Why Did Patrick Crayton Slow Down on a Potential Tony Romo Touchdown Pass?

On the next-to-last play of Dallas' last drive of the season, Tony Romo overthrew Patrick Crayton in the end zone. That was the story of the day for Romo: missing by that much. But here's the thing: Romo put the ball in a perfect spot, and if Crayton hadn't slowed down midway through his route, the Cowboys probably win the game, and we'd never hear about Mexico or Jessica Simpson again (until next week, anyway). See for yourself at the :28 mark:

Why isn't anybody talking about this? Romo wasn't great on Sunday, but he wasn't awful, either. The pass-blocking was a joke, and even before the play above, Crayton struggled with drops. Sometimes wideouts cut off their routes, particularly if the play is designed to go to another player. That doesn't make it any less wrong, or less curious, or less frustrating for the Cowboys, but if nothing else, I think Crayton owes Terrell Owens an apology for making him cry.

And by the way, Crayton half-assing it to the end zone seems like a bigger deal than Romo's vacation plans, but, oddly, we're not hearing much about it. Weird.

UPDATE: Via the comments, Crayton explains why he hesitated mid-route.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

1-16-2008 @ 1:51PM

truth said...

What I would like to know is this: Why as a semi-professional you and others continue to post You-Tube files of the NFL product when you are aware that it belongs to the NFL and they have asked that it not be done?

Are you to proud? Are you all gangstas who feel the need to break the rules of the establishment? Because I swear I've seen a few postings made here denouncing Athletes who think that they are bigger than the establishment.

Why is AOL permitting you guy to do this?

Where is the respect for the league that brings sop much traffic to your site?

Despicable. Unprofessional. Downright shoddy.

1-16-2008 @ 1:53PM

nickstoli said...

A bad play on Crayton's part...but nothing sinister. He just needs to learn how to play WR.

Lesson 1. Catch the ball.
Lesson 2. Know the play.

1-16-2008 @ 2:00PM

Sam said...

I hate pinning a loss on one person, but Patrick Crayton had some very, very bad plays at critical points in the game that proved very costly for Dallas. Romo can't throw, run the route, AND catch the ball. That is not his job. I'd be surprised to see him back next year.

1-16-2008 @ 2:10PM

dave said...

the nfl is fixed plain and simple..... when the wrong team is winning out come the yellow birds. every city outta buy the teams like green bay, sell stock and tell these 31 greed parasites to take a hike.

1-16-2008 @ 2:24PM

JCosta04 said...

Sam - Crayton will be back since he signed a contract extension for 4/$14M. He's not a bad WR, I just think he put a little too much pressure on himself this week by running his mouth. Either way, I don't pin the loss on him (Fasano's drop on the goal line in the 3rd Q was equally as big as any of Pat's drops), but he definitely needs to get his head in the game.

1-16-2008 @ 2:25PM

Dave - if the NFL is fixed and the wrong team blah blah blah, then why were the penalties against the Boys so much more than the Giants? Where were the little yellow birdies to save them?

1-16-2008 @ 3:12PM

Charlie said...

are the wide receivers always the dumbest guys on the team...and come with the biggest mouths?

1-16-2008 @ 3:27PM

Aaron Reilly said...

Truth, please go hang youself you p.o.s.

1-16-2008 @ 4:19PM

Brian said...

looks like he was getting ready for a jump ball and romo threw a frozen rope. thats why you should always adjust to the ball and not guess.

1-16-2008 @ 4:30PM

Gina said...

Dave if the NFL was fixed, wouldn't they have wanted Dallas to win this game? So that Favre could get his first win in Texas Stadium in an NFC Championship game on route to taking out those evil New England Patriots and winning his 3rd Super Bowl.

And wouldn't Indy have won too, since no one really cares about the Chargers.

1-16-2008 @ 5:42PM

§ said...

actually Gina, the refs were in heavy favor of Indy Sunday.

1-16-2008 @ 5:59PM

louie said...

We all know why the cowbabies lost, didnt play their starters, game didnt mean anything, wernt really trying, game was fixed, refs were against them, etc., etc., etc.

1-16-2008 @ 8:07PM

BlueStarDude said...

What's with the late, mid-week bashing? Crayton already addressed this issue: http://cowboys.beloblog.com/archives/2008/01/crayton_explains_critical_hesitation.html. He made a mistake, but not an unforgivable one, and by no means a stupid one. The Cowboys had plenty of chances to win that game, and as a team they didn't do it. It's not any one player's fault. They're one of the youngest teams in the league: they'll be right back in the thick of things next year.

1-16-2008 @ 8:09PM

Dave said...

"Why as a semi-professional you and others continue to post You-Tube files of the NFL product when you are aware that it belongs to the NFL and they have asked that it not be done?"

Truth, you really need to look into fair use. Copying a small amount of tape(

1-16-2008 @ 8:14PM

ryan said...

BlueStarDude,

Who's bashing? I was legitimately curious. And is it late if the beblog (thanks for the link) didn't clear things up until yesterday?

1-16-2008 @ 9:01PM

tobrien28 said...

All year Romo's greatest assets were his WRs and offensive line. Now that he fails its everyone's fault but his. Dallas: Your QB is not who you thought he was.

1-16-2008 @ 9:06PM

Hey Ryan - Sorry if I was heavy-handed, just got out of work and all (and still a little edgy from the weekend!), and didn't stop to think about the comment too much . . . that ol' thing about the instant communication of these here Internets and Blogospheres. Every Outsider's a-ok in my book.

1-16-2008 @ 9:34PM

nick dee said...

I'm a Giant fan and Tony Romo is a heck of a younbg QB...that is during the regular season...in the playoffs he's nothing more than a free agent!

21 Giants - 17 Da cry babies!

1-17-2008 @ 2:26AM

DChosen1 said...

man I just got over crying this weekend about that game. But look in the bright side. This Team did great this year, let them learn from this game. Maybe next time they'll stop making those pesky penalties. Also this is their first year together on this Offense under Wade and Garrett. They will be much better next year if they are healthy. Atleast Terry Glenn will be on the field this time around along with T.O. As much as I like Julius Jone(I dont know why) but I think that they need to draft a Big Running Back to complement Marion Barber. Also they need to draft safeties and corners. Gosh we gave up too many big plays on our secondaries. Go Cowboys

1-17-2008 @ 10:18PM

al said...

Question: why is crayton tjhe only one to be singled out here. Yes he dropped and stopped on three routine passes but lets not forget mr. TO. He also should one to be held accountable for the loss. he and Crayton both didnt show up for the second half. To himself had at least three good opportunities to complete passes. If they are the safe sideline throw he will catch then immediately step out but if it is a throw across the middle or in traffic, he simply reaches for the ball and immediately pulls his hands in thus resulting in an incomplete pass. To me he is afriad to get hit or to take the Hit for the team. then he shows up at a press conference crying - "he my QB" waaaaaaaa what a wuss. not once will you ever hear from him that he should be held accountable