Blogging The Boys - Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants, 2019 NFL Week 1Dallas Cowboys, all the time...since 2005.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47663/Picture_4.png2019-12-22T20:00:00-06:00http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/rss/stream/206079002019-12-22T20:00:00-06:002019-12-22T20:00:00-06:00Barring a miracle, the Jason Garrett Era ends with a thud
<figure>
<img alt="Dallas Cowboys v&nbsp;Philadelphia Eagles" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/oNWBb1G_Tma_RqS_mZaSqf4pezs=/1x0:2953x1968/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65957236/1195478743.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>This should be the nail in the coffin for Jason Garrett. </p> <p id="tfZ8dV">That should just about do it. The <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Cowboys</a> came out as flat as two-week old soda against the <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Eagles</a> in the most important game of the 2019 season. The abysmal performance by the Cowboys should be the deed that finally does in Jason Garrett. Sure, there is always the possibility that the Eagles somehow dump a game next week against the <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a>, and simultaneously the Cowboys beat Washington, but how likely is that? Back in reality, the Cowboys just busted their 2019 season and likely did in head coach Jason Garrett.</p>
<p id="jpdZqM">Frankly, it’s time.</p>
<p id="EOHw2o">Jason Garrett was the right guy for a while. The Cowboys needed a stabilizing force after the Wade Phillips era imploded. Garrett brought a competent voice that got the Cowboys turned around and trending upward. He brought a culture that seemed to somehow settle down the worst impulses of owner Jerry Jones. During his time, the Cowboys were never great, but they were also never really bad except for a season when injury took out their quarterback. </p>
<p id="atReZp">The problem with Garrett is that even when his team looked like they were one of the top teams in the league, they never showed it in the playoffs. The Cowboys had double-digit wins in three season under Garrett. They couldn’t make any of those seasons pay off. </p>
<p id="rvqOp5">That’s the problem with Garrett. He always seems to be able to produce a quality product, but he could never elevate those teams to a superior product. When the playoffs came, even his best teams folded. Producing in the clutch just wasn’t his best quality, and that will be what does him in. </p>
<p id="6mzk67">Maybe it was his cerebral nature. Maybe it was his conservative nature. Maybe it was his inability to adjust on game day, Maybe it was his inability to adjust at all. For all his good qualities, Garrett’s rigid nature and belief in his system, in his scheme, is probably his fundamental flaw. Garrett came of age in the 90s, the game is now played in 2019. That gap was too much too overcome. </p>
<p id="cLU1bF">Time for the Cowboys to look forward and begin a new era. Peace out, Jason Garrett. It wasn’t the worst of times, but it certainly wasn’t the best of times. </p>
<p id="UsYFjZ"></p>
https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2019/12/22/21034462/barring-a-miracle-the-jason-garrett-era-ends-with-a-thudDavid Halprin2019-09-09T15:30:00-05:002019-09-09T15:30:00-05:00Film Room: Breaking down the beauty of Amari Cooper’s touchdown bomb
<figure>
<img alt="New York Giants v&nbsp;Dallas Cowboys" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Ia5H_7gdP2FHaNHIcQD3u3kU45s=/0x0:1736x1157/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65211318/1173210330.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Just one example of how brilliant Kellen Moore’s play-calling was on Sunday.</p> <p id="KynlfW">There’s an overwhelmingly positive buzz around the <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Cowboys</a> right now, and why not? A 35-17 shellacking of a divisional foe in which the offense looked unstoppable is definitely cause for excitement. Sure, said foe was the <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">Giants</a>, widely considered to be in the bottom of the NFL right now, but a win is a win. More importantly, though, it was <span>Kellen Moore</span>’s style of calling plays on offense that has everyone so excited. </p>
<p id="WjBz83">The freshman coordinator made a big impression on Sunday with the way he mixed things up, using a heavy dose of play-action and run-pass option plays, pre-snap motion, and post-snap misdirection. There were many plays that showed just why Moore is getting so much hype right now, but one particularly good example is the 21-yard touchdown pass to <span>Amari Cooper</span>. Watch below:</p>
<div id="gSSRK5">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">RT if this is your QB1 and WR1 (via <a href="https://twitter.com/dallascowboys?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dallascowboys</a>) <a href="https://t.co/vQ5L14abu8">pic.twitter.com/vQ5L14abu8</a></p>— Blogging The Boys (@BloggingTheBoys) <a href="https://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys/status/1170815217191854080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="0nzR7m">There is so much to like in this one play. First of all, check out the personnel group. The Cowboys come out in 11 personnel (three wide receivers, one tight end, one running back). The first wrinkle is that neither <span>Ezekiel Elliott</span> or <span>Tony Pollard</span> are out there; fullback <span>Jamize Olawale</span> is standing next to <span>Dak Prescott</span> in the shotgun. Tight end <span>Blake Jarwin</span> is lined up right outside of right tackle La’el Collins, with <span>Michael Gallup</span> right next to him. <span>Randall Cobb</span> is lined up inside and offset, in <span>Tyron Smith</span>’s blindside, with <span>Amari Cooper</span> out wide. </p>
<p id="QLpgcd">Before anything else happens, this is already creating confusion for the defense. With both <span>Gallup</span> and <span>Cobb</span> bunched inside close to the line, this has the look of a run play, and under the previous coordinator this is likely a situation where <span>Noah Brown</span> comes in to block. But sticking <span>Olawale</span> in there makes the defense second-guess; <em>It can’t be a run play, why would they draw up a run play for their fullback on third and five? </em></p>
<p id="2ns2ya">Then the motion comes in: Cobb trots across the line of scrimmage and settles in between <span>Jarwin</span> and <span>Gallup</span>. This suddenly creates a bunch trio formation for the Cowboys, allowing the potential for rub routes between the three and forcing the defense to focus their attention on that side of the play. It works, and does more than that by exposing the defense’s man-coverage look. When Cobb moves across the field, cornerback <span>Janoris Jenkins</span> comes with him, which tells <span>Prescott</span> that it’s man coverage. </p>
<p id="x9nBan">At this point, the Giants have nine men in the box after <span>Jenkins</span> moved over to follow Cobb. Safety Jabrill Peppers is the farthest back of those nine players, standing six yards back from the line of scrimmage. The only two defenders outside of the box? Safety Michael Thomas, positioned deep in the middle of the field (off screen) and rookie cornerback Deandre Baker, now on an island with <span>Amari Cooper</span>. The bait has been taken. </p>
<p id="ti9FJU">But wait, there’s more. If you notice, right as Cobb gets to his spot between <span>Jarwin</span> and <span>Gallup</span>, Dak tricks the defense with a hard count. The back end of the defense all bites on it. <span>Jenkins</span> and Peppers both take a step back, preparing to get into coverage, and since it’s a fake it has the effect of moving them just that much farther off the line. On the other side of the defense, linebacker <span>Alec Ogletree</span> jumps forward, revealing that he’s blitzing up the middle, and Baker immediately starts backpedaling before realizing the fake and resetting. </p>
<p id="90ldOa">Once all of that window dressing is complete, Dak snaps the ball. This is the part where Moore’s situational play-calling really comes into play. At this point, <span>Gallup</span> already had five catches for 84 yards and <span>Jarwin</span> had scored a wide open touchdown, so the defense keys on those two. <span>Jarwin</span> runs a deep corner route that, at first, looks like a simple fly route. That not only brings his man, Peppers, out with him, but it tricks Thomas, the center-field safety, into cheating over towards that side of the field. Gallup runs a shallow crossing route that frees up space for Cobb, who runs out into the slot. <span>Olawale</span>, on the other hand, immediately comes down to block <span>Ogletree</span>, who they know is blitzing because of the hard count. He picks up <span>Ogletree</span> easily, giving Dak the time he needs. </p>
