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NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Jason Garrett loves to talk about the three phases of football almost as much as he does the process of winning.
In the Dallas Cowboys' 26-10 win against the Tennessee Titans, the third phase -- special teams -- played a large role in the team’s first win of the season.
Dan Bailey made field goals of 48, 44, 51 and 48 yards, extending his streak to 26 straight made attempts, which is tied for the second-longest streak in franchise history.
The return teams kept dangerous returners Leon Washington and Dexter McCluster in check.
Dwayne Harris' lone punt return was just 15 yards but it set up and important Bailey field goal at the end of the first half. Harris also helped set up the Cowboys’ third scoring drive by helping down a punt at the Tennessee 2.
Bruce Carter deflected a punt in the first quarter.
“Throughout the game special teams made a huge difference,” Garrett said.
Bailey has not missed a field goal try since a 56-yarder in Week 4 last year at San Diego. This was his 16th career game with at least three field goals, which is second most to Rafael Septien (21). It was his fourth game with four or more field goals, which tied Chris Boniol for the most in team history.
“I only had a side view of them, but they look like they’re going right down the pipe,” Garrett said.
His kickoffs were either touchbacks or had enough hang time to keep Washington under wraps. He averaged just 11.7 yards per return.
“Going into this game we knew they had two really good returners on kickoff and punt, so that was kind of a challenge for us going in to make sure we minimized their day as much we could,” Bailey said.
Harris pinned the Titans at their 2 after fielding a Chris Jones punt at the goal line and flipping it to C.J. Spillman at the 2. The Titans were able to drive to their 21 before punting, giving the Cowboys good field position on their drive.
Perhaps the biggest situational play was Harris’ punt return late in the second quarter. With the defense forcing a three-and-out at the Tennessee 21, Harris’ 15-yard return gave the Cowboys the ball at the Titans' 48. Four plays later Bailey had a 51-yard field goal and the Cowboys had a 16-0 lead.
“Every time they kick me the ball and I can catch it my job is to get some yardage or take it to the house,” Harris said. “The first thing on my mind is scoring and everything after that is a plus.”
In the Dallas Cowboys' 26-10 win against the Tennessee Titans, the third phase -- special teams -- played a large role in the team’s first win of the season.
Dan Bailey made field goals of 48, 44, 51 and 48 yards, extending his streak to 26 straight made attempts, which is tied for the second-longest streak in franchise history.
The return teams kept dangerous returners Leon Washington and Dexter McCluster in check.
Dwayne Harris' lone punt return was just 15 yards but it set up and important Bailey field goal at the end of the first half. Harris also helped set up the Cowboys’ third scoring drive by helping down a punt at the Tennessee 2.
Bruce Carter deflected a punt in the first quarter.
“Throughout the game special teams made a huge difference,” Garrett said.
Bailey has not missed a field goal try since a 56-yarder in Week 4 last year at San Diego. This was his 16th career game with at least three field goals, which is second most to Rafael Septien (21). It was his fourth game with four or more field goals, which tied Chris Boniol for the most in team history.
“I only had a side view of them, but they look like they’re going right down the pipe,” Garrett said.
His kickoffs were either touchbacks or had enough hang time to keep Washington under wraps. He averaged just 11.7 yards per return.
“Going into this game we knew they had two really good returners on kickoff and punt, so that was kind of a challenge for us going in to make sure we minimized their day as much we could,” Bailey said.
Harris pinned the Titans at their 2 after fielding a Chris Jones punt at the goal line and flipping it to C.J. Spillman at the 2. The Titans were able to drive to their 21 before punting, giving the Cowboys good field position on their drive.
Perhaps the biggest situational play was Harris’ punt return late in the second quarter. With the defense forcing a three-and-out at the Tennessee 21, Harris’ 15-yard return gave the Cowboys the ball at the Titans' 48. Four plays later Bailey had a 51-yard field goal and the Cowboys had a 16-0 lead.
“Every time they kick me the ball and I can catch it my job is to get some yardage or take it to the house,” Harris said. “The first thing on my mind is scoring and everything after that is a plus.”