Cowboys lose to Ravens in Texas stadium finale

The Dallas Cowboys will move into a swanky new stadium next season, and they wanted to close the book on Texas Stadium in a fashion fitting of a venue that has housed so many legends.  Unfortunately, the Baltimore Ravens didn’t cooperate—they sprinted to a 33-24 win to bring a jarring dose of reality to the proceedings and in the process deal a severe setback to the Cowboys’ playoff aspirations.

The setback along with cold weather sent fans to the exits early, spoiling the mood of a postgame celebration intended to bid farewell to Texas Stadium in style.  Roughly 100 former players were on hand, and speakers included team owner Jerry Jones as well as a roster of legends including Roger Staubach and Emmett Smith.  In the other locker room, the Ravens seemed to take pride in spoiling the party as Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs commented after the game and even evoked the specter of the stadium’s forthcoming demolition:

"We wanted to be party crashers. I hope they enjoyed their little ceremony. I guess we were kind of like the dynamite."

Willis McGahee’s comments continued the “party crashers” theme:

"It wasn't a homecoming game. It was more like a mock funeral.  We spoiled their day. It was probably the best concert ever in Irving, Texas."

The Cowboys dropped to 9-6 and the loss took their playoff destiny out of their control.  They’ll play in Philadelphia next Sunday, and they may need some help to secure a wild card berth.  Their loss was good news for the Carolina Panthers, however, as it allowed them to secure a playoff spot.  Baltimore’s victory enhanced their playoff hopes and improved their record to 10-5.  It was the Ravens’ fourth victory in their past five games and they can secure their postseason spot with a victory over Jacksonville at home next weekend.

Dallas’ loss  did make the wrong kind of history—it was the team’s 100th setback in Texas Stadium history.  The Cowboys’ overall record was 213-100 in regular season and playoff games since moving into the venue in 1971.  Terrell Owens lamented the loss:

"We wanted to add to the history, we wanted to add to the celebration. Obviously, we didn't do that. We made history, but not the way we wanted to."

Coach Wade Phillips didn’t bother with trying to rationalize the loss—he simply stated the obvious:

"We've got to come back next week, try to win 10 games and see what happens”