Since I was the OP I can admit this thread was in part a post-game rant. But I'll add that what was needed in a game like that, on the road, was a Jimmy Johnson like gutsy call at some point along the way. Like he did on the road vs. the 11-0 Commanders at RFK in 1991. Onside kicks, fake punts -- give me ONE play that doesn't follow analytics. Yes, we got our share of turnovers, and as it turns out, we needed every one of them and then some.
I'll amend my 4th and 6 comment and counter with this: what do you think about an onside kick after taking a 29-28 lead? I jest a little here, but when the goal is to keep TB from getting the ball with nearly 2 minutes left at all costs, I have to admit I thought about that too.
It was a painful death that we all saw coming a mile away. That's why I'm saying when your D has been torched *most* of the night, and your giving the GOAT one last chance for a GW FG with plenty of time left, you have to think about doing something unconventional.
Even in that drive, did we not hear CC say, "Dallas almost has to go for the TD here, right Al?".
Yes... he's right.