Rapid Reaction: Cardinals 19, Cowboys 13

December, 4, 2011
12/04/11
6:33
PM CT


GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The Cowboys tend to have crazy games here at University of Phoenix Stadium. Crazy. From a blocked punt that cost them a game, a missed point-after attempt and now a missed field goal in regulation after an inexplicable timeout call.

The Cowboys defense failed them in the end Sunday during a 19-13 overtime loss to Arizona. It was the Cowboys' third overtime game of the season and first loss in such games.

What it means? The Cowboys' four-game winning streak came to an end in a place that gives them fits. Arizona has won their last three games against Dallas in overtime and five of six at home. The Cowboys' hold on first place in the NFC East is still in good shape.

Jason Garrett's blunder: Dez Bryant caught a first-down pass with 23 seconds left in regulation. The Cowboys spiked the ball, then called a timeout as Dan Bailey converted on a 49-yard kick. It seemed as if they were freezing their own kicker. Bailey missed on the second try as time ran out, and the Cowboys headed to overtime. Why would Jason Garrett call a timeout after spiking the ball?

Murray's day: DeMarco Murray rushed for 38 yards, the lowest output since he became the starter on Oct. 30 at Philadelphia. Murray had rushed for at least 70 yards the last six games until Sunday.

Dan Bailey's streak ends: Kicker Dan Bailey missed a 53-yard field goal in the first quarter, ending his consecutive made field-goal streak at 26 games. But it was his 49-yard field goal try, wide left at the end of regulation, that sent the game to overtime tied at 13-13. The first miss from Bailey marked the first time that's happened since Week 2 at San Francisco. Bailey made field goals of 50 and 37 yards the rest of the way. His 26 field goals tied for the second-longest streak in franchise history and set an NFL record for a rookie kicker.

Cowboys injuries: Tight end Martellus Bennett injured his ribs in the first half and did not return. Wide receiver Laurent Robinson injured a right shoulder but returned after missing a handful of snaps. DeMarcus Ware left the game for one snap when his left arm was nicked up. Danny McCray and Murray also left with leg issues but returned.

Penalties, penalties, penalties: The Cowboys were penalized seven times for 49 yards, and the flags seemed to come at the worst times in the fourth quarter and overtime. Orlando Scandrick was flagged for a block in the back, negating Bryant's punt return that was returned to the Arizona 25. Terence Newman was called for holding on a second-and-long in overtime.

What's next? The Cowboys head home and take on the New York Giants in a big NFC East game next Sunday at Cowboys Stadium.
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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PASSING
Tony Romo
ATT COMP YDS TD
522 346 4184 31
RUSHINGCARYDSAVGTD
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F. Jones 127 575 4.5 1
RECEIVINGRECYDSAVGTD
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