Blogging The Boys - Dallas Cowboys at Kansas City Chiefs, 2021 NFL Week 11Dallas Cowboys, all the time...since 2005.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47663/Picture_4.png2021-11-23T14:00:00-06:00http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/rss/stream/225511752021-11-23T14:00:00-06:002021-11-23T14:00:00-06:00Crunching Cowboys stats: Signs of hope among the wreckage of the Chiefs loss
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<figcaption>At least we have Micah. | Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>There was good for the Cowboys defense, and ways the offense can improve.</p> <p id="nSbijz">This is not about putting lipstick on the pig of the <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a>’ 19-9 loss to the <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com">Kansas City Chiefs</a>. It was an absolute stinker and there are many things that need to be fixed or ways found to compensate. But now that we’ve had a chance to sleep on it, there are certainly reasons to not despair. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">At the beginning of the szn looking at the schedule, Cowboys Fans would’ve taken a 7-3 record after 10 games with the #1 Seed in the NFC Conf. still in play along with being up multiple games in the NFC East all day long <br><br>Yet here we are with the sky is falling from some fans <a href="https://t.co/g1OfBnvl58">pic.twitter.com/g1OfBnvl58</a></p>— Andre’ Jackson ✭7-3✭ (@therealdre_jack) <a href="https://twitter.com/therealdre_jack/status/1462787166900269058?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2021</a>
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<p id="YNhbax">The W-L record is tied for the third best in the NFC after the <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a> lost to the <a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a>. There is certainly reason to keep an eye on the rest of the NFC East, who are all having more success of late. Still, Dallas remains in a very good position for the playoffs</p>
<p id="QvK9ng">As you would expect from a pretty desultory loss, the stats and numbers from the game itself are not exactly pretty. Now the Cowboys need to get back to their winning ways, fast, with the annual short week of Thanksgiving upon us. Here are some things that those figures may tell us.</p>
<p id="Qs5NAj">We’ll start with the offense, which as we’ll see later was by far the worst part of the game. The running game was particularly dismal, against a Chiefs team that should have been more vulnerable. But the return of defensive lineman Chris Jones and an overall very strong performance by their front seven largely snuffed that out. The Cowboys only gained 82 yards rushing on the day. Take away the only play to get 20 or more yards during the game for either phase of the offense, Tony Pollard’s keeper on a trick play for 31, and it is even worse. Ezekiel Elliott only averaged 3.6 yards per carry. He did seem to get stronger as the game went on, despite getting hurt on a play that looked like he would not be able to return. By then, however, Dallas was trying to overcome a two-score deficit and could not, as Joe Buck and Troy Aikman kept bemoaning, establish the run. We’ll forgo critiquing that 1990s point of view and just submit that they did indeed need far more from the ground game than they got. This is a disturbing trend now for the last few games that really needs to be addressed. </p>
<p id="0Qbtu9">A large part of that was a very bad day for the entire offensive line. One big headline for the game was that Tyron Smith would be held out again, forcing Terence Steele to hold down left tackle. He fared poorly, but it also was a sign that the coaches might have been too hasty in benching Connor Williams in favor of Connor McGovern. Williams certainly has had a problem with the excessive penalties called on him, although it can be argued that some were not very justified. Still, the team won seven games with him at left guard. The change had to have affected the all important chemistry on that side. Perhaps that should not have been so important in the run game for a team that is so right handed on the ground. But La’el Collins and Zack Martin did not do much better. There were also some missed blocks by tight ends and wide receivers that played a part.</p>
<p id="TK6gWf">The line’s inadequacies were noticeable running the ball. They were glaring when Dak Prescott tried to pass. He was sacked five times. Often that is on the quarterback, but in this game the pressure was coming almost immediately all game. Jones had 3.5 sacks himself, wreaking havoc all game. The middle of the line seemed to be in Prescott’s lap all the time, keeping him from climbing the pocket. Add in that he did not have clear space to roll out most of the game, and there was little he could do.</p>
<p id="CuBfCL">Then you have the absence of Amari Cooper and the loss of CeeDee Lamb for the entire second half. The remaining receivers, except for Dalton Schultz, did not help much at all with several dropped passes. Prescott himself was often off target, as on the first play of the game when he overthrew Michael Gallup on a pass that could have entirely changed the course of things. His two interceptions were also at least due to the constant pressure. He seemed troubled by the windy conditions. Kellen Moore tried to help him with a lot of shorter throws, but it did not work. Prescott would not complete a single throw that went for more than 19 yards, although some seemed set up to do better if not for those missed blocks. We also have to give credit to some outstanding individual efforts by the defenders. </p>
