Johnson gets booed, but wins
By JAIME ARON
The Associated Press
IRVING, Texas - Brad Johnson didn't mind the boos. He gladly traded them for a victory.
In his second start subbing for injured Tony Romo, Johnson repeatedly threw passes that probably wouldn't get first downs but also likely wouldn't be intercepted. His safety-first approach annoyed the home fans - until the Dallas Cowboys walked away 13-9 winners over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.
Johnson passed for a measly 122 yards and the Cowboys gained only 172, their fewest ever in a victory. His aim was off on several potential scores, but he came through on a 2-yard touchdown pass to newcomer Roy Williams just before halftime that proved to be the game-winner.
Fittingly, it capped a drive sustained by four Tampa Bay penalties.
"We knew going in it was going to be an ugly game at times," Johnson said. "Third-and-long, check it down, let them boo you - that's OK by me. ... You've just got to manage the game."
Considering Dallas had lost two straight games and three of four, the Cowboys (5-3) were happy for any kind of win.
More significant for coach Wade Phillips was the defense giving up its fewest points all season. Phillips took a more active role this week, including telling coordinator Brian Stewart which plays to run.
"I just thought if I got more involved, it would help," Phillips said.
In the game's final minute, the Bucs were driving for a potential go-ahead score when they faced fourth-and-5 from the 18 with 19 seconds left. Under heavy pressure, Jeff Garcia threw an incompletion. As the Cowboys ran around celebrating, offensive lineman Jeremy Trueblood threw his helmet in frustration.
"It was lost in the first half," said Garcia, who was 28-of-44 for 228 yards. "We had them on their heels. There were some great drives and we didn't execute. Those missed opportunities ended up haunting us."
The Cowboys were stopped on two third downs, but kept the ball because of a horse-collar tackle, then a pass interference.
After all that, the Cowboys had 6 seconds left and risked time running out by trying one more play. Johnson threw high and Williams used his 4-inch height advantage over cornerback Phillip Buchanon to snag it.
The Associated Press
IRVING, Texas - Brad Johnson didn't mind the boos. He gladly traded them for a victory.
In his second start subbing for injured Tony Romo, Johnson repeatedly threw passes that probably wouldn't get first downs but also likely wouldn't be intercepted. His safety-first approach annoyed the home fans - until the Dallas Cowboys walked away 13-9 winners over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.
Johnson passed for a measly 122 yards and the Cowboys gained only 172, their fewest ever in a victory. His aim was off on several potential scores, but he came through on a 2-yard touchdown pass to newcomer Roy Williams just before halftime that proved to be the game-winner.
Fittingly, it capped a drive sustained by four Tampa Bay penalties.
"We knew going in it was going to be an ugly game at times," Johnson said. "Third-and-long, check it down, let them boo you - that's OK by me. ... You've just got to manage the game."
Considering Dallas had lost two straight games and three of four, the Cowboys (5-3) were happy for any kind of win.
More significant for coach Wade Phillips was the defense giving up its fewest points all season. Phillips took a more active role this week, including telling coordinator Brian Stewart which plays to run.
"I just thought if I got more involved, it would help," Phillips said.
In the game's final minute, the Bucs were driving for a potential go-ahead score when they faced fourth-and-5 from the 18 with 19 seconds left. Under heavy pressure, Jeff Garcia threw an incompletion. As the Cowboys ran around celebrating, offensive lineman Jeremy Trueblood threw his helmet in frustration.
"It was lost in the first half," said Garcia, who was 28-of-44 for 228 yards. "We had them on their heels. There were some great drives and we didn't execute. Those missed opportunities ended up haunting us."
The Cowboys were stopped on two third downs, but kept the ball because of a horse-collar tackle, then a pass interference.
After all that, the Cowboys had 6 seconds left and risked time running out by trying one more play. Johnson threw high and Williams used his 4-inch height advantage over cornerback Phillip Buchanon to snag it.
posted by The Gryphon at 8:50 AM
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