After the disastrous performance in week 1 against the Buccaneers, the expectations surrounding the Cowboys were very low, and it is not for less. A poor offensive performance, Dak Prescott showing the same flaws as in the second half of 2021, the penalty problem still persisting… Everything pointed to a lost campaign, even more so after Prescott’s right thumb was broken in that game.
However, against all odds, the Cowboys have managed to string together three consecutive victories with Cooper Rush commanding the offense. In this stretch, the cowboy team has stood out for the facets that Mike McCarthy wants in his managers: rudeness, physicality, discipline and an emphasis on playing “complementary” football. Marking an asterisk in the discipline section, of course, but we will detail that later.
Let’s go to the type of game that the Cowboys have shown. The offense hasn’t been perfect under Cooper Rush, but it has been consistent and has done his job in key moments. As long as Rush continues in Prescott’s place, it’s unlikely we’ll see games where Dallas scores 30 or more points. But the victories keep coming, and this is also thanks to the defense.
WHAT. A. CATCH ????
CeeDee Lamb makes an incredible one-handed catch to help the Dallas Cowboys defeat the New York Giants 23-16. #NFL #Cowboys pic.twitter.com/s5HOCM0qkC
— For Future Considerations (@PodcastFFC) September 27, 2022
Cowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch disguised this blitz well, not mugging A-gap until after the Commanders began their silent-count procedure. Created confusion on O-line, allowing DT Neville Gallimore to be unblocked on 9-yard sack. pic.twitter.com/VOSfjVinmK
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) October 3, 2022
On that side of the ball, the Dan Quinn-led unit remains the Cowboys’ biggest strength thus far. None of the four opponents they’ve met so far have scored 20 points or more, and they haven’t had more than one touchdown against Dallas either. This is still an impressive section for the Cowboys’ defense.
Of course, we cannot leave aside the performance of the special teams. KaVontae Turpin has delivered on returns, while Bryan Anger continues to hold his own despite a poor punt he had against Washington last Sunday. Meanwhile, Brett Maher has exceeded expectations by remaining flawless except for two instances: a 59-yard field goal attempt and an extra point attempt blocked by the opponent.
Is there an improvement in penalties?
Another section where some improvement has been noted is in team discipline. Let’s remember that the Cowboys committed 10 infractions in week 1, thus reviving the ghosts of the 2021 season in that section and anticipating the worst. However, the cowboy team has not failed as much in the following games as it did against Tampa Bay.
In the three weeks since, the Cowboys committed 17 penalties: five against the Bengals, eight against the Giants and four against the Commanders. It is worth mentioning that, in none of those games, Dallas committed more fouls than its rival. In addition, it is outside the top 5 of teams with the most penalties in the campaign (7th place with 27 penalties). It is not yet ideal, but it is still progress.
Commanders had 11 penalties for 136 yards.
Cowboys had 4 penalties for 20 yards.
Just the facts.
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) October 2, 2022
Expectations for the next meetings
After posting their third straight win without Dak Prescott, the Cowboys are having a good run so far. That’s something Dallas head coach Mike McCarthy highlighted in recent remarks.
“I clearly think that the team must keep things in perspective”McCarthy said. “Clearly understand that this is a big divisional game and every week there are certain things that you need to focus on like how you’re going to play and specific situations. I think our players have done a great job staying true to the expectations of their roles in particular.”
Now, Dallas’ next two games will be against tough opponents: the reigning Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams and the previously undefeated Philadelphia Eagles.
Without underestimating the rival, the Cowboys could beat the Rams. Those led by Sean McVay have been inconsistent, entering this week with a 2-2 record. In fact, both losses have come against two of the teams with the best defense so far: the Bills and the 49ers.
Just as these teams did, the cowboy defense could neutralize Matthew Stafford. It’s worth noting that, so far, Stafford is the quarterback with the most interceptions (6) and the second-most sacks (16) in the NFL. The real challenge, however, will be for Dallas’ offense to get past the defense led by Aaron Donald, Bobby Wagner and company.
THE NINERS SACK MATTHEW STAFFORD!! pic.twitter.com/wt3B4VhAPf
— Brian Y (@byysports) October 4, 2022
Of course, the litmus test will be the week 6 game against the Eagles. The team led by Nick Sirianni is establishing itself as a candidate for the Super Bowl after a perfect start with a 4-0 record. This game would not only test the capabilities of the Cowboys’ defense, but also whether they can succeed offensively while maintaining their focus from the past few weeks. This, of course, if Dak Prescott doesn’t come back for that game.
It is true that the rivals that Dallas has faced so far have been uneven in their performance so far. However, that does not overshadow the fact that the coaching staff has found a formula to win despite the difficulties. Of course, that formula will be tested in the next two weeks. And the result of those tests will depend on whether the expectations around the Cowboys rise or not.
