Stock Report: Tony Romo down; Laurent Robinson up

October, 3, 2011
10/03/11
9:00
AM CT


The Cowboys are .500 after blowing a franchise-worst 24-point lead to the Detroit Lions on Sunday afternoon at Cowboys Stadium. Things are not good at Valley Ranch.

We review the Cowboys' 34-30 loss in our weekly Stock Report:

Streaking
STOCK UP

Laurent Robinson: Yes, he messed up on the second interception by allowing Chris Houston to get inside of him for the pick, but overall Robinson had a solid performance. He had seven catches for 116 yards, including a 44-yard reception. With Dez Bryant taken out of the game, Robinson was able to make the plays necessary in the passing game.

Dan Bailey: The Cowboys' kicker made field goals of 41, 35 and 23 yards. He's made 11 consecutive field goals since missing that 21-yarder in Week 2. More importantly for Bailey is kickoffs. He landed five of his six kickoffs in the end zone, with three going for touchbacks. He's putting pressure on David Buehler to return from the groin injury. If Bailey can remain consistent with kickoffs, Buehler might be in trouble.

Gerald Sensabaugh: Before leaving the game with a concussion, Sensabaugh allowed just one catch with Calvin Johnson on the field. Sensabaugh finished with four tackles, one interception and a pass breakup. Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan said communication was lacking with Sensabaugh in the locker room. Sensabaugh is playing better as the season progresses.

Slumping
STOCK DOWN

Tony Romo: He threw three second-half interceptions, all leading to scores. That's not good. In fact, it's embarrassing. Of his five interceptions on the season, all have come in the second half. Coach Jason Garrett talks about ball protection. It seems Romo needs to take that course again.

Pass rush: The Lions used max protection for quarterback Matthew Stafford. That's to be expected, but the Cowboys need to sack him, especially late in the game. There were six quarterback hurries, but zero sacks. You have to get sacks on third down and passing situations. It's that simple.

Jason Garrett: In training camp, he had the team practice late game situations, but there was Felix Jones running out of bounds in the closing moments on fourth down, short of the first-down. Last week, it was Tashard Choice failing to stay in bounds to run down the clock. The Lions defense shut Bryant down in the second half, when Garrett needs to get him the ball. Garrett's offense didn't score in the fourth quarter. With the Lions rallying, the Cowboys needed something.
Calvin Watkins joined ESPNDallas.com in September 2009. He's covered the Cowboys since 2006 and also has covered colleges, boxing and high school sports.

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