<p id="BDoPc1">And when Dak gets the ball, he takes a quick peak at Thomas and sees him cheating over to help Peppers against the streaking Jarwin, and then Dak immediately flips his head around to <span>Cooper</span>. By this point, less than two seconds after the ball is snapped, <span>Cooper</span> has already gotten around the rookie Baker and is flying toward the endzone. Baker has just flipped his hips to turn and run with the wideout, and Dak lets it rip. The beautiful ball placement is the finishing touch to a beautifully drawn up play, as there’s no safety help over the top and <span>Cooper</span> gets an ideal matchup. </p>
<p id="yKBbDs">By the time the ball floats down into <span>Cooper</span>’s outstretched arms, Thomas is making his way over but it’s far too much ground to make up, and there’s nothing Baker can do. The result is a touchdown, set up by nice play design and capped off with great execution from Dak, <span>Cooper</span>, and <span>Olawale</span> in the blitz pickup. </p>
https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2019/9/9/20857448/film-room-breaking-down-the-beauty-of-amari-coopers-touchdown-bomb-kellen-moore-dak-prescottDavid Howman2019-09-09T13:30:00-05:002019-09-09T13:30:00-05:00Perhaps the most impressive thing from the Cowboys on Sunday was the first play of the third quarter
<figure>
<img alt="New York Giants v&nbsp;Dallas Cowboys" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/T25dwWLm25bWdMrq17y-FkIoF3g=/0x158:3523x2507/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65210204/1173222935.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Dallas kept their foot on the gas.</p> <p id="oZ1kvl">We’ve all spent enough time watching the <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a> to know certain tendencies that they have, that’s part of what being a football fan is all about. You get to know your team.</p>
<p id="lCvHSg">This is so much of why Sunday was such a revelation from America’s Team. The Cowboys were using play-action, throwing on first down, and scoring at will. It was such a sight for sore eyes when it’s come to this offense in recent memory and there’s no reason to believe this disposition isn’t here to stay. We’ve made it, my friends.</p>
<p id="T7fb9N">In looking at what the Cowboys did to the <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a> though, one particular thing seems to stick out as a microcosm of sorts. While yes, they produced touchdowns on five straight possessions, it’s about more than what shows up in the box score. When looking back on the game there was one moment that seemed to truly exemplify the change in philosophy that this team has undergone.</p>
<h3 id="lP0nDE">The Cowboys came out <em><strong>aggressive </strong></em>to start the <em><strong>third </strong></em>quarter</h3>
<p id="b8uwzF">How many times have we seen the Cowboys come out and try to run the ball and kill the clock in the third quarter? It’s a strategy that they’ve employed for years and it’s part of why they’ve allowed teams to get back into games. All quarters are significant, but if you can keep your foot on the gas right after halftime and pile on to a lead, you’re doing yourself some serious favors.</p>
<p id="4xZRKn">Do you know how many plays the Cowboys first possession of the third quarter was? Think about it while I buy you some time. Think about it long and hard.</p>
<p id="bvHeR3"><em>Three</em>.</p>
<p id="nPsiTc">It took the Dallas Cowboys, poetically, three plays to score on their first possession of the third quarter. So much of this was due to the first play in which <span>Amari Cooper</span> gained 45 yards, but that’s the aggressiveness that we’re talking about.</p>
<div id="uJZQ23">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">This is an absolutely disgusting route from Amari. Lulls the DB to sleep with a version of a stutter-go, then accelerates through his stem for the big gain. <br><br>Good ball from Dak off the play-fake again. <a href="https://t.co/ABzqnDTDMR">pic.twitter.com/ABzqnDTDMR</a></p>— Connor Livesay (@ConnorNFLDraft) <a href="https://twitter.com/ConnorNFLDraft/status/1171067788884099074?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="3yzDjG">It’s hard not to attribute this to <span>Kellen Moore</span> specifically as he’s the team’s new play-caller. While there are obviously a lot of moving parts involved in the construction of an offense he is the architect.</p>
<p id="96uaP0"><span>Jason Witten</span> was particularly impressed with what the Cowboys did in this moment. He talked about it in the locker room after the game (<a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2019/9/9/20856557/sounds-from-the-cowboys-locker-room-our-whole-offense-is-just-a-bunch-of-beasts">you can listen to all of the sound we collected in the winning atmosphere right here</a>). </p>
<blockquote><p id="6jZlok">“I thought Kellen did a really nice job. He was aggressive. It was an aggressive plan. A lot of the stuff pre-snap, you see it paying off for us. I thought the best possession we had was in the third quarter. You talk about being aggressive, we come back out and stay that way. The play-action game really opened up for us. Dak saw it. Dak was in complete command the entire game. I think that shows the relationship they have and the way we want to attack. It’s one thing to say you want to be aggressive it’s another thing to see it executed the way they did.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="wMUyV6">Witten is, obviously, right. For the Cowboys to come out and stay aggressive, specifically with play-action, is more than a breath of fresh air. It’s an entirely new set of lungs in a place with the most pure oxygen in the world. </p>
<p id="XQE7lB">Asked to expand on this play a little bit more, Witten chose to heap more praise on Kellen Moore. There’s a long line to do so.</p>
<blockquote><p id="D25NIV">“One of the things Kellen talks bout with this offense is, in a lot of ways we’re doing a lot of the same stuff that we do. Aggressively take stuff that they give us. We had a lot of success with the RPO game. I think that was a counter to one of the things they wanted to take away was ‘okay we’ll get into Cover 2 and take away these RPOs’ and then boom Amari goes down the middle and a couple of plays later you hit a really similar play to Cobb. So a lot of weapons, I think it starts with the coordinator and trickles down to the linemen that protect it. And certainly Dak’s command. We talked all offseason, his ability to kind of take the next step in all phases, I thought he showed it from minute one out there today.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="eskRKq">This is impressive. Hearing that the Cowboys want to “aggressively take what the defense is giving them” is confirmation that they seem to be on the right offensive path.</p>
<p id="MHvDpG">Welcome to 2019.</p>
https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2019/9/9/20856870/perhaps-the-most-impressive-thing-from-the-cowboys-on-sunday-was-the-first-play-of-the-third-quarterRJ Ochoa2019-09-09T12:00:00-05:002019-09-09T12:00:00-05:00Crunching stats: Cowboys offense goes off against the Giants
<figure>
<img alt="NFL: New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mlCYRc_IRCXsiE2JZusQwlKPQqk=/0x0:2977x1985/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65209283/usa_today_13331180.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>This pair was magic. | Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The 35-17 score says it was good, but the numbers show just how special this performance was by the Cowboys.</p> <p id="YYhswW">Oh, my. The <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a>’ opening game of 2019 turned out to be quite impressive. It turned into a romp over the <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a> in the second and third quarters, and had the team not decided to take the foot off the pedal, it looked like they could have easily added more points. Simply put, after having to punt on their first drive, the passing game was outstanding. The run game was more just there to keep the Giants honest, but if this was any indication, that is a good thing.</p>
