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DMN: Cowboys need to do a better job of limiting fourth-quarter penalties
Oct. 11
Cowboys need to do a better job of limiting fourth-quarter penalties
by Brandon George / Reporter
IRVING - Coach Jason Garrett is in search of ever-elusive consistency for the Cowboys. He wants his team to play better in the fourth quarter.
For the Cowboys to close games better, they'll need to reduce their mistakes late. And that's more than just turnovers.
Ten of the Cowboys' 28 penalties this season - 35.7 percent - have come in the fourth quarter.
The most glaring four-quarter penalty for the Cowboys was cornerback Frank Walker's defensive holding against Detroit with 1:44 left to play. Though it cost the Cowboys only one yard, the penalty came on third-and-goal and gave the Lions an automatic first down. On the next play, Detroit scored the game-winning touchdown in its 34-30 victory.
Five of the Cowboys' 10 fourth-quarter penalties have come in the final 5:30 of games. The Cowboys have 11 penalties of 10 yards or more, and five have come in the fourth quarter.
Cowboys left tackle Doug Free and cornerback Alan Ball lead the team with three penalties apiece through four games, but two of Ball's penalties have come in the fourth quarter.
Penalties haven't been a major issue for the Cowboys this season - and they've certainly improved in this area under Garrett as opposed to former coach Wade Phillips - but they have to do a better job of avoiding yellow flags with the game on the line.
Oct. 11
Cowboys need to do a better job of limiting fourth-quarter penalties
by Brandon George / Reporter
IRVING - Coach Jason Garrett is in search of ever-elusive consistency for the Cowboys. He wants his team to play better in the fourth quarter.
For the Cowboys to close games better, they'll need to reduce their mistakes late. And that's more than just turnovers.
Ten of the Cowboys' 28 penalties this season - 35.7 percent - have come in the fourth quarter.
The most glaring four-quarter penalty for the Cowboys was cornerback Frank Walker's defensive holding against Detroit with 1:44 left to play. Though it cost the Cowboys only one yard, the penalty came on third-and-goal and gave the Lions an automatic first down. On the next play, Detroit scored the game-winning touchdown in its 34-30 victory.
Five of the Cowboys' 10 fourth-quarter penalties have come in the final 5:30 of games. The Cowboys have 11 penalties of 10 yards or more, and five have come in the fourth quarter.
Cowboys left tackle Doug Free and cornerback Alan Ball lead the team with three penalties apiece through four games, but two of Ball's penalties have come in the fourth quarter.
Penalties haven't been a major issue for the Cowboys this season - and they've certainly improved in this area under Garrett as opposed to former coach Wade Phillips - but they have to do a better job of avoiding yellow flags with the game on the line.
