Honestly, the offense and our clock management is what kept Detroit in the game. Our Defense was lights out until the last 7 mins and we didn't really score much off of all those takeaways.
Look at our offensive yardage. We don't pull away from teams when we should. We don't keep our foot on the momentum peddle. We play safe on offense when we are in a position to take chances.
Ever 2nd and short we lose yardage instead of taking a shot deep with good field position. These high reward low risk shots just don't seem to be integrated during the game and we have the personnel to do it.
Here' Dallas' turnover and offensive stats: 4 takeaways to 0 giveaways and their WR gets 71 more yards than our total offense? Dal total offense at 268. 62 yards rushing? 2.4 yards per rush? Average gain per off play 4.8? Third down efficiency 3/13 and 23%? Time of Possession Dal - 24:49, Det - 35:11 (almost a whole qtr more of possesion).
Look special teams was very good for field goals, coverage and field position. Defense gave up over 600 yards of offense mostly through the air but our offense just didn't want to score enough off the turnovers the defense generated and special teams field position provided. The offense did not hold onto the ball enough and the offense, other than Dez scoring a + 40 yard TD that was 70% yards after the catch, really didn't generate any big plays. Never really harnessed momentum.
I don't think Kiffin and the defense are the problem. I think situational offensive football and the management of it is the problem in this game and our other 3 losses.......