<p id="QIDAb9">While this kind of performance will have to be duplicated, this is still a major vindication of the decision to promote <span>Kellen Moore</span> to the offensive coordinator’s job, and the coming huge contract that is about to enrich Dak Prescott. And as old friend of the site Dawn Macelli pointed out to me, it also provides some evidence of the value of new quarterbacks coach Jon Kitna. Oh, and guys catching the passes have to be talked about, as both the wide receivers and tight ends had big moments. A lot of big moments.</p>
<p id="iZSApq">The defense was a different story. They certainly were good enough, holding the Giants to 17. But they gave up a lot of yards, and had more breakdowns than we like to see. Still, they had some things they did quite well.</p>
<p id="2k8xeU">So let’s dive into the numbers and see what they illustrate about a very gratifying win.<em> (All stats taken from the NFL’s GSIS system.)</em></p>
<h3 id="a9rkvM">Dak’s line</h3>
<p id="Ms02Fz">32 passes, 25 completions (78%), 405 yards, four TDs, and the much ballyhooed perfect 158.3 passer rating. This was arguably his best performance since entering the league. It resulted from over three years of work, practice, drills, and game experience. It certainly seems reasonable to argue that Prescott has taken that crucial next step. And just as reasonable to give Kitna credit for helping him with his mechanics and avoiding bad throws.</p>
<p id="jwCe46">From watching the game live, it was easy to understand Troy Aikman’s comments from the broadcast booth that he doesn’t quite get the perfect rating thing. Prescott had some passes that were a bit behind his receivers. He did have a few that were absolute perfection, like the perfectly placed touchdown to <span>Amari Cooper</span>. But he also was not a pinpoint passer throughout the game.</p>
<p id="tWtN3o">That is where Moore’s contributions enter. Prescott did not have to make precision passes all the time, because the scheme and routes were getting his receivers so open. This led to a very effective 12.7 yards gained per pass play. There has been a raging argument about the relative value of passes versus runs, and this game was a huge argument in favor of the former.</p>
<h3 id="K3aG5z">First-down play selection</h3>
<p id="uMeLuB">The Cowboys ran the ball 18 times on first down (not counting the kneeldown at the end of the game), and threw the ball 11 times. That is a decent mix, but it is skewed a bit by the fourth quarter, when the Cowboys had basically stopped trying to score. They had a 25 point lead at the end of the third, and went conservative. <span>Ezekiel Elliott</span> had been taken out of the game, probably part of the idea of a “pitch count”. On every first down in the last period, <span>Tony Pollard</span> took a handoff.</p>
<p id="NN9RGB">There was no reason to keep pressing things, and simple handoffs (including some from <span>Cooper Rush</span> late) helped prevent any pointless injuries. It appears Dallas got out of the game with none, which is always a major accomplishment - especially in a win.</p>
<p id="JLUdjr">If you take out the fourth quarter numbers, the split was 14 runs and 11 passes. That is balanced enough to keep the defense guessing, and proved to be very efficient.</p>
<h3 id="1Inyd7">Overall play selection</h3>
<p id="Ze5AH5">This goes hand in hand with the first down calls, but also tells us a bit more. The Cowboys had 30 rushing plays and 32 pass plays, which looks like a very balanced approach. But just like with the first down calls, you really have to take out the fourth quarter to get a better view of what Moore was doing offensively. The Cowboys had ten handoffs and only two pass attempts then. That meant that when the offense was trying to score, they had 30 passes and only 20 rushes. This game was all about the air attack.</p>
<h3 id="JWiixd">Third downs</h3>
<p id="SRlbcP">This was very good for the Cowboys on both sides of the ball. When they were on offense, they were successful on 6 of their 10 third down attempts, which is quite healthy. But again, if you take out the “don’t care” fourth quarter, they were a nearly perfect 6 of 7. </p>
<p id="bI7f2Q">And of course, they converted every single third down on the five scoring drives. It doesn’t get much better than that.</p>
<p id="OIEG9m">Defensively, Dallas stopped the Giants on almost every third down, limiting them to a paltry 2 for 11 (18%). That is probably the biggest help the defense provided for the night. They also held New York to 1 of 3 on fourth down attempts. If the Giants couldn’t get it done on first and second down, they were pretty much dead in the water.</p>
<h3 id="M1py1W">Offensive splash plays</h3>
<p id="5An4qd">Last season, the Cowboys were just not good at impact plays on offense, generally defined as those that gain 20 yards or more. Against the Giants, Dallas had seven. All through the air.</p>
<p id="OTYAm0">Just as important was the air yards involved. According to the NFL stats people, five of those plays were deep passes. Only two were short throws with the bulk of the yards gained after the catch. The meme of Prescott as a “dink and dunk” thrower took a major hit in this game. (It will probably live on in zombie fashion, because facts tend to bounce off such things.) </p>
<p id="YEqa3S">This has to be credited to Moore. He called even more, such as the incompletion to Jamize Olawale. Even though it was a bit short, bouncing off the defender’s helmet, it put the use of the fullback down the field on video. That is just one more headache for defenses to try and handle.</p>
<h3 id="iGRIRV">Those receivers</h3>
<p id="SSicZW">It’s just one game. But it may be the first bit of evidence that this could be the best group of receivers ever for the Cowboys.</p>
<p id="8DYUkV">That’s a pretty bold claim, but look at these numbers:</p>
<div id="o2bwh9"><div data-anthem-component="table:8836447"></div></div>
<p id="dEuYGF">Two receivers over 100 yards. Four different players with a TD catch. The distribution is also significant. Prescott (and Moore) spread it around to the wide receivers, who had the bulk of receptions. And the two deep threats led the way. </p>
<p id="ICInql">That is how you utilize your pass catchers in a modern NFL offense. The wide receivers, particularly the outside ones, are your long range artillery. This is one of the most obvious changes from last season, when <span>Elliott</span> led the team in receptions, averaging only 7.4 yards per catch, and slot receiver <span>Cole Beasley</span> was second, with 10.3 yards gained on average.</p>
<p id="bitnWa"><span>Michael Gallup</span> gained 22.6 yards on average. <span>Amari Cooper</span> was at 17.7. <span>Randall Cobb</span> had 17.3. Of course you want to get the ball to these three most of the time, because they do most of the damage.</p>
<p id="etozII">It is still so very early, of course, but if this keeps up, we will have to discuss whether this is the best top trio of wide receivers the team has ever had. We’ll wait just a bit on that, and see how they do against better secondaries. It was still a remarkable performance.</p>
<p id="YPOgLi">And the tight end numbers hint at clear roles for them. <span>Blake Jarwin</span> is more an integral component of the downfield passing game, getting 13.3 yards per catch, with that beautiful, wide open touchdown. <span>Jason Witten</span> is still that needed short range artist, able to get open when you need to cover five or so yards, or Prescott needs a dump off to make a positive play when the downfield options are covered.</p>
<p id="IIWbAo">One interesting tidbit: The Cowboys lined up for the first offensive play with 12 personnel (one running back and two tight ends) - and threw the ball. It wasn’t the only time they had both Witten and <span>Jarwin</span> on the field, and it did not signal run at all. The unpredictability of Moore’s offense is a real thing.</p>
<p id="Vq2r4x">The distribution of passes reveal that the Giants weren’t taking much away at all, and their secondary was just not good. But again, part of that was due to Moore, who used that wonderful pre-snap motion to manipulate and confuse the defense. The results speak for themselves - loudly.</p>
<h3 id="XY43W9">The running game</h3>
<p id="Z3QhmZ">At first glance, this looks like one place the Giants came out on top:</p>
<p id="ky6HhZ"><span>Saquon Barkley</span>: 11 rushes, 120 yards, long of 59, no TDs</p>
<p id="eaMsgW"><span>Ezekiel Elliott</span>: 13 carries, 59 yards, long of 10, 1 TD</p>
