Final Score: 28-25
That’s two weeks in a row where the Cowboys’ defense couldn’t stop the run, and the offense struggled to get going. Derrick Henry looked like his prime self, tearing up the Dallas defense. Once again, the high-paid guys on defense were nowhere to be found when it really mattered. When the game was on the line, they couldn’t make the stop they needed.
Offense Struggles
Two weeks straight, and the offense was basically missing for most of the game. If you look at the box score, you’d think it was a close game and Dak played great, but that’s not the full story. Dallas didn’t wake up until the 4th quarter, when they were down 28-6. A single touchdown in the first half would’ve made this a completely different game.
The chemistry between Dak and CeeDee still isn’t clicking. Some analysts are saying, “Oh, teams figured out CeeDee. Just jam him at the line and he can’t get open.” But come on, that’s not it. Teams are double/triple-covering him with a safety over the top and a linebacker underneath. Of course, the corner is pressing — there’s no reason for him not to in that scenario. We saw what happened right before halftime when the Ravens left CeeDee 1v1: he burned his guy and should’ve had a huge pass interference call to put the ball at the 1-yard line, if it weren’t for a hold by the rookie LT, Guyton. Ceedee’s fumble was also a killer and ruined any momentum Dallas had of keeping the game close.
As for Dak, it’s more of the same. Slow start, and once the 4th quarter comes around padded the stat sheet. Let’s be real: it looked closer than it was but it was a butt kicking. Sure, Dak threw some touchdowns and had a +300 yard game, but where was that earlier? If he’s throwing 40+ times, the Cowboys aren’t winning. He’s just not that kind of QB. Yes, he’s been paid like one, but he’s never been the guy who carries the team consistently. I have nothing but respect for Dak, but sometimes you have to call it like it is.
And I’d love to know what Kool-Aid Jerry Jones is drinking because I need some of that. Dallas is the worst rushing team in the league right now. None of the backs scare anyone. They barely use Dustin Vaughn, even though he could make plays in the passing game, but they’re too worried about his blocking. Remember when they said they’d use him like Darren Sproles? Yeah, me neither. At this point, Dak running or end-arounds with CeeDee might get more rushing yards. But it’s okay because they’re happy with overpaying for under performers. Classic Cowboys.
Defense Disappears Again
Anything new to say here? Not really. They showed up briefly in the 4th quarter, but before that, they looked like they forgot a game was happening. Micah and D-Law were arguing on the sideline — and honestly, I get why Micah was upset. But these two are supposed to be leaders of these team?
Micah’s “we can’t all be Supermans” comment was kinda a lame excuse. I get it, but if you’re that guy, be that guy. When’s he going to take over a game when it really matters? He does it against weaker teams, but when it’s crunch time against strong competition, he’s been a disappearing act. The greats like Troy Polamalu didn’t wait for the right moment—they made it happen. Micah’s got the talent, but does he have the fire to dominate consistently?
And what’s with giving up that much cushion with Diggs? He let Zay Flowers catch a 9-yard pass to seal the game, which was the highest of the entire game. That’s bad discipline and coaching. Diggs is one of the top corners, top 3 in my books, but plays like that are why some don’t rank him in the top 10.
This defense looks like they’re going to get runned over all season. Lamar Jackson and Derek Carr barely threw the ball, yet they crushed Dallas. But don’t worry — Jerry’s will sell it to the fans that a can of oil will fix the flat tire, when in reality the engine is broken.
Coaching Woes
How long are we going to watch this undisciplined team before something changes? The penalties are killing drives, the team looks unprepared, and it’s not getting any better under Mike McCarthy. The Cowboys have been the most penalized team in the league since he took over, and that’s all on coaching.
I’ve been done with McCarthy since last season. I was all in on firing him and bringing in Jim Harbaugh. Say what you will about Harbaugh, but the guy knows how to win. McCarthy just seems lost half the time. The Cowboys need a no-nonsense coach, whether that’s Bill Belichick or someone else, to come in and set the tone. These players need to be reminded they’re part of the biggest franchise in sports. Micah, for example, talks like he’s accomplished something big, but he hasn’t led the league in sacks, won a championship, or even snagged a Defensive Player of the Year award yet. He needs a coach to push him to that next level.
Final Thoughts
Next up are the Giants, and honestly, if it weren’t for that matchup, I’d be curious to see what would happen if Dallas lost three straight. I’m not expecting much from the Giants without Saquon Barkley, though. I think Dallas takes this one easily, but then they’ll lose to the Steelers and Lions, limp into the bye week, and then probably get wrecked by the Niners.
I’d be surprised if McCarthy makes it through the season. And honestly, I hope the Cowboys get a top-10 draft pick. Maybe then they can find a playmaker to help Dak and CeeDee or a defensive stud who shows up more consistently than Micah.
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