In a span of two weeks, the Dallas Cowboys went from first place in the NFC East to third after a 25-3 road loss to the Washington Football Team their first loss to them since 2018. Making matters worse quarterback Andy Dalton took a late hit to the hit in the second half and didn’t return adding to the long list of injuries for the slumping 2-5 Cowboys.
For the second straight week, the offense took a step back registering just 108 first-half yards on 35 plays and just 17 yards in the third quarter. The league leaders in turnovers defended that crown as Dalton was strip-sacked which was recovered in the end zone for a safety. Things continued to go south from there as they allowed six sacks, two fumbles, an interception, and just three points. On the day the offense finished with 142 yards and 12 first downs. Wide receiver Amari Cooper was the only bright spot finishing with 7 catches for 80 yards the only receiver to register a catch. Running back Ezekiel Elliott finished with 45 yards on 12 carries.
Before the injury, Dalton went 9-of-19 for 75 yards and an interception. He suffered a concussion and will be out next week. In his place rookie, Ben DiNucci was quickly sacked three times and fumbled twice in less than a quarter of play. He finished with 39 yards.
Defensively after a strong goal-line stand on the opening drive, they faltered allowing Washington to run for a season-high 208 yards and 22 first-half points another Washington season-high. Their 125 first-half rushing yards broke the season-high of 117 led by rookie Antonio Gibson who ran for 128 yards and a touchdown another single-game high. Before today no Washington running back had more than 60 yards in a game. On the day Washington finished with 397 yards and 21 first downs. Linebackers Leighton Vander Esch and Jaylon Smith led the charge with 12 tackles each. One concerning point is the play of corner Anthony Brown who was beat numerous times and is something to keep an eye on moving forward.
Washington struck first on a strip-sack safety and followed that up with a 12-yard Gipson run taking a quick 9-0 lead. Dalton led the Cowboys on their best drive of the game resulting in a 45-yard Greg Zuerlein field goal their only score of the game. In the middle of the second quarter Washington quarterback Kyle Allen found “Scary” Terry McLaurin for a 52-yard touchdown beating rookie corner Trevon Diggs making it 15-3 after a failed two-point conversion. Allen found tight end, Logan Thomas, from 15-yards out giving Washington a 22-3 half-time lead. The only points of the second half came on a 30-yard Dustin Hopkins field goal.
Dallas, who is now third in the division, looks to get back on track as they travel to division leader Philadelphia.
