The NFL is finally under way with the defending Super Bowl champs Philadelphia taking a 24-20 win over divisional rivals Dallas, and even though the scoreboard tells the tale on the night for Dallas, signs of hope and improvement were definitely on the horizon, and the Cowboys could really turn some heads this season.
The game not only showed us that the Eagles’ Super Bowl winning class is still well and truly intact, but also highlighted how effective Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb can be this season, reigniting their partnership, and becoming a dangerous force once again in the NFL. Despite Lamb having a couple of disappointing drops which may have led to the Cowboys taking the game home, their connection looked very promising, and the stats back it up.
Dak threw 21/34, for 188 yards, completing the majority to CeeDee Lamb who caught seven passes for 110 yards on the night, with an average of 15.7 yards per catch. Their rushing game was certainly on point as well, Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders combining for 109 yards on the ground over 19 carries, Williams scoring both of the Cowboys touchdowns on the night. The Cowboys offense was looking shaky heading into the season, but as of now, they look very promising, and are definitely ready to prove a point.
However it isn't Dak Prescott and his offense's improvement which told all the tale today, but the defensive coverage, and how well the secondary performed despite taking a loss. Both Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland balled out against Philly, only allowing four catches for 24 yards, allowing no passing touchdowns on the night combined, showing they could be a dominant force across the secondary for Dallas this season. Against DeVonta Smith and AJ Brown, they did an immaculate job locking down two of the league's most respected receivers, and despite losing Micah Parson last week, the stopping both the run and the pass were on show, but most certainly the protection in the air was a key pointer last night.
Yes losing Micah Parson was obvious with the pass rush not being as dangerous, but, newly acquired Kenny Clark did assist in a very successful sack and run block against offensive player of the year Saquon Barkely, and the trade might have a little win in Kenny Clark. The Cowboys played a good game, and were ultimately defeated on the ground by Jalen Hurts’ brilliance on the night. However against elite receivers and running backs, Dallas looked more than competent, and their offense looks like it's getting back to how it was, and for the Cowboys look like there is light at the end of the tunnel.
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