Dallas foots the Bills

It was long overdue, but the Dallas Cowboys were finally able to play a complete game in a 44-7 rout of the Buffalo Bills. The offense scored on their first 4 possessions, and the defense had 4 turnovers, including a "pick 6" by Terence Newman to round up the scoring.

What makes this win even more satisfying is that it came against a credible Buffalo team that looked every bit of a playoff contender as the season began. Three times this season (Jets, Lions & Patriots) Dallas held a considerable lead against good teams, but still ended up on the losing end when all was said and done. The lack of a legit running game, the inability to stop the pass, and woe of woes, the turnovers, are the very reason why the Cowboys are sitting at 5-4, instead of a possible 9-0 or even 8-1.

Murray could be the key to a successful playoff run.

This time however, there would be none of that, as Dallas took the lead and wouldn't relinquish it.  The emergence of DeMarco Murray has given life to a running game that was ineffective when it mattered most.  Felix Jones, the starter prior to a shoulder injury, has previously excelled in the role of a "change of pace" back, using his speed to break big runs.  The success of such plays, however, relies on the kind of run-blocking that can't always be executed on every down. 

A team's ability to run the ball for those "tough yards" does not only close games, but it is critical especially late in the season when race for playoff spots starts to get heated.  And while I'm not questioning Jones' ability as an "every-down" back, it is clear that Murray is more suited to this role. 

The blueprint for Dallas' success in years past has always been a tough defense, and a reliable running game.  There's been some really good running backs that have donned the "star" on their helmets: Duane Thomas, Calvin Hill, Walt Garrison, Tony Dorsett and Emmitt Smith, just to name a few.  The onus falls on Murray - who already owns the team record for most rushing yards in a single game - to carry on the tradition.

Tony Romo, who has always come under fire for his play during crunch moments, had a lot to smile about.  Other than a really good performance, it was the first time that he was fully healthy since the opening week.  He suffered a rib injury against San Francisco in the following week, but managed to play through the pain to aid a comeback that saw Dallas hand the Niners their only loss to date.

Another revelation has been receiver Laurent Robinson, who has stepped up to fill the shoes of an injured Miles Austin.  Robinson's reliability, and Murray's ability to catch out of the backfield, will only continue to open things up for Dez Bryant and Jason Witten.

Despite a considerable lack in depth, the Cowboys defense has played really well, and is the reason the team has even been able to compete in the tough games.  With the offense finally coming alive, their life should get a lot easier as most of their schedule consists of teams that have struggling offenses.

While there are no "gimme" games in the NFL, Dallas is in a great position to run the table, provided they can follow up this big win with similar complete performances.