<p id="MvA0WG"><span>Barkley</span> was twice as proficient. And it didn’t matter. Because when the Cowboys started running up the score, they forced the Giants to rely on <span>Eli Manning</span>’s arm. </p>
<p id="xvmR2G">Normally, that is a good thing for a defense. But <span>Manning</span> actually had a good night statistically, going 30 for 44, for 306 yards and a touchdown, with no interceptions. It just fell far short of what Prescott did. And there were all those failed third and fourth downs, plus the fumble he lost.</p>
<h3 id="3U1Pby">Sacks and interceptions</h3>
<p id="JOEjPG">This was a dim spot for the Cowboys defense, as they only had one sack (split between <span>DeMarcus Lawrence</span> and <span>Leighton Vander Esch</span>), no interceptions (although <span>Vander Esch</span> came oh so close), and two fumbles taken away. The Hot Boyz failed to live up to their nickname.</p>
<p id="uFN9wD">But there was pressure on <span>Manning</span>. He took six hits, and had people bearing down on him, including one play where the defense just couldn’t get him to the ground. </p>
<p id="91IBSt">Prescott was virtually untouched. He was only hit twice, and never sacked. There were plays where he had no one around him as he calmly surveyed the field, usually to throw a strike. The Cowboys had zero fumbles as well. The Dallas defense may not have excelled in this aspect. They still won the battle.</p>
<h3 id="dkdarm">Red zone success</h3>
<p id="lPt4b3">The Cowboys only had two red zone drives. Those were an issue last year, but this game, they were perfect, coming away with touchdowns both times.</p>
<p id="xSMxpJ">The Giants were just 50%, which played a role in the victory.</p>
<h3 id="H4UTqz">No field goal attempts</h3>
<p id="ZxVQDz">Why worry about <span>Brett Maher</span> when you don’t have to use him?</p>
<h3 id="2I4gOv">The Giant question</h3>
<p id="r8nUaS">Simply put, was this just a bad opponent, particularly on defense? We won’t know for a while. We also don’t know how well Moore, Prescott, and company can duplicate this remarkable performance.</p>
<p id="13TBxR">But if you are looking for indicators, they are almost universally positive - VERY positive. This was as good a first game as could have been hoped for. On a weekend when many teams were characterized as effectively still playing preseason games, the Cowboys looked in midseason form, especially offensively. </p>
<p id="yhlOvs">We’ll see how the next game against Washington shakes out. Hopefully, the numbers will be just as much fun to dig into.</p>
https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2019/9/9/20856432/crunching-stats-the-dallas-cowboys-offense-goes-off-against-the-new-york-giantsTom Ryle2019-09-09T10:30:00-05:002019-09-09T10:30:00-05:00Grading the Cowboys big season-opening win over the Giants
<figure>
<img alt="New York Giants v&nbsp;Dallas Cowboys" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mdYQEcxKpyOaXypEY3jlqL0k0LM=/170x0:3443x2182/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65208418/1173213538.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>It’s a report card the Cowboys will be happy to take home</p> <p id="txi1Y8">The NFL’s opening week has (mostly) come and gone and 14 teams are already wondering what went wrong. Your <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a> aren’t one of them because just about everything went right for the Cowboys in the team’s 35-17 dismantling of the <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a>. </p>
<h3 id="Cj7yub">Overall: A</h3>
<p id="YbmJpz">Offensively there was lots to like; let’s count the good things:</p>
<ul>
<li id="693Pfy">35 points scored despite taking the foot off the gas with ten minutes remaining</li>
<li id="1gu7CP">Nearly 500 yards of offense</li>
<li id="ojbVhk">A huge day for <span>Dak Prescott</span> in terms of both volume (400+ yards, 4 touchdowns) and efficiency (perfect quarterback rating)</li>
<li id="iRVppG">Zero sacks allowed; zero turnovers committed</li>
</ul>
<p id="5sU5Lx">Perhaps most impressively, all this was accomplished despite an anemic rushing game. The defense, by comparison, wasn’t nearly as dominant but made the plays they needed to. Dallas surrendered 470 yards (including 151 on the ground) but gave up only 10 points before a garbage-time touchdown. Dallas did generate two turnovers but recorded only a single sack on the day. </p>
<p id="FvcWuh">Add it all up and it was as impressive of a performance as any rational Cowboys fan could have hoped for. </p>
<h3 id="0VIsLG">Coaching: A+</h3>
<p id="FVWaBq">Much was written and speculated about the impact new offensive coordinator <span>Kellen Moore</span> would have on the Cowboys stale, predictable offense. Well, it’s only one game, but Moore’s schemes and aggressive approach resulted in a huge day for the offense. In fact, after the team’s first series stalled the Cowboys ripped off five consecutive long touchdown drives:</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ziNPZ7eQe_dCrv7fqLPFcTT13oU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19179628/Five_TD_Drives.jpg">
</figure>
<p id="6nVf66">That is ruthless efficiency; scoring touchdowns on five consecutive drives from an average distance of 83 yards. We saw several things that had been missing from the Cowboys’ offense the last several years:</p>
<ul>
<li id="NRZ1QR">Downfield attack. <span>Prescott</span> hit passes of 62, 45, 36, 28, 25, 23 and 18. While there was some yards after catch involved, most of these plays featured deep passes. </li>
<li id="XOWOH4">A heavy pass-run ratio. While the Cowboys ended up with 30 rushing attempts many came on the team’s last few drives when they were running the clock out. Dallas threw the ball twice as many times (26) as they ran it (13) in the first half. </li>
<li id="2c7QPI">Scheme creating wide open opportunities. Three of <span>Dak Prescott</span>’s four touchdown passes were delivered to wide open receivers, something we saw very little of in 2017-2018. The Giants were repeatedly confused and lost track of receivers, giving <span>Prescott</span> and the Cowboys easy gains. </li>
<li id="yZzPh5">Lots of different personnel packages and motion. We saw everything from empty backfields to three tight-end sets. The personnel groups didn’t dictate the play-calls as Dallas ran out of spread formations and threw from jumbo packages. All of which is to say Kellen Moore managed to exceed the outsized expectations heaped upon him by Cowboys fans. </li>
</ul>
<p id="QQoMt5">Perhaps most importantly, we saw the team convert both of their red zone opportunities into touchdowns. This was an area where the team struggled mightily in 2018 and the lack of creativity in the red zone is probably the main reason Scott Linehan is no longer the offensive coordinator. The team’s second touchdown on the day featured misdirection that allowed the not-so-swift <span>Jason Witten</span> to get wide open for an easy score. </p>
<div id="e9zBPS">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">THE GOAT HAS RETURNED (via <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLonFOX?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NFLonFOX</a>) <a href="https://t.co/WTvvgibUFx">pic.twitter.com/WTvvgibUFx</a></p>— Blogging The Boys (@BloggingTheBoys) <a href="https://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys/status/1170807929370546176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="ZVyGd4">NFL analyst Bucky Brooks liked what he saw. </p>
<div id="Aucnl5">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">It’s only a half but Moore has No.4 ballin’.. <a href="https://twitter.com/dak?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dak</a> is not only in a rhythm but he’s playing like the game is easy for him. That’s what good play callers do for their QBs. They make the game simple so the players can play fast..</p>— Bucky Brooks (@BuckyBrooks) <a href="https://twitter.com/BuckyBrooks/status/1170815451057676289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="wVMFio">Jason Garret also deserves credit for having the team in shape and ready to play (something you can’t take for granted in the modern NFL). And, as noted, the defense made enough plays to keep the Giants off the scoreboard most of the night despite surrendering lots of yards; Dallas holding the Giants to 3-of-14 on third- and fourth-down attempts was the difference-maker. </p>
<h3 id="2UVXIk">Quarterback: A+</h3>
