IRVING, Texas -- The Dallas Cowboys have committed turnovers in each of the last six games and have committed at least two turnovers in five of the last six games.
That’s a trend that needs to stop if the Cowboys are going to achieve their goals this season.
The Cowboys are tied for 10th in the NFL with 18 turnovers.
Head coach Jason Garrett talks about protecting the ball every day with his team, and the Cowboys go through drills each practice designed to promote ball security. That’s because Garrett says turnover differential is the single-most important stat in football -- and he’s right.
Teams that win the turnover battle are 101-30-1 this season. The Cowboys are 2-3 when they don’t win the turnover battle, which is actually pretty good.
But the reality is that the turnovers must cease. It’s too hard to win with them. The Cowboys have fumbled 10 times -- DeMarco Murray has five -- this season. Only Philadelphia with 11 has more.
Tony Romo has done a good job protecting the ball since the opener against San Francisco. Romo threw three interceptions in his first 14 passes of the season; he has thrown just three in his last 255 passes.
“The games later in the year -- and if you’re lucky enough to be playing in January -- the turnovers are going to be what ultimately decides your season,” Romo said. “You can play a great football game and be a better team, but if you give up the ball, you’re not going to be able to accomplish your goals. I think that’s a very big key for us.”