In a game where the Dallas Cowboys kicked way too many field goals, quarterback Cooper Rush continued to make history in a 25-10 win over the Washington Commanders. Rush became the first Cowboys quarterback to start his career 4-0 and helped keep the Cowboys in the early divisional race. On defense, coordinator Dan Quinn’s unit continues to impress making life tough for Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz and making several key plays. Below are the four biggest takeaways from today’s win.
Lamb and Co. Shine
After an up-and-down game last week wide receiver CeeDee Lamb silenced his critics today hauling in six passes for 97 yards and a touchdown on eight targets eliminating a lot of the drops from a week ago. Aside from him, Michael Gallup saw his first extensive action since his ACL injury making two big catches for a first down and touchdown respectively. Rounding out the unit Noah Brown had a team-long 45-yard catch completing a solid game from the unit as a whole.
Maher Too Busy
In what has become a recurring theme the Cowboys’ offense continues to struggle in the red zone and at times when they cross the 50-yard line. Kicker Brett Maher trotted out four times to kick field goals keeping the Commanders in the game. For the Cowboys to beat top-flight teams like next week’s opponent the Los Angeles Rams, offensive coordinator Kellen Moore has to find a way to put more touchdowns on the board.
D Answers the Bell
While the Cowboys’ offense dropped the ball at times the defense didn’t notch two sacks and 11 quarterback hits. Star cornerback Trevon Diggs continues to live up to his hype by making several big plays including an interception and key fourth-down pass breakup. Opposite him, rookie Daron Bland made his first big play as a pro notching his first career interception while safety Isreal Mukuamu made six tackles in his first career start. The one knock was cornerback Anthony Brown who got beat for a touchdown and overall had a rough game. Improvement is needed facing the explosive Rams offense next week.
Rush Time Continues
Rush is earning himself a lot of money heading into the offseason and shows what is in a system for years can do. He looks completely in control of the offense and the team trusts him to get the job done. It’s tough to find starters let alone a good backup and Rush is showing the ability to possibly be both. If he keeps this up against a tough Rams defense his value will likely continue to rise.