<p id="nxhOhF">Dak is going to want to play the Giants every game because the two best games of his career have both come against New York. After finishing the 2018 season with a four touchdown, 387 yard day Dak began the 2019 season with a four touchdown, 405 yard effort Sunday. Most impressive was the fact those numbers came on only 32 attempts, meaning Dak threw for 12.7 yards per attempt and sports a 12.5% touchdown percentage. </p>
<p id="SbbGSW">Dak was simply sensational throughout. He had two drops by <span>Amari Cooper</span> and <span>Ezekiel Elliott</span> or his numbers would have been better. He also added two first down runs in short-yardage situations. </p>
<p id="GXHwaX">The Giants are a bad team and, in particular, they have a bad defense. But no defense is going to stop plays like this, where Dak delivers a perfect ball for the team’s third touchdown:</p>
<div id="kRmMXi">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Dak to Amari. <br><br>You can’t throw a better pass.<br><br>(Video: <a href="https://twitter.com/dallascowboys?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dallascowboys</a>) <a href="https://t.co/2fzJPIsVZY">pic.twitter.com/2fzJPIsVZY</a></p>— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) <a href="https://twitter.com/jonmachota/status/1170815653881810945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<h3 id="ZBOB1C">Running back: C+</h3>
<p id="jEbQXW">The Cowboys running game never really got untracked. They netted only 89 yards on 30 attempts for an anemic 3.0 yards per attempt. The team’s longest run of the game was only 10 yards. Normally this would mean a long, dreadful day for the Cowboys as the passing game simply hasn’t been good enough to succeed without a good running game the last few years. </p>
<p id="5VDXuT">Neither <span>Elliott</span> or <span>Tony Pollard</span> seemed to have much running room but neither did much with what they were given either. <span>Elliott</span> did finish the scoring off with the team’s lone rushing score:</p>
<div id="B6oq45">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="nl" dir="ltr">FEED ZEKE FEED ZEKE FEED ZEKE FEED ZEKE FEED ZEKE FEED ZEKE FEED ZEKE FEED ZEKE (via <a href="https://twitter.com/thecheckdown?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@thecheckdown</a>) <a href="https://t.co/GJXty1tx3v">pic.twitter.com/GJXty1tx3v</a></p>— Blogging The Boys (@BloggingTheBoys) <a href="https://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys/status/1170828640801701889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<h3 id="Bs6k6L">Wide Receivers: A+</h3>
<p id="Tj88iO">One year ago the Cowboys started the season with the worst collection of receivers in the NFL. Now, they seem to have one of the best and it showed throughout Sunday. <span>Amari Cooper</span>, <span>Michael Gallup</span> and <span>Randall Cobb</span> were simply unstoppable, combining for 333 yards and two touchdowns on only 21 targets:</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8R3uuwc2YffNn3O17KLd_vCSlU0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19179717/WR_Numbers.jpg">
</figure>
<p id="6JgPjy">Michael Gallup, in particular, seemed to make play after play; averaging 22+ yards per target to catch 158 yards worth of passes. An early deep completion on a play where Dak and Gallup often missed last year gave us an indication of what was to come. </p>
<div id="OM5a8K">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Dak drops in the DIME! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NYGvsDAL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NYGvsDAL</a> <br><br>(via <a href="https://twitter.com/dallascowboys?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dallascowboys</a>) <br><br> <a href="https://t.co/Gr5C4wUVrI">pic.twitter.com/Gr5C4wUVrI</a></p>— PFF (@PFF) <a href="https://twitter.com/PFF/status/1170807788655861761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="JKacxf"></p>
<p id="ZaXQzn"><span>Randall Cobb</span> found the end zone, but it was his extra effort to get a first down that set up the Cowboy’s second touchdown:</p>
<div id="Hvs4rD">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">DO THE DAMN THING TO EM <a href="https://twitter.com/rcobb18?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rcobb18</a> (via <a href="https://twitter.com/thecheckdown?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@thecheckdown</a>) <a href="https://t.co/qthPsKKkHo">pic.twitter.com/qthPsKKkHo</a></p>— Blogging The Boys (@BloggingTheBoys) <a href="https://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys/status/1170807746616320000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="zEkVtf">Again, the Giants do not represent a significant test but opponents are going to have their hands full with this trio of receivers. </p>
<h3 id="nsINXS">Tight ends: A</h3>
<p id="35yPMA">While the tight end group didn’t generate as many big plays as the receiver group they still chipped in plenty. Venerable Jason Witten, returning to the field for the first time since 2017, had three catches for 15 yards while <span>Blake Jarwin</span> added three more catches for 39 yards. Both, however, caught touchdown passes. <span>Jarwin</span> now has four touchdowns in his last two games against the Giants (and zero against everyone else). </p>
<p id="Bm8azx">Watching <span>Jarwin</span> run down the seam and grabbing touchdown passes is a welcome sight as we rarely saw tight ends ever running down the seam the last few years. </p>
<div id="Mh9ueO">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="hi" dir="ltr">Blake Jarwin > <a href="https://twitter.com/Giants?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Giants</a> (via <a href="https://twitter.com/dallascowboys?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dallascowboys</a>) <a href="https://t.co/nnGcDhbGAY">pic.twitter.com/nnGcDhbGAY</a></p>— Blogging The Boys (@BloggingTheBoys) <a href="https://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys/status/1170803387656482824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<h3 id="erdD7l">Offensive line: A-</h3>
<p id="8TjQwA">On the one hand, the Cowboys offensive line could never open any holes to free the running backs. On the other hand, <span>Dak Prescott</span> had enough time to do his taxes on most pass plays. Prescott wasn’t sacked the entire game and rarely had any pressure whatsoever. This is a huge improvement over 2018 when the Cowboys were in the bottom third of the league in pass protection. </p>
<p id="mj5Ag4">Perhaps most importantly, everyone looked healthy. <span>Zack Martin</span> showed no lingering effects from the back issues that sidelined him most of the pre-season. <span>Tyron Smith</span> started and finished the game and controlled the edge. And Travis Frederick was barely mentioned, which is exactly what you want from your All Pro center returning after a year out of the game. </p>
<p id="JqHUm6">All in all, a very positive game for this well-pedigreed, high-compensated group. </p>
<h3 id="xtvrwx">Defensive line: B</h3>
<p id="60CTl9">This group didn’t have a huge game, recording only a single sack, no tackles for loss, no pass break ups. The biggest highlight cam when Demarcus Lawrence sacked <span>Eli Manning</span> on a fourth down play, resulting in a fumble which Lawrence recovered. </p>
<div id="IpVab1">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Give DeMarcus Lawrence $105M and he’ll give you a strip sack of Eli Manning<br><br>( : <a href="https://twitter.com/dallascowboys?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dallascowboys</a>)<a href="https://t.co/UlGj8K5vUr">pic.twitter.com/UlGj8K5vUr</a></p>— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoriEpstein/status/1170827533463502850?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="uNu9Rs">They did combine to hit <span>Manning</span> six times and, as noted, proved very stout on third and fourth downs. But the Giants ran for more than 150 yards rushing on only 17 attempts for an ugly 8.9 yards per attempt. Not a bad day but there’s room for improvement for this group. </p>
<h3 id="YasgRC">Linebackers: B</h3>
<p id="QlOGkU">A pretty quiet day for this group. <span>Leighton Vander Esch</span> did record 10 tackles and a forced fumble, but most of those tackles seemed to be downfield, not at the line of scrimmage. In addition, LVE bit badly on a play-action fake allowing the Giants an easy touchdown to take an early lead. </p>
<p id="Yucop5">Jaylon <span>Smith</span> added six tackles but none were particularly noteworthy. As noted, the Giants were able to run the ball and move the ball throughout the game. Similar to the defensive line, solid but with room for improvement. </p>
<h3 id="fs9Oeq">Secondary: B</h3>
