After a slow first half the Dallas Cowboys picked up steam in the third quarter scoring two quick touchdowns on their way to a 31-6 win over the Miami Dolphins to move to 3-0 on the season. We take a look at the four biggest takeaways from today’s win.
1. Defensive Line
Despite missing starters, Tyrone Crawford and Antwaun Woods due to injury the defensive line had their best game all season living in the Dolphins backfield. Fresh off a two-game suspension Robert Quinn looked impressive in his Cowboys debut providing consistent pressure from his end spot. Fellow end Demarcus Lawrence notched his first sack of the season and tackles Christian Covington and Malik Collins provided solid pressure up the middle something that has been missing. However, the biggest surprise might’ve been fifth-round pick, Joe Jackson Jr., the end from Miami who had a tipped pass and provided pressure as well. If the front four plays like this week in and week out they will be hard to stop.
2. Tony Pollard
The rookie running back from Memphis had a breakout game scoring his first touchdown and notching his first 100-yard game finishing with 103 yards on 13 carries. He has shown the ability to be the second back the Cowboys have lacked for the past couple of seasons as he has been the main bell cow on drives while Ezekiel Elliott takes a much-needed break. If Pollard continues to play at this level the Cowboys will have a nice one-two punch for years to come.
3. Offensive Line
The line paved the way for both Elliott and Pollard to rush for over 100 yards, the first time a Cowboys duo has done so since Hall of Famer Emmit Smith and Chris Warren did it in 1992. Not only that but they were able to keep quarterback Dak Prescott upright and providing ample time for him leading to his 246 yards two-touchdown day. Center Travis Fredricks continues to get back to his old self and even guard Connor Williams showed improvement. However, the biggest improvement came from tackle La’el Collins who is looking more and more at home as the future franchise tackle.
4. Josh Rosen
I know he’s not a Cowboy but one couldn’t help but appreciate the fight and moxie he showed in the face of constant pressure and drops. Sure his 18-of-39 for 200 yards no touchdown stat line isn’t earth moving but he showed why he was highly regarded coming out of UCLA and why the Dolphins are high on him. While it’s just one game the Dolphins have to be encouraged by what they saw and his chemistry with undrafted rookie receiver Preston Williams could emerge as one of the better young duos as the season goes on.
