Blogging The Boys
Usually we have a 10 thoughts article after Dallas Cowboys game written by our esteemed colleague Dan Rogers. As some of you know, he is currently battling a medical situation, so I will take up the mantle in his honor and drop a shortened ‘five thoughts’ from the game. Get well soon, Danny!
Yes, losing that game was frustrating when it was right there for the taking. But, the team was competitive and almost won on the road against the defending champs after a very tumultuous offseason. They showed a running game with Javonte Williams, and they seemed capable of playing with the better teams this season. For a loss, that game has to have Cowboys’ fans somewhat optimistic about what is to come.
CeeDee Lamb is one of the best receivers in the league, but even the best make clutch mistakes. Lamb dropped two passes, including a late bomb that could have changed the game. He was also unable to corral a fourth-down completion that was undoubtedly a tough get, but it’s a catch he’s made before. Lamb will now be on a mission to pay this team back.
The Cowboys running game, especially in the first half, was working. And Javonte Williams was the main cog in that. He scored two touchdowns and finished the game with 54 yards rushing. In the second half the run game wasn’t as effective on a consistent basis, but there was something there that could grow as the season progresses. Plus, we’ve yet to see Jaydon Blue in the rotation.
In the first half the Cowboys defense was inept. They weren’t creating a lot of pressure on Jalen Hurts. Saquon Barkley was having a good day, and Hurts’ legs were killing Dallas. In the second half, Eberflus took more chances by throwing some blitzes into the mix, especially from the secondary, and discombobulated the Eagles’ offense. Going forward, he needs to get that risk/reward ration correct earlier in the game.
Coach Schottenheimer deserves a lot of credit for helping navigate this team through some turbulent waters in the last week. He had his team focused and ready to go. He put his team in a position to win, only to be let down by a superstar who usually doesn’t make those type of mistakes. There was a lot of promising stuff from Schottenheimer for his first game, including scheming a somewhat threatening running game. Maybe he was a good choice after all.
