Calvin Watkins' five plays that shaped the game
12:44 AM CST on Sunday, December 17, 2006
1 | Ware gets Hatcher a sack
The situation: Third-and-8 at Atlanta 23
The play: Michael Vick moved up in the pocket looking for some space. But DeMarcus Ware chased Vick toward Jason Hatcher, who sacked Vick for an 11-yard loss. Atlanta was forced to punt, and the Cowboys maintained a 14-0 lead 1:22 into the second quarter. |
2 | Tipped pass leads to interception
The situation: Third-and-2 at Dallas 44
The play: Tony Romo threw a pass to the right side that was tipped by the left arm of Falcons tackle Rod Coleman. The ball floated into the arms of linebacker Michael Boley, who returned it 40 yards to the Dallas 12 with 11:53 left in the first half. The turnover set up Atlanta's first touchdown, making it 14-7. |
3 | Fumble! ... Fumble!
The situation: First-and-10 at Atlanta 24
The play: Late in the first half, Atlanta fullback Justin Griffith found a hole and ran upfield but was stripped from behind by DeMarcus Ware. The ball was picked up by the Cowboys' Akin Ayodele, who took a few steps before he fumbled. Michael Vick scooped up the ball for the Falcons and ran 4 yards before going out of bounds at the Atlanta 43 with 3:03 left. Atlanta later scored to make it 21-21. |
4 | Glenn's catch extends scoring drive
The situation: Third-and-13 at Dallas 32
The play: Tony Romo found wide-open Terry Glenn in zone coverage along the left sideline for a 22-yard gain, extending a Cowboys drive with 9:34 left in the third quarter. Martin Gramatica went on to make a 48-yard field goal to cut Atlanta's lead to 28-24. |
5 | Barber converts on late third-and-1
The situation: Third-and-1 at Atlanta 15
The play: Marion Barber made another key play with a 12-yard run with 3:54 to go. That set up his 3-yard touchdown run two plays later, giving the Cowboys a commanding 38-28 lead and putting a damper on Atlanta's playoff hopes. |
E-mail cwatkins@dallasnews.com
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