie Roseman and head coach Chip Kelly.
The team's general manager since 2010, Roseman was elevated to the role of executive vice president, in charge of salary cap management, contract negotiations, and other NFL matters.
He will now have less control over the team's draft and scouting decisions, powers that will be handed to Kelly.
Kelly, who in two seasons has led the Eagles to two 10-win campaigns, will now also oversee the team's player personnel department and will aid the club in seeking a new personnel executive.
"We are a good football team and we believe these steps will help make us a great team," Lurie said in a statement explaining the decision on Friday. "That step, from good to great, is the most difficult one for any organization to make. To do that, sometimes you have to step back and really look hard at where you are today and not what you want to become."
The Eagles and Tom Cable, former vice president of player personnel, mutually parted ways on Wednesday.
Roseman also received a contract extension, the terms of which are not known.
That change came Friday.
Eagles owner, chairman, and chief executive Jeffrey Lurie announced new job titles for general manager Howie Roseman and head coach Chip Kelly.
The team's general manager since 2010, Roseman was elevated to the role of executive vice president, in charge of salary cap management, contract negotiations, and other NFL matters.
He will now have less control over the team's draft and scouting decisions, powers that will be handed to Kelly.
Kelly, who in two seasons has led the Eagles to two 10-win campaigns, will now also oversee the team's player personnel department and will aid the club in seeking a new personnel executive.
"We are a good football team and we believe these steps will help make us a great team," Lurie said in a statement explaining the decision on Friday. "That step, from good to great, is the most difficult one for any organization to make. To do that, sometimes you have to step back and really look hard at where you are today and not what you want to become."
The Eagles and Tom Cable, former vice president of player personnel, mutually parted ways on Wednesday.
Roseman also received a contract extension, the terms of which are not known.
Packers: Rodgers not at practice Friday
GREEN BAY, Wis. - Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was held from practice on Friday as he recovers from a calf injury.
Rodgers left action briefly last Sunday when he rolled up on his calf while throwing a touchdown pass to Randall Cobb. He returned and led the Packers to a 30-20 defeat of Detroit that clinched the NFC North.
"The calf is slowly progressing," Rodgers said Friday. "I wasn't out there today, but yeah, we're right where we need to be in getting ready to hopefully get on the field next week."
He said on Tuesday that he was undergoing treatment and was unsure if he would be 100 percent for the Packers' playoff matchup on Jan. 11.
"It's going all right," Rodgers said Friday. "The calf is slowly progressing. I wasn't out there today, but we're right where we need to be in getting ready to hopefully get on the field next week."
"He's been in treatment during the practice period, will do the same tomorrow, and I really don't see him getting on the practice field till Thursday, probably at the earliest," head coach Mike McCarthy said on Friday.
The Packers have a first-round bye to open the postseason and will host the winner of the Wild Card game between the Cowboys and Lions.
Steelers: Bell out vs Ravens (knee)
PITTSBURGH - Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell will be out for the team's AFC Wild Card game against Baltimore on Sunday because of a hyperextended right knee he suffered one week ago.
Bell, the second-best rusher by yardage in football, left last Sunday's game when his knee met with the helmet of Bengals safety Reggie Nelson on an open-field rush attempt.
He did not return to that game, a 27-17 victory for the Steelers that clinched the AFC North title.
Tests revealed he does not have any structural or ligament damage to his right knee.
Voted the Steelers MVP by teammates, Bell finished the season with 1,361 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns for Pittsburgh, adding 854 yards as a receiver.
Bell did not practice this week, though was confident he could play Sunday.
Pittsburgh signed tailback Ben Tate earlier this week and Josh Harris from their practice squad early last month. Tate, a four year veteran, rushed for Cleveland and Minnesota this season. He has 371 yards and 4 touchdowns.
The Steelers are seeking their first playoff victory since 2010.
Bell, the second-best rusher by yardage in football, left last Sunday's game when his knee met with the helmet of Bengals safety Reggie Nelson on an open-field rush attempt.
He did not return to that game, a 27-17 victory for the Steelers that clinched the AFC North title.
Tests revealed he does not have any structural or ligament damage to his right knee.
Voted the Steelers MVP by teammates, Bell finished the season with 1,361 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns for Pittsburgh, adding 854 yards as a receiver.
Bell did not practice this week, though was confident he could play Sunday.
Pittsburgh signed tailback Ben Tate earlier this week and Josh Harris from their practice squad early last month. Tate, a four year veteran, rushed for Cleveland and Minnesota this season. He has 371 yards and 4 touchdowns.
The Steelers are seeking their first playoff victory since 2010.
Thursday, January 1, 2015
Steelers: Bell (knee) still has not practiced
PITTSBURGH - Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell is yet to practice this week before hosting the Baltimore Ravens this Sunday in an AFC Wild Card game.
"I just did little things in the training room, tried to test it a little bit, see how it was," Bell told the Steelers website. "I feel really good. I didn't expect to be feeling this well this early. But I am, so I'm just going to take it day by day and see where it goes."
Bell hyperextended his right knee in Pittsburgh's regular season finale when Bengals safety Reggie Nelson collided with it on a rush attempt. He did not return to the second half of that game as the victorious Steelers were outrushed 116-29. Twenty of those yards were Bell's.
The second year back, who will likely be listed as questionable before Sunday's game, has no structural or ligament damage and is walking without a limp.
Rookie Josh Harris was signed from the Steelers' practice squad last month and will likely play should Bell be limited or out.
He has 16 yards rushing in nine attempts through five games this season. In relief of Bell on Sunday night he had a 59 yard gainer, most of which was taken off by penalty.
"It's tough because I just sit at home and say I wish that we could play now," Harris said. "I'm just going to take full advantage of the time [to prepare]. I want to be that guy who, when had his shot, he did all he could to help out his team."
Bell is confident in his would-be replacement.
"Josh is a very good player," he said via the Beaver County Times. "I've been watching him all year. I know what he's capable of. You got a little glimpse of it in the Bengals game. I was happy to see he broke a long run. You saw the speed a little bit. He's definitely ready."
"I just did little things in the training room, tried to test it a little bit, see how it was," Bell told the Steelers website. "I feel really good. I didn't expect to be feeling this well this early. But I am, so I'm just going to take it day by day and see where it goes."
Bell hyperextended his right knee in Pittsburgh's regular season finale when Bengals safety Reggie Nelson collided with it on a rush attempt. He did not return to the second half of that game as the victorious Steelers were outrushed 116-29. Twenty of those yards were Bell's.
The second year back, who will likely be listed as questionable before Sunday's game, has no structural or ligament damage and is walking without a limp.
Rookie Josh Harris was signed from the Steelers' practice squad last month and will likely play should Bell be limited or out.
He has 16 yards rushing in nine attempts through five games this season. In relief of Bell on Sunday night he had a 59 yard gainer, most of which was taken off by penalty.
"It's tough because I just sit at home and say I wish that we could play now," Harris said. "I'm just going to take full advantage of the time [to prepare]. I want to be that guy who, when had his shot, he did all he could to help out his team."
Bell is confident in his would-be replacement.
"Josh is a very good player," he said via the Beaver County Times. "I've been watching him all year. I know what he's capable of. You got a little glimpse of it in the Bengals game. I was happy to see he broke a long run. You saw the speed a little bit. He's definitely ready."
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