COWBOYS FIZZLE AGAINST BRONCOS

Who and what are these Dallas Cowboys?

And just who was that impersonating owner Jerry Jones in the locker room following Sunday’s 17-10 loss to the Denver Broncos at Invesco Field at Mile High?

Jones was simply too positive and too gracious for the occasion.

His team had just lost a game it had controlled throughout, especially on defense.

But that was before Denver receiver Brandon Marshall caught a pass over cornerback Terence Newman and zigzagged his way through flailing defenders en route to a 51-yard touchdown with 1:46 remaining in the game, giving the Broncos the lead for good.

Certainly, the Cowboys’ offense came close to sending the game into overtime with a seemingly miraculous final drive. On fourth-and-3 from the Dallas 27, quarterback Tony Romo spun out of two near sacks and found fourth receiver Sam Hurd, who broke free for a 53-yard play to the Denver 20.

Shortly thereafter, the Cowboys had second-and-goal at the 2. But a spike to stop the clock was followed by two incompletions on passes intended for Hurd, who was subbing for an injured Roy Williams (ribs).

The end was fitting for an offense that was stagnant all game and has no go-to playmaker.

It has the Cowboys at a crossroads a month into the season with a 2-2 mark and still searching for an identity.

But Jones chose to lavish praise on the undefeated Broncos (4-0) rather than concern himself with his team’s continued mediocrity since last winning a playoff game in 1996.

"We played at home against a 4-0 team that is a legitimate 4-0 team," Jones said. "That sums it up for me. I’m disappointed we lost the game. I’m not dwelling on any part of it. I’m giving Denver credit for winning, more credit than I’m placing blame for losing it."

For Dallas, it’s not about placing blame, but taking stock in its situation and doing something about it.

Since starting the Wade Phillips era in 2007 with 12 wins in their first 13 games, the Cowboys have gone 12-12, including the 2007 playoff loss to the New York Giants.

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Story courtesy of www.star-telegram.com