The Cowboys’ story today was Cee Dee Lamb. This fourth year receiver is not only a star, but a superstar. As Cowboy fans, we are so lucky that 88 is wearing the Cowboys star on his helmet. Early in the game, the offense didn’t do too much, throwing a pick on it’s first possession, this draught didn’t last long.
They decided to respond with what can only be described as the Play of the Year for Dallas. Dak stepped back in the pocket and had a free rusher sprinting at him. He brushed the rusher off and rolled out to the right, heaving the ball deep down the right side of the field into a wide open Cee Dee Lamb, who beat his coverage and ran all the way for the 92 yard score.
UNREAL 92-YARD TD 😱😱😱
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Following this could-be momentum pull, neither team could score the rest of the first half. Lions opened their first second half possession off strong, using over 7 minutes of clock on their way to the end zone, taking the lead. The Cowboys responded with a long drive of their own, resulting in a Brandin Cooks Touchdown.
A little later in the game, Goff made a costly throw to Sam LaPorta that was intercepted by Donovan Wilson. The Safety read the play all the way and dove to grab the interception, taking away a key possession for the Lions when they needed it the most.
The game was decided on a 75 yard drive that the Lions put together in just under 90 seconds, leaving 23 second on the clock. Detroit had the option to go for overtime, but Dan Campbell, who is known as a risk taker opted to go for 2. The Lions ran the perfect play, throwing to the extra tackle that was in, Decker. However, a flag was called as the ref stated,, “Decker didn’t report as eligible”. Campbell decided to go for it again and the Cowboys came up with the defensive stop of the game to maintain their one point lead.
Cowboys’ Positive Takeaways
Forcing Turnovers: The Cowboys were able to force two key turnovers this game. Jourdan Lewis had one diving pick on a screen play midway through the game and Wilson had the last one. Not only did they force turnovers but this defense was aggressive. There were multiple tackles for -3 or more yards in the backfield. They still allowed a few big runs but the run defense had some nice stuffs.
Passing Game: This passing game is dangerous. Cee Dee, Brandin Cooks, and Jake Ferguson are playmakers. To add to that, Dak Prescott is having an MVP-caliber season. The Cowboys still have a jump ball specialist in Michael Gallup, who has taken more of a backseat in the offense but is still there when needed. This season we have gotten the privilege to see a slight emergence from Jalen Tolbert, who may become a true WR3 in the next few years.
Cowboys’ Negative Takeaways
Run Game Continues to be a Non-Factor: Cowboys run game is below average this season and it really shows. Pollard had under 50 yards and averaged slightly more than 3 yards per carry. The line is the issue in my opinion, it is not only banged up but it’s also severely underperforming. This is where I beleive the team should look to improve in the offseason and also the draft.
How the Cowboys Should Move Forward
There is only one remaining game left of the regular season and the Cowboys travel to Washington to take on the Commanders. They need to win this game to have any shot still of winning the NFC East. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Commanders play hard, as they usually do against division rivals. The game has potential to be a tough one but Dallas needs to win to secure home field advantage throughout most of the playoffs.