<p id="auaoir">Again, this group did okay, but wasn’t excellent. On the plus side, none were beaten for touchdowns as the Cowboys stiffened in the red zone. But they did allow the Giants to pass for 319 yards (7.1 yards per attempt) although a lot of those yards came in late-game, garbage situations. </p>
<p id="Yqu17j"><span>Jourdan Lewis</span> started for <span>Byron Jones</span> and came up with a key pass break up to end a Giants’ scoring threat:</p>
<div id="wdNMi7">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cowboys?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cowboys</a> DB Lewis JUST gets there on a ball that was thrown a wee bit off target as <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NYGiants?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NYGiants</a> settle for a FG <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NYGvsDAL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NYGvsDAL</a> 10-21 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CowboysNation?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CowboysNation</a> <a href="https://t.co/W6MGi4rDOU">pic.twitter.com/W6MGi4rDOU</a></p>— Steven Van Over (@StevenVanOver) <a href="https://twitter.com/StevenVanOver/status/1170822924233662464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="u6mG2E">It was a solid but not spectacular day for the secondary. </p>
<h3 id="TabaH1">Special teams: B</h3>
<p id="kgY4XZ">Honestly, there weren’t many noteworthy special teams plays for either side. <span>Brett Maher</span> converted all five extra points but didn’t try any field goals. There weren’t any punt or kickoff return opportunities and the kick coverage seemed adequate. A ho-hum day for this group. </p>
<h3 id="vxBcPc">Summary:</h3>
<p id="vU7xl2">Dallas faces an easy schedule early in the season and they would need to win these early games if they have any hope for a successful season. Well, consider mission accomplished through week one. Many have suggested the Cowboys would have to be much improved in 2019, believing the team enjoyed unsustainable luck in one-score games last season. </p>
<p id="rFzgQu">Well, one way to avoid those one-score situations is to win with a double-digit margin. Dallas led 35-10 at one point and the game really didn’t feel like a contest once the defense stopped the Giants on fourth down with an 11-point lead early in the third quarter. </p>
<p id="7IBoJY">The offense was basically unstoppable and looked every bit the talented, dynamic group we hoped to see. The defense wasn’t as good but made plays when it mattered. Dallas, playing at home, was supposed to beat the Giants and they did so in convincing fashion. </p>
<p id="S1XVlR">We can enjoy NFL football for at least one week. </p>
<p id="RZEoPF"></p>
<p id="JatPLp"></p>
https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2019/9/9/20856173/grading-the-cowboys-big-season-opening-win-over-the-giantsMichael Strawn2019-09-09T09:30:00-05:002019-09-09T09:30:00-05:00What they’re saying: “This team is going to be special.”
<figure>
<img alt="NFL: New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ZXxWZrBaSyPqPBNHDNzcSQzTMes=/0x74:4389x3000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65207936/usa_today_13331051.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>There is a ton of excitement in Dallas.</p> <p id="Zexjmt">It’s hard to summarize just how impressive the <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a>’ week one victory over the <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a> was. Aside from going down by a touchdown early in the game, the home team dominated and enforced its will on its divisional rival until the final whistle.</p>
<p id="8XSUNP">It was a performance that has everybody buzzing. The offense fired on all cylinders, the defense was fast and flew all over the field, and the confidence from everybody wearing the star was evident all game long.</p>
<p id="ZiV4gC">Naturally, a lot of the talk coming out of Dallas is regarding <span>Dak Prescott</span>. <span>Prescott</span>, who is still awaiting a contract extension, balled out in every way imaginable on Sunday afternoon. If there was any doubt about paying <span>Prescott</span>, he did his best to shut that up. <span>Prescott</span> was accurate, confident, and efficient as he diced up the Giants defense for 60 minutes in AT&T Stadium.</p>
<p id="2pW61h">Prescott spoke to the media following his 405-yard, four-touchdown outing and explained that he felt like the offense was “a well-oiled machine” on Sunday.</p>
<div id="o0Cofe">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Dak Prescott wouldn’t say it was easy today vs. the Giants, but “I will say, it did feel like a well-oiled machine.”</p>— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) <a href="https://twitter.com/jonmachota/status/1170853446192369664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="f7NEf2">Jerry Jones was certainly one of many that came away impressed with Dak’s performance versus the Giants. The Cowboys owner went as far to say that a new contract is imminent for number four.</p>
<div id="emYw9a">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jerry Jones said a new contract for Dak Prescott is imminent.<br><br>Dak: “I’m turning the page and I’m worried about the Washington Redskins. I have people that handle that. My focus is on this team. ... That’s been out of my focus for the past week and I’ve told you guys that.”</p>— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) <a href="https://twitter.com/jonmachota/status/1170855427531255808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="cfE9yX">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cowboys?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cowboys</a> owner Jerry Jones expressed confidence that a deal for Dak Prescott is “imminent.” After a performance like that, with so much money and everything else on the line, it’s fair to ask what he’s waiting for. The price is only going up.</p>— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1170853170685370368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="GRVZTP">Dak’s partner in crime, <span>Ezekiel Elliott</span>, explained that the offense has “way too many weapons on the outside” for defenses to contain. That was certainly evident during the offense’s explosion.</p>
<div id="70EwQi">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ezekiel Elliott: "Dak had a helluva performance out there. Their defense was really keyed in to the run. We just have way too many weapons on the outside and we made them hurt."</p>— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) <a href="https://twitter.com/jonmachota/status/1170859085304147968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="FKXa2d">Jerry alluded to that when asked about whether or not the Cowboys inquired about <span>Antonio Brown</span>.</p>
<div id="8v1n7N">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jerry Jones says the Cowboys did not pursue Antonio Brown during his brief free agency yesterday.<br><br>“We saw why today.”</p>— David Helman (@HelmanDC) <a href="https://twitter.com/HelmanDC/status/1170847581741682688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="j4WhQp"><span>Amari Cooper</span> has been a huge bright spot since suiting up for the Dallas Cowboys, but Sunday showed that Dallas has more than just 19. <span>Michael Gallup</span> flashed in a major way and <span>Randall Cobb</span> added a nice outing as well.</p>
<div id="l9wvmG">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ezekiel Elliott on the Cowboys WRs: "I expect them to do that all season long. I knew (Gallup) was special when we got him last year, and obviously Coop can play and Cobb was a great addition. You got a lot of guys on the outside. It's gonna be a fun year."</p>— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) <a href="https://twitter.com/jonmachota/status/1170860518682300417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="OBJyDj">Dak was a superstar on Sunday, but <span>Kellen Moore</span> was a big star as well. The young offensive mind dialed up the right play seemingly every single time throughout the game as the Cowboys were able to get its weapons in space consistently.</p>
<div id="73FXis">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ezekiel Elliott on Kellen Moore: "I just think he did a great job, spreading the ball around and getting a bunch of different guys different looks. We looked damn good today."</p>— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) <a href="https://twitter.com/jonmachota/status/1170859509528576001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="wZzZXp">It had to feel good for Moore that Jerry Jones acknowledged the offense. “He got my name right”, Moore said.</p>
