MINNEAPOLIS – For the first time since Nov. 2, 2008, Jason Witten did not have a catch in a game.
The tight end had a reception in a team-record 130 straight games before going without a pass in Thursday’s 17-15 win against the Minnesota Vikings. Not only did he not have a catch, officially he did not have a pass thrown his way.
Witten had an 11-yard reception on third-and-8 from the Minnesota 44 in the fourth quarter negated because of a holding penalty on Ezekiel Elliott.
“Those record really don’t mean anything,” Witten said. “I still have a lot of confidence in my ability to play at a high level, and a big part of that is making catches. It’s just one of those games.”
The last time Witten had one of those games was in a 35-14 loss to the New York Giants in Week 9 of 2008. Tony Romo did not play because of a broken pinky. Quarterback Brad Johnson was pulled in favor of Brooks Bollinger in that game. Witten was pulled in the second half by the coaches when the game was out of doubt because he was playing with a rib injury.
After that catchless game, Witten recorded 678 receptions for 7,236 yards and 39 touchdowns. Before Witten's run, wide receiver Michael Irvin held the team record with a reception in 117 straight games.
“I’m playing for much more than catches,” Witten said. “A couple of opportunities, but that’s just how the game went. I know my role within this offense. I still feel like we can make those plays.”
The game effectively ended in Witten’s hands when he gobbled up Minnesota’s on-side kick attempt.
“Yeah, maybe the one we needed there the most at the end,” Witten said.
