It's time to hand out game balls for the Cowboys' victory against the Chiefs. We've got one for a player from each unit: offense, defense, special teams. We've even got one for the coaching staff.
Offense
Miles Austin - 10 catches for 250 yards and two touchdowns will be tattooed in the Cowboys' record books for quite some time. A new single game receiving record for Dallas was highlighted by his tackle-breaking, game-winning touchdown in overtime.
Austin did more than just score two 50+ TDs late in the game. He overcame a couple of dropped passes to make some key grabs that extended drives. Late in the third quarter, facing a 3rd-and-6, he jumped up to pull down a high pass from Romo as he was being flushed from the pocket. First down, drive extended. In the beginning of the fourth, Austin outjumped Brandon Carr deep down the left sideline to snag away what could have been an INT. He adjusted perfectly on the ball.
He caught slants, he caught outs; he played nearly 60 snaps and showed that his chemistry with his quarterback now has more to offer than just potential. Applause, for a job well done.
Honorable Mention: Tony Romo, Tashard Choice
Make the jump to see who else gets a game ball.
Defense
Keith Brooking - When a guy calls the team out during the week, he had better perform that following Sunday. Brooking did just that. Again, he led the team in tackles with 11, giving him 37 on the year. He even picked up his first sack of the regular season.
It is rare for a free agent acquisition to assume a leadership role on a team. Brooking is definitely an exception. There he was racing down the sidelines while Austin ran in for a score. It was him hoopin' and hollerin' when Austin popped Mike Brown during a Jason Witten catch-and-run.
When Brooking hits, ball carriers drop. That's a linebacker.
Honorable Mention: Jay Ratliff, DeMarcus Ware
Special Teams
Jay Ratliff - A beast in the middle of the defense, Ratliff has proved to be the same on the FG-block unit. Midway through the third quarter, he hopped over the snapper to nearly block Succop's 38-yarder. His block late in the fourth kept the Chiefs from breaking the 13-13 tie.
Honorable Mention: David Buehler, L.P. Ladoceur
Coaching
Ray Sherman - Without Roy Williams, Sherman simply had his guys ready. Other than Austin's big day, Patrick Crayton quietly had four first-down grabs and Sam Hurd picked up a first down with his one 10-yard catch. The receivers also did their part to make downfield blocks.
Austin was the guy breaking tackles out there, but Sherman helped ready him for his first career start. He also survived a big bear hug from Ratliff, which is also quite the feat.
Honorable Mention: Joe DeCamillis, Todd Grantham
Who gets your game balls?