A 21 point second quarter powered the Dallas Cowboys to a 35-27 win over the Detriot Lions improving to 6-4. Despite the high scoring affair both sides played well for the Cowboys and here are the four biggest takeaways from today’s win.
1. Dak Prescott
I know we sound like a broken record here but Prescott has played great football as of late and today was no exception. He threw for 444 yards and tossed three touchdowns averaging nearly 10 yards a pass. As a matter of fact, in the past two games he has thrown for 841 yards the most in a two-game stretch in franchise history breaking legend Don Meredith’s 1963 record. With the Cowboys facing the New England Patriots next week Prescott will need to continue his strong play and so will the second position on our list.
2. Wide Receivers
Usually, this is where we focus on Amari Cooper but today he had help. Michael Gallup had a career-high nine catches and was 10 yards shy of tying his career-high in yards with 148. While he didn’t find the end zone he helped take the pressure off a hobbled Cooper who finished with just three catches for 38 yards. Veteran newcomer Randall Cobb also stepped up snagging four catches for 115 yards and one touchdown. For the offense to be a true threat moving forward they’re going to need more performances like that form wideouts not named Cooper.
3. Golladay Messes with Jones
The league’s leader in touchdown receptions Lions star receiver Kenny Golladay was limited to just one catch on five targets for just 34 yards. Cowboys corner Byron Jones did a fantastic job playing him as Golladay’s only catch came against reserve safety Darian Thompson who for his part finished second with seven tackles. Cowboys fans have to be pleased with the development of Jones after the shaky start to his career and his lockdown play will be needed down the stretch.
4. Injuries
The fourth quarter was brutal for the Cowboys as defensive starters DeMarcus Lawrence and Anthony Brown went down (Lawrence would return) and offensive tackle La’el Collins would get rolled up on and not return. With guard, Connor Williams already injured the loss of Collins would make the Cowboys awfully thin up front and would be something to keep and eye on moving forward. Lawrence for his part came back and disruprted a screen pass on third and long that notched the final stop the Cowboys needed to seal the win.