It's Amazing How Good This Cowboys Team is in the 4th Qtr

[DallasInDC]

After 12 games, I still haven’t been able to wrap my head around the fact that this team has done something that no other team has done in the extremely successful history of the Dallas Cowboys – win 11 games straight. Even more mind boggling, is that they are doing it with two rookies at the skill positions. One thing that has stuck out to me during this streak was how efficient this team has been in the 4th quarter (regardless if we had the lead or were trailing), but was curious as to how good this team actually is in the 4th qtr, so I decided to chart every possession (except the obvious kneel down/run out the clock in meaningless situations – I also captured the 4th qtr plays on drives that started in the 3rd quarter. The results were pretty amazing:

The cowboys have had 29 offensive possessions that resulted in 16 scores (54%) – 11 TDs (37%), 5 FGs (17%), 12 punts (40%) and no turnovers. In 74 passing plays, the offense has only given up 3 sacks…2 in the 2nd game of the season against Washington and one against the Vikings. There were however 8 penalties for 85 yards including three personal fouls and three holding penalties.

The running game was decent. With 95 rushing plays, the offense gained 400 yards for 4.2 yard average. In 5 of the 11 games, they averaged more than 6 yards per carry for 254 yards on 36 rushes. However, in 4 games we averaged less than 3 yards per carry for the 4th qtr for a total of 36 rushes (2.3 yds per rush average).

Now what’s really impressive is how great Dak has been in the 4th qtr. He has completed 77% of his 74 passes for a 9.2 yds/att average with 8 TDs and 0 INTs for a 140.5 QB rating. He has had 8 games with a QB rating above 109 including 6 games with a QB rating above 140.5. Dak has had 4 games with 100% completion percentage and 4 more games where he had only one incompletion (with a minimum of 5 passes in the qtr).

I haven’t compared these results to other teams but I have to believe that it would stand out against the other top teams in the league as being one of the most efficient 4th quarter teams. If we can continue to be this good in the 4th quarter, I have no doubt we can win against anyone. This is truly an amazing season that I hope goes down as one of the best in Cowboys history.

 

[BoysfanfromCanada]

This season actually hadn't sunk in for me. What we're doing and how we're doing it doesn't seem real

 

[DandyDon52]

This season actually hadn't sunk in for me. What we're doing and how we're doing it doesn't seem real

Flacco feels the same way lol.
it is deceptive, we appear ordinary and just grind it out, but the key is the long drives
and not turning over the ball.
Score on most of the drives.
Nothing fancy just win.

 

[jobberone]

Our Sc% is 48.8 overall and our opponents is 37.8. Our Sc% is amazing and between than and not turning the ball over is the main reason for our record. Giving up 37.8% is not great but it's decent and compared to ours says a lot.

 

[Nightman]

Kings of the Fourth

 

[Clove]

Bottom line is, put us away before the 4th quarter, you might win.

 

[hendog]

Good stuff! Thanks for the hard work and info! You da man!

 

[Typhus]

We are trending to not putting teams away in the 3rd,, not enough solid defense, but this team keeps finding a way, a new way every week to finish off teams in the 4th.
We could and have all speculated how we prefer to win,, how to smash the opponent in the face and win in a dominating fashion each and every week,,, that reality just does not exist any more, in todays NFL.
What I find exciting about this team is the Chemistry, and that's whats closing the door on teams late in games, when this team is behind, we find a way to over come diversity.
We have two very special rooks, very special, but lets not let the excitement of discovery of two very special rooks over shadow the key veteran play,, Witten, Lee, OL, ..etc.. etc..
damn, entire team depth chart, lets just lay it out there guys... every week, someone is stepping it up,, probably the most under appreciated player in the midst of the Cowboys hail storm of production,, take your choice.. bench has been incredible this season.
That's what keeps winning games guys,,
a roster top to bottom, every one knows they have to play,, enjoy this time Cowboys Nation.
Its a very special time in Cowboys history.

 

[Sarge]

If you've been run at all game long, each passing tackle in the 4th becomes more and more difficult.

 

[Craig]

If you've been run at all game long, each passing tackle in the 4th becomes more and more difficult.

Its really bizarre to me how many people wanted elliott so badly and how many people are surprised that other teams are worn down late in the game? Either these people are all the people that didnt want elliott or people that wanted elliott dont understand what the benefit of a great running back is.

 

[Risen Star]

Its really bizarre to me how many people wanted elliott so badly and how many people are surprised that other teams are worn down late in the game? Either these people are all the people that didnt want elliott or people that wanted elliott dont understand what the benefit of a great running back is.

Now imagine if we didn't baby him and didn't spell him with Morris for a couple of series and Lance friggin Dunbar on 3rd downs.

 

[Melonfeud]

Good work and great job you've done @DallasInDC .

It would be pretty cool if you could run your breakdown analysis on our upcoming playoff opponents (hint) to gain an inside edge of what SHOULD be expected(% wise at least) as the game unfolds.

Also, DAK is the MAN in the 4th quarter!( although I know ROMO doesn't approve of that statement and for good reason)

 

[kramskoi]

They have certainly been good...but at Minnesota there was some serious fray around the edges...first with the conservative final scoring drive that ended with a FG (not a TD, which effectively ends the game) and then the third and 1 gaffe by Frederick/Prescott on the ensuing possession. I saw some circa 2010-2013 Garrett type stuff rearing its head.

 

[PJTHEDOORS]

Flacco feels the same way lol.
it is deceptive, we appear ordinary and just grind it out, but the key is the long drives
and not turning over the ball.
Score on most of the drives.
Nothing fancy just win.

On d sure. Offense, beyond ordinary.