After largely ignoring the running game for two weeks, offensive coordinator Jason Garrett has realized how devastating it can be. Against the Lions, the Cowboys had 45 pass plays and 15 runs. The following week, they 37 pass plays and only 14 runs.
This week, offensive line coach Tony Sparano and his linemen talked about the need to commit to the running game. Early in the season, the Cowboys closed out games on the ground. Tonight, they've gone too it a little earlier.
Saw this stat in the Dallas Morning News this morning: The Cowboys average 4.19 yards on their first 10 carries, 4.62 on their next 10 carries and 5.0 per attempt after 20 carries.
Cowboys cornerback Terence Newman limped off the field after DeAngelo Williams ran over him during a 39-yard run. On the next play, Steve Smith rushed onto the field and burned Jacques Reeves on the fade route.
Moore faked the hitch and beat Reeves with the fade. Perfect execution by the Panthers. After being victimized by Smith for 135 yards and a touchdown in a 2003 playoff game, Newman has been great against him.
