In prime time, Cowboys coach Jason Garrett didn’t have his best showing.
After a 28-24 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Garrett was heavily criticized for his team’s late-game decision making, choosing to run the ball with Ezekiel Elliott inside the red zone instead of riding Dak Prescott’s hot hand.
With under five minutes left, down four, the Cowboys began a drive at their-own 26-yard line — and moved the ball effortlessly down the field. Prescott found Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup and Jason Witten to get to Minnesota’ 11-yard line with 1:57 left.
That’s when Dallas went to Elliott.
On second and third down, the Cowboys called two straight runs for Elliott, their $90 million, to try and pick up two yards to get the first down. On the first run, Elliott failed to gain a yard and on his second rushing attempt, he was tackled for a loss of three yards.
On fourth-and-5, an obvious passing situation, Prescott threw an incomplete pass to Elliott — resulting in a turnover on downs.
The loss dropped the Cowboys to 5-4 on the season, and commentators were quick to point the finger at Garrett afterward:
Jerry Jones needs to swallow his pride and get rid of Jason Garrett. This is the most talent the #Cowboys have had on both sides of the ball in a LONG time. All either in their prime or entering it. It will all go to waste with that man as HC. Period. Another game thrown away.
— Mike D (@MikeDOnAir) November 11, 2019
On a 397-yard night for Dak…
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) November 11, 2019
When Dak converting EVERYTHING…
When Zeke averaged 2.4 YPC…
On the Vikings 11-yard line…
Down 4 with 1:30 left in the 4th…
Dallas went:
2nd & 2 Zeke run = no gain
3rd & 2 Zeke run = loss of 3
Imagine not trusting him with the game on the line pic.twitter.com/K68EguUMvY
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) November 11, 2019
That was so pathetic Cowboys play callers. Y’all went down the field passing the ball but then went super conservative there and lost the game. Congrats
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) November 11, 2019
I am in shock over the last four play calls. Did Jason Garrett tell Kellen Moore to run it??? Just mind-blowing.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) November 11, 2019
Speaking to reporters, Garrett defended the decision afterward.
“It’s important for us to continue to try to run the ball.” - Jason Garrett on the Cowboys’ 4th quarter turnover on downshttps://t.co/8azcNxTE3n pic.twitter.com/zEcYmbdbLX
— CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) November 11, 2019
Prescott finished with 397 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. Elliott had 47 yards on 20 carries.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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