<div id="jUcS3e">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kellen Moore, asked how it feels to have Jerry Jones shout out his impressive offense.<br><br>“Well, he got my name right. They used to call me Keelan. I must be doing something right.”</p>— David Helman (@HelmanDC) <a href="https://twitter.com/HelmanDC/status/1170849848335028224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="4UevtZ">Is there any way to stop the Cowboys when the offense is rolling like it was on Sunday? Zeke isn’t sure.</p>
<div id="BGAqIK">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Is there a way to stop this Cowboys offense when it's clicking on all cylinders?<br><br>Ezekiel Elliott: "Uh, I don't know. (laughs) I don't know."</p>— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) <a href="https://twitter.com/jonmachota/status/1170860973713973250?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="iXYqFE"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-pro-bowl">Pro Bowl</a> receiver <span>Amari Cooper</span> called the unit “lethal” and even stated that “defenses should watch out”. If Sunday was any indication of what is to come from this group, I would have to agree with that.</p>
<div id="5uTCDG">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Amari Cooper on the Cowboys offense: "We're just lethal. Everybody can make plays. Everybody has their own style. It's a good thing for our offense, definitely. Defenses should watch out."</p>— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) <a href="https://twitter.com/jonmachota/status/1170865428853350401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="ULAMl5"><span>Dak Prescott</span> is excited about the weapons in his arsenal. “It’s fun to be the quarterback of this group”, he said. That certainly appeared to be the case in week one, for sure.</p>
<div id="G6Xa7T">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Dak Prescott was asked how much fun it is to have three players running deep downfield to choose from: "Just three? I think it's more than that. Surrounded by talent. This offense is full of it. It's fun. It's fun to be a part of. It's fun to be the quarterback of this group."</p>— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) <a href="https://twitter.com/jonmachota/status/1170868709004652555?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="1DFUYy">The overall sentiment seems to be that the entire team is excited about what the season holds. From the play-calling to the quarterback to the weapons all over the offense, the excitement is strong. Zeke believes that “this team is going to be special”. We shall see.</p>
<div id="r7gmQP">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ezekiel Elliott: "This team is going to be special. I'm excited to be back with these guys. I think we got a great group. I'm excited for this season."</p>— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) <a href="https://twitter.com/jonmachota/status/1170861405102387200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2019/9/9/20856437/what-theyre-saying-this-team-is-going-to-be-special-dallas-cowboys-dak-prescott-kellen-mooreCole Patterson2019-09-09T08:00:00-05:002019-09-09T08:00:00-05:00Seven winners, three losers, and everything in between from the Cowboys Week 1 win
<figure>
<img alt="NFL: New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/YYeSZJ4P7Yw7lX0sZxRQ8IRotiI=/0x137:4097x2868/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65207324/usa_today_13329438.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>There were A LOT of winners from the Cowboys demolition of the Giants.</p> <p id="pXnyZR">Week 1 went about as well as it could have, right? The Dallas Cowboys vanquished the New York Giants and all is seemingly right in the world.</p>
<p id="vjQ67C">Sunday was quite the experience as a Cowboys fan. There was a lot of good to take away, a lot of winners if you will. We’ve compiled our usual list of winners and losers, except there were just too many winners to keep it at five.</p>
<p id="dlGG6h">The Cowboys won. Here’s who else did (with a few losers).</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="d46QTS">
<h3 id="t3QesB">
<strong>Winner: </strong><span>Dak Prescott</span>
</h3>
<p id="kSKrNb">Pay the man. This isn’t hyperbolic, it isn’t prisoner of the moment, it isn’t overreacting. <span>Dak Prescott</span> has been under an insane microscope since last season ended and he came out during his first game with a new offensive coordinator and totally balled out.</p>
<div id="GFrS1X">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">FOUR. TOUCHDOWNS. FOR. NUMBER. FOUR. (via <a href="https://twitter.com/thecheckdown?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@thecheckdown</a>) <a href="https://t.co/319M9OIjnr">pic.twitter.com/319M9OIjnr</a></p>— Blogging The Boys (@BloggingTheBoys) <a href="https://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys/status/1170824406886682627?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="pCkLWG">Pay him.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="CO376z">
<h3 id="95ZnQP">
<strong>Winner: </strong><span>Amari Cooper</span>
</h3>
<p id="wPDg5N">Pay him, too. Seriously. The connection between <span>Prescott</span> and <span>Cooper</span> is one that NFL teams spend decades looking for. He’s a true alpha and that was on display all against the G-Men.</p>
<div id="COBpby">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">RT if this is your QB1 and WR1 (via <a href="https://twitter.com/dallascowboys?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dallascowboys</a>) <a href="https://t.co/vQ5L14abu8">pic.twitter.com/vQ5L14abu8</a></p>— Blogging The Boys (@BloggingTheBoys) <a href="https://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys/status/1170815217191854080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="B5pnup">I think the foot is fine.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="H00RKF">
<h3 id="wlmspQ">
<strong>Winner: </strong><span>Kellen Moore</span>
</h3>
<p id="hQcid7">These aren’t necessarily ranked because if they were you could make an argument that Moore deserves the top spot. How did the <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Cowboys</a> have all of this offensive potential sitting behind Scott Linehan? Kellen Moore utilized motion, RPOs, and everything under the sun against the <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">Giants</a>, and it was a pleasure to watch.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="nnMbVs">
<h3 id="2oZLqF">
<strong>Winner: </strong>Jason Witten AND <span>Blake Jarwin</span>
</h3>
<p id="Pz8Fxs">All they do is catch touchdowns against the New York Giants. The Cowboys have two very capable tight ends and saw touchdowns from both of them. Is that good?</p>
<div id="TMsE7P">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="hi" dir="ltr">Blake Jarwin > <a href="https://twitter.com/Giants?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Giants</a> (via <a href="https://twitter.com/dallascowboys?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dallascowboys</a>) <a href="https://t.co/nnGcDhbGAY">pic.twitter.com/nnGcDhbGAY</a></p>— Blogging The Boys (@BloggingTheBoys) <a href="https://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys/status/1170803387656482824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="QDUbjs">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">THE GOAT HAS RETURNED (via <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLonFOX?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NFLonFOX</a>) <a href="https://t.co/WTvvgibUFx">pic.twitter.com/WTvvgibUFx</a></p>— Blogging The Boys (@BloggingTheBoys) <a href="https://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys/status/1170807929370546176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="kOBfIW">These are good times.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="QpnKkV">
<h3 id="DnRLbR">
<strong>Winner: </strong><span>Randall Cobb</span>
</h3>
<p id="rJY2TV">He would have been in here for this play alone, but <span>Randall Cobb</span> had quite the Cowboys debut.</p>
