Tulsa World: December is the moment of truth for Cowboys

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December is the moment of truth for Cowboys

By BILL NICHOLS The Dallas Morning News
Published: 11/30/2009 2:31 AM
Last Modified: 11/30/2009 7:41 AM

IRVING, Texas — Moments after their 24-7 victory over Oakland on Thursday, Dallas Cowboys defensive linemen donned camouflaged hunting gear — vests, rain pants, boots, hats, gloves.

"We hunted the Raiders," Marcus Spears explained. "It was about a 3 1/2-hour hunt, and we knocked out 53 guys. I think we had a good harvest."

Dallas leads the NFC East at 8-3. It has the NFL's fourth-ranked offense, second-ranked scoring defense and is among the leaders in several special teams categories.

But now the Cowboys must switch into survival mode and go Bear Grylls on the month of December. They have shot mostly blanks during this perilous stretch.

The Cowboys are 18-31 in December since 1996, when they went 3-1 and beat Minnesota in an NFC wild-card game. Since then, their only winning December was 2001 (3-2). Since 1996, the Cowboys are 19-34 in December and January.

The calendar's final 31 days have become the bane of their existence.

"That's the month we're judged on around here," said receiver Patrick Crayton, formerly of Northwestern Oklahoma State. "I don't know why it's been like that in December. We've got to change that. We know what's in front of us. We control what happens."

Even during their 13-3 season of 2007, the Cowboys lost two of their final three games, then lost their first playoff game.

The Cowboys appear set for a strong finish. After winning twice in five days, they are a game ahead of Philadelphia in the NFC East. The Giants are two games back.

Dallas' defense has allowed 21 or fewer points in nine straight games, the longest such streak since 2003.

"We've done all this work to get to this point, we don't need to let it slip away," said tight end Jason Witten.

Asked about December, Witten said: "That's what it's all about. We know where we're at, what we've done in the past, and it's not going to be any easier this year."

Quarterback Tony Romo continued his tradition of feasting on Thanksgiving. He's 4-0 with three 300-yard games, 12 touchdowns and only two interceptions. But he knows his 5-8 record in December is a hot topic.

"If you play the Eagles, the Giants, the Ravens and the Steelers, it's going to be a tough month no matter when you're doing it," Romo said. "Does that give you an excuse? No, because you've got to go beat them.

"At some point, you're going to have to beat them anyway to accomplish your goals. It's all about improving each time you're out there; if you do that consistently, December will take care of itself."

The Cowboys' road is rugged. Next up is the Giants, who beat Dallas, 33-31, in Week 2, and must win to stay in the NFC East race. Then come division leaders San Diego and New Orleans, followed by NFC East rivals Washington and Philadelphia.

At least, they don't have to eat a scorpion.

Up next

At N.Y. Giants

3:15 p.m. Sunday

TV: KOKI-5/23

Radio: KTBZ am1430

By BILL NICHOLS The Dallas Morning News

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