It has been a painful seven-game stretch for the Dallas Cowboys, who failed to win a game without Tony Romo. Here are some of the reasons why, in number form.
1. 46
The total number of second half points scored by the Cowboys in the last seven games, good for less than a touchdown a half. This putrid offensive stretch also includes two second-half shutouts, one of which came on Sunday against the Bucs.
2. 34.8%
The Cowboys third down percentage during this stretch. For the full season, only seven teams sport a lower conversion percentage. These seven teams have a combined 29 wins, good for just over four a piece.
Dallas, of course, only has two wins.
3. 320
Penalty yards the Cowboys have taken over the last seven games. To put this number in perspective, it's only 174 less yards than Darren McFadden has rushed for this entire season.
Not only have the 44 penalties been a backbreaker, but many of them have come in crucial spots – such as Jeff Heath's holding call yesterday.
4. 3
The number of turnovers the Cowboys have forced in this stretch. A defense that thrived on taking the ball away last season has failed to do so consistently this season. With backup quarterbacks Brandon Weeden and Matt Cassel replacing Romo, a few turnovers to give them a short field would be nice.
Speaking of short fields…
5. 60.12%
The Cowboys red zone touchdown percentage over the last seven games. To make matters worse, five of the losses have come by a touchdown or less.
Scoring seven and not three down in the red zone is so important, and while 60% is relatively average, the full season's number is a hideous 48%. The Cowboys have plenty of offensive talent, so not cashing in touchdowns in close is unacceptable.
These are just a few of the reasons that the Cowboys find themselves in last place in the NFC East. Each week they have seemingly invented a new way to lose, taking fans for a ride we won't soon forget – for better or worse – upon the return of Tony Romo.
Which of these numbers do you find the most telling? What else has caused the Cowboys slump? Discuss with a comment below, or find me on Twitter @ShoreSportsNJ!
