Ten thoughts on the Cowboys vs. Giants week five matchup

The Dallas Cowboys handled the New York Giants by a final score of 44-20 as the team pushed their record to 4-1 and extended their winning streak to four. These are two teams heading in two different directions this season, and the despite the Cowboys not being able to put together a complete game yet this season, they are putting opponents away and haven’t lost a game in over a month. There was a lot to take in on Sunday afternoon, and here are 10 thoughts from their convincing week five victory.

1. If Dallas can play a complete game, they can beat anyone

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It’s a scary thought when you think about the fact that Dallas offense has either gone stale, or had a sluggish first half just due to the fact that they are still handling their opponents week in and week out. They have been excellent in the second half of these games on both sides of the ball, but if they were to be able to play that well for four quarters, they can beat any team, anywhere. We will see how this team evolves as the year goes on but if they can put it all together there is no telling how far they can take it.

2. Daniel Jones injury changed trajectory of the game

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You never root for, or want to see, an injury to anybody, but you can’t deny the impact they make on a game and a season. Jabril Cox stopped Daniel Jones short on a big third down goal line play, but bigger than the play itself was the fact that it knocked Jones out for the game. Injuries are awful, but it changed the entire trajectory of the game, and no one knows what exactly it would’ve looked like had it not happened.

3. It is mind-blowing that quarterbacks still try Trevon Diggs

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Five games, six interceptions. Trevon Diggs continues to be a menace to opposing offenses and at this point you have to wonder why quarterbacks even bother trying him. Diggs is playing at an All-Pro level and at some point QBs will not look his way anymore. Until then, Diggs will make them pay for doing so.

4. Micah Parsons makes an impactful tackle at the goal line

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It was third down and goal and the Giants were in a wildcat formation with Kadarius Toney at QB, he fakes the hand off and takes off for the right side looking destined to cross the goal line. Like a flash Micah Parsons comes through and makes a sure tackle to stop Toney short to force a fourth down. The next play the Giants attempted a pass that was to no avail as the Giants turned the ball over on downs. That play by Parsons came at a pivotal moment in the game and if the Giants had scored, things may have looked different going forward.

5. Is a change at center a pressing need at this point?

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Every week there seems to be something to point to as it pertains to the center position. There has been some struggles at the position, and whether it’s the snaps or play strength, Biadasz has been a consistent topic throughout the first five games of the year. It is believed that Connor McGovern is beginning to take center snaps in practice, and he might be called into action at some point. There are always growing pains and not everybody is going to be Pro Bowl-level, but if there are better options they might be worth exploring.

6. Cowboys have the perfect running back tandem

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The pairing of Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard go together like a beautiful cooked steak and a glass of red wine. It just works. They both have their own unique skill set and both are so effective in their own way. Having both get double-digit touches each week puts the defense in such a bind to defend as you can’t get use to a running style. The Cowboys are best when both are playing well and they absolutely have been clicking on all cylinders as of late.

7. Dak is slinging the rock

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Even when a drop occurs, or a drive stalls out, you just see a quarterback in Dak Prescott that is playing at an elite level throughout the possession. He is playing the game at such a high level it is beyond a pleasure to watch. Passes on point, decisions are methodical, and running when he needs to. Uncharacteristic mistakes are the only way this offense and Dak can be stopped at this point.

8. Nobody makes better halftime adjustments than this team

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Two weeks in a row this team has came out firing after the half. The third quarter has been very good to the Cowboys and that is where they have been able to do their most damage and separate from teams. Kellen Moore is so in tune with what defenses are trying to do to them it’s like a chess master waiting to see what kind of game his opponent is coming with before he attacks them to check mate. It is honestly super impressive, and the only way it could be better is if they were able to put it all together for four quarters.

9. It feels good to see the Cowboys take care of the teams they should

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For years we watched the Cowboys play down to their opponent, and not put away teams that were inferior. This year’s version looks to be taking care of business and it is a welcomed sight. They have yet to put a full four quarters of great football together and yet, they have still run away from teams. It will be interesting to see how good this team can be when all three phases are clicking at the same time for the entirety of the game.

10. Can’t forget all of the players missing that will soon be back

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Who knows if this team will ever be able to play at full strength. Injuries happen as we all know and we were once again reminded by the Giants misfortunes, but the list of players due to come back this season is impressive. Role players are getting valuable playing time that will help going forward, but the stars and reinforcements who are around the corner is what is really exciting about the future of this team. Look for this team to continue to progress and as they get healthier.

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We broke down everything from Sunday night’s win during our Dallas Cowboys Postgame Show on the Blogging The Boys YouTube Channel. Make sure to subscribe to our channel (which you can do right here) so you don’t miss any of our videos!

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