Jason Garrett and the Dallas Cowboys made a statement Sunday, December 28, afternoon with a dominant 44-17 victory over their division rivals, Washington Redskins.
DeMarco Murray broke Emmitt Smith's record for most rushing yards in a season while Dez Bryant set a new Cowboys record for touchdown receptions in a season with 16.
Tony Romo, meanwhile, helped cap off a perfect 4-0 December record after much criticism has been thrown his way for not playing up to his ability when it counts most.
"Right before people's eyes," Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said, "we have basically torn it up in December."
With little to play for in week 16 many speculated Jason Garrett would and should rest his star players but Garrett never gave it a second thought to play his starters and it played dividends. Garrett expressed throughout the week that there were a lot of young players on this team and he stressed having momentum going into the playoffs.
Romo, Murray and Bryant played well into the fourth quarter with all three players having big games and the defense playing with great confidence. All three were named to the Pro Bowl earlier in the week and showcased why they deserved to the honor.
Tony Romo completed 22-of-34 passes for 299 yards and two touchdowns with both touchdowns going to Dez Bryant. Murray rushed for 100 yards on the ground on 20 carries to go along with a lone touchdown.
Dez Bryant has been one of Romo's supporters when it comes to his critics and he expressed it after the game. "That man showed his (butt) in December," Bryant said. "And I give it to him."
The Cowboys defense had one of its best performances this season as it was able to force three turnovers, 2 interceptions and 1 forced fumble, and cap off a disappointing year for Robert Griffin III and the Redskins.
In what could have been a letdown game with little to play for, the Cowboys looked as sharp as they have all season and look seasoned to change their playoff woes of years past. Romo is 1-3 in playoff games but this is a different team and a different culture that head coach Jason Garrett has created.
The Cowboys will host the Detroit Lions Sunday, January 4th, at AT&T stadium as they look to win just their second playoff win in the last 19 years. Romo and company look like they're up to challenge.
