LANDOVER, Md. - – The Cowboys took advantage of a few early mistakes by the Colts and never looked back, dominating Indianapolis to claim their first NFC East title since 2009.
Check out the instant reactions from the staff of DallasCowboys.com.
David Helman: The merits of Jason Garrett's decision to play his starters were evident early on Sunday, as the Cowboys maintained their momentum and set some records in an impressive first half. The downside of playing everyone was also there to see, though, as Garrett now has to hope the injuries to Anthony Hitchens and Henry Melton won't hamper them in the playoffs. This went about as I expected it to – the Cowboys looked impressive in the early going, and the game faded into a bit of a snoozer once it had been decided. The incredibly efficiency Romo is playing with continues to be the difference in why this team has its best final record since 2007. This defense continues to give up too many big plays – like DeSean Jackson's untouched touchdown. I can't imagine it going well for them if they're giving up chunk yardage to Calvin Johnson or Jordy Nelson in the playoffs. Solid win, but it'll give them plenty to work on as the playoffs get underway.
Bryan Broaddus: Thought it was a smart move by Scott Linehan and these offensive coaches to move Dez Bryant around the way they did. Putting him on David Amerson was the right thing to do. There was no way that Amerson was going to be as physical as Bashaud Breeland was and by attacking him early and often was able to get this
offense some early momentum. Also getting him the ball quickly on those Redskins blitzes backed them off in same later snaps. Bryant got his club record for receiving touchdowns and a nice victory in the process.
Nick Eatman: Well, for starters, I didn't think Romo would play. Never saw the reason and I certainly didn't think he should've played into the fourth quarter. That last interception should've never happened and it'll probably cost him in the MVP voting. Romo needed to have that 12-0 TD to interception ratio for him to have a chance. Overall, the Cowboys played their starters much longer than I ever expected. No dice for Devin Street or DeMarcus Lawrence but they never had much of a chance. Overall I did think the Cowboys' momentum was too much for the Redskins and it was evident at the end of the game when the rain started to fall but the Cowboys kept pouring on the points.
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