<div id="ie7DqC">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">DO THE DAMN THING TO EM <a href="https://twitter.com/rcobb18?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rcobb18</a> (via <a href="https://twitter.com/thecheckdown?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@thecheckdown</a>) <a href="https://t.co/qthPsKKkHo">pic.twitter.com/qthPsKKkHo</a></p>— Blogging The Boys (@BloggingTheBoys) <a href="https://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys/status/1170807746616320000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="vCfgO3">This is a physical slot receiver. Those are pretty rare in today’s NFL.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="hrWvin">
<h3 id="jraG1O">
<strong>Winner: </strong><span>Ezekiel Elliott</span>
</h3>
<p id="RI0NLe">He wasn’t asked to do much, but <span>Ezekiel Elliott</span> kept the New York Giants honest on Sunday and that’s a big deal. He’s the highest-paid running back in the NFL and he provided a spark when called upon. That’s important.</p>
<div id="KZEteU">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="nl" dir="ltr">FEED ZEKE FEED ZEKE FEED ZEKE FEED ZEKE FEED ZEKE FEED ZEKE FEED ZEKE FEED ZEKE (via <a href="https://twitter.com/thecheckdown?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@thecheckdown</a>) <a href="https://t.co/GJXty1tx3v">pic.twitter.com/GJXty1tx3v</a></p>— Blogging The Boys (@BloggingTheBoys) <a href="https://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys/status/1170828640801701889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="f9KHhA">Feed him.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="V7i4Um">
<h3 id="S9omX3">
<strong>Winner: </strong>Jason Garrett</h3>
<p id="bnKFnF">There was a lot to like from Kellen Moore and <span>Dak Prescott</span> on Sunday, but some credit needs to be given to the head coach. Jason Garrett has had his flaws during his time leading the Cowboys, but on Sunday his master plan seemed to come together.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="D6K15A">
<h3 id="4t2vpE">
<strong>Loser: </strong>The Hot Boyz</h3>
<p id="bc8PNR">It was not the best afternoon for the Cowboy defensive line group as they didn’t get after <span>Eli Manning</span> as much as people likely thought they would have before the game. A win is a win, but you want to see more from a group that has had a lot of hype to this point.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="4I7v5o">
<h3 id="7XxLiO">
<strong>Loser: </strong><span>Jeff Heath</span>
</h3>
<p id="0YMkbk">One-on-one against <span>Saquon Barkley</span> wouldn’t exactly make anybody a winner, but it was not <span>Jeff Heath</span>’s day.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="VErdmR">
<h3 id="0fQt4C">
<strong>Loser: </strong>The New York Giants</h3>
<p id="zcIKS0">The Dallas Cowboys defeated the New York Giants by a score of 35-17, and it was awesome.</p>
<p id="1PcYOT"></p>
https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2019/9/9/20855666/seven-winners-three-losers-and-everything-in-between-from-the-cowboys-week-1-winRJ Ochoa2019-09-08T21:30:00-05:002019-09-08T21:30:00-05:00Five non-scoring plays that shaped the Cowboys game against the Giants
<figure>
<img alt="NFL: New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pLuiciEV0O0poBUwjWGjgGtnkVo=/0x178:4427x3129/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65205714/usa_today_13331346.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Cowboys offense was humming against the Giants.</p> <p id="wzf3nm">All hail <span>Kellen Moore</span>! After months of anticipation and hype, new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore’s style of offense was finally unveiled, and things looked good as the <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Cowboys</a> got a 35-17 victory over the hapless <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a>. Two different receivers had over 100 yards and <span>Dak Prescott</span> threw for over 400 yards and four touchdowns. It was a banner day all around, but here are five non-scoring plays that made an impact, including a couple on defense. </p>
<p id="WVoD2L"><span><strong>Randall Cobb</strong></span><strong> ends </strong><span><strong>Antonio Hamilton</strong></span><strong>’s career for first down conversion</strong></p>
<p id="KJJjOg">With the game tied at seven apiece, the Cowboys offense was moving into Giants territory when a questionable tripping penalty called on <span>Zack Martin</span> pushed them back. Facing a third and ten at New York’s 18-yard line, Dak took a snap out of the shotgun and flipped a quick pass to <span>Randall Cobb</span>. Catching the ball short of the first down marker, Cobb was quickly met by cornerback <span>Antonio Hamilton</span> and then this happened:</p>
<div id="Q2qacM">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">This is unreal from Randall Cobb (via <a href="https://twitter.com/thecheckdown?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@thecheckdown</a>) <a href="https://t.co/ydxZoD0Fx5">pic.twitter.com/ydxZoD0Fx5</a></p>— RJ Ochoa (@rjochoa) <a href="https://twitter.com/rjochoa/status/1170807668799365121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="hJbyVD">After stealing the defender’s soul, Cobb had room to get the first down and more, taking it down to the four-yard line. On the next play, Dak found Old Man Witten for the touchdown to go up 14-7. Cobb’s second effort was the difference between a touchdown advantage and settling for a field goal. </p>
<p id="fGut6Q"><strong>Dak keeps it on third down, runs for the first</strong></p>
<p id="bm9Rt3">After getting the ball back, the Cowboys were moving the ball again and trying to go up by two touchdowns late in the second quarter. After an offsides penalty from the Giants defense, Dak and the offense faced a third and four at New York’s 33-yard line. </p>
<p id="1cCqDi">After taking the snap, <span>Prescott</span> faked the handoff to <span>Ezekiel Elliott</span> before pulling it out and taking off to the left side of the field. The well-timed option keeper picked up eight yards and a first down, keeping the drive alive before the two-minute warning sounded. Three plays later, Dak hit <span>Amari Cooper</span> on a beautiful touchdown. </p>
<p id="H8YnAf"><span><strong>Jeff Heath</strong></span><strong> knocks down end of half Hail Mary attempt</strong></p>
<p id="eahuRc">In an attempt to get some points before halftime, the Giants offense managed to move the ball up to the Dallas 44-yard line. With nine seconds left and no real shot at a field goal, they ran a Hail Mary play, trying to replicate Aaron Rodgers-level magic. </p>
<p id="4GEbfz">After Eli Manning threw a ball that (surprisingly) made it all the way to the endzone, a crowd of Giants and Cowboys were there waiting to make a play. <span>Jeff Heath</span>, who had the best position, jumped up and swatted it straight down to end any shot of a touchdown. Rather than trying to go for the interception and potentially popping it back up in the air, <span>Heath</span> chose to simply bat it down and go to the locker room with a 21-7 lead. </p>
<p id="9C5m1q"><span><strong>Christian Covington</strong></span><strong> stuffs the run to bring up fourth down</strong></p>
<p id="qZWomz">Halfway through the third quarter and down by three scores, the Giants offense found its way to the Dallas ten-yard line. Lining up for a much-needed conversion on third and two, Manning handed the ball off to fullback <span>Elijhaa Penny</span>. </p>
<p id="5eie13">However, <span>Penny</span> did not get very far, as one of the Cowboys’ free agent additions, defensive tackle <span>Christian Covington</span>, broke through the line to stop <span>Penny</span> after picking up just a yard. As a result, it was fourth and one, which prompted the Giants to go for it and Manning fumbled the ball away. </p>
<p id="M4ybvH"><strong>Dak hits </strong><span><strong>Michael Gallup</strong></span><strong> for 62 yards on third down</strong></p>
<p id="RKbAwN">Shortly after Manning’s fumble was recovered by <span>DeMarcus Lawrence</span>, the Cowboys faced the danger of going three and out. Looking at third and eight on their own 13-yard line, Dak stepped up into the pocket and hit <span>Michael Gallup</span> on a post route. </p>
<p id="Nee1j2"><span>Gallup</span> turned up the field and went for more, capping off a 62-yard reception in total to put a cherry on top of his big day. Not only did the play move the chains, but it flipped field position and sure enough, four plays later <span>Ezekiel Elliott</span> was in the endzone for six. </p>
https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2019/9/8/20856236/five-plays-that-shaped-the-cowboys-game-against-the-giants-dak-prescott-ezekiel-elliottDavid Howman