<p id="I4IYDa">The Cowboys are currently expecting Smith to return this week. That will not necessarily help the chemistry element, but having a game under his belt will hopefully help McGovern. Cooper is still out, and we are holding our breath that Lamb will make a rapid recovery and clear the concussion protocol in time to face the <a href="https://www.silverandblackpride.com/">Las Vegas Raiders</a> on Thursday. But the backup receivers just have to do better. Dallas has to find a way to get better than three field goals for their total scoring output.</p>
<p id="rJVkKh">We should note that the special teams also had a very bad day. They allowed 104 yards on three kickoff returns, with two going 39. This was highly uncharacteristic of them, and just one more thing that needs to be cleaned up, stat.</p>
<p id="8nEcT4">The defense, however, played well enough to win, only allowing 19 points to the high-powered Kansas City offense and Patrick Mahomes. Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce had good, but not overwhelming, totals. Outside of the opening drive by the Chiefs, the defense kept things well in check, outside of a Tyreek Hill reverse and a handful of long passes. And they just got stronger as the game progressed.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here is how the final 10 drives went for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chiefs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chiefs</a><br><br>PUNT (29 yards)<br><br>PUNT (-1 yard)<br><br>FUMBLE (-3 yards)<br><br>END OF HALF (0 yards)<br><br>INTERCEPTION (38 yards)<br><br>PUNT (-4 yards)<br><br>FIELD GOAL (41 YARDS)<br><br>MISSED FIELD GOAL (42 yards)<br><br>PUNT (52 yards)<br><br>END OF GAME (-2 yards)</p>— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) <a href="https://twitter.com/Marcus_Mosher/status/1462779046501261318?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2021</a>
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<p id="olNZmH">In addition to the two takeaways, the defense also notched three sacks. This was a good enough performance that even a moderate amount of effectiveness on offense could have won the game. But the complementary play that led to the wins so far this season was absent. </p>
<p id="coP7qU">Speaking of defense, there is no doubt that the team has itself a superstar. We can no longer just look at him in terms of rookie performance.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cowboys rookie Micah Parsons is the first NFL player to record at least five sacks, more than 25 tackles, double-digit tackles for loss and multiple forced fumbles in a four-game span since 1999 when tackles for loss began being charted as an NFL statistic.</p>— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/GehlkenNFL/status/1462815510857453569?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2021</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Micah Parsons has 12 pressures today, per <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNStatsInfo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ESPNStatsInfo</a>. <br><br>That's the most by a player in a single game, as tracked by ESPN, since 2019 -- Nick Bosa and J.J. Watt each had a game with 12 that year.</p>— Seth Walder (@SethWalder) <a href="https://twitter.com/SethWalder/status/1462572430073995282?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2021</a>
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<p id="hD9bzr">But his rookie comps are also highly impressive.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sacks, rookie season...<br><br>Myles Garrett = 7.0<br>T.J. Watt = 7.0<br>Chase Young = 7.5<br>Micah Parsons = 8.0 (with 7 games left to play)</p>— Dan Rogers (@DannyPhantom24) <a href="https://twitter.com/DannyPhantom24/status/1462901992607653889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2021</a>
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<p id="PE9kGE">Parsons is a lock to be named Defensive Rookie of the Year. The people who hand out individual awards are hesitant to even consider a rookie for Defensive Player of the Year, but it is time for them to get over that. He is building a remarkable résumé.</p>
<p id="kDL4AR">We still are waiting on DeMarcus Lawrence, Randy Gregory, Brent Urban, and Neville Gallimore to return to the field, and none are expected this week. But when they do, this defense may be good enough to overcome some warts while the offense also strives to get back to full strength. And we may not have to wait too much longer on one of them.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">DeMarcus Lawrence will be activated off IR this week. He will not play against the Raiders on Thursday. Could return for Saints game on Dec. 2. He is closer to returning than Gregory, Gallimore and Urban.</p>— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) <a href="https://twitter.com/clarencehilljr/status/1462914718956462083?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2021</a>
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<p id="FW7r34"> There is an old saying about what wins championships. This year, the Cowboys may have just that.</p>
<p id="7VLtDm">The numbers are at times depressing from the loss, but there are ways that they can be overcome as Dallas returns home, and then faces another indoor game at the <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a> the next Thursday. Then they have the “mini-bye” week to further heal. After that, four of their last five games are against NFC East opponents. They can, to use another hoary adage, control their own destiny. </p>
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https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2021/11/23/22797418/crunching-dallas-cowboys-stats-signs-of-hope-among-the-wreckage-of-the-kansas-city-chiefs-lossTom Ryle2021-11-23T11:00:00-06:002021-11-23T11:00:00-06:00The McCarthy Chronicles: Cowboys outsmarted themselves and lost their identity vs Chiefs
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<p>Unforced errors led to the Cowboys’ letdown in Arrowhead.</p> <p id="CK6kg7">There was a lot of hype around the Cowboys at Chiefs game this Sunday, and many expected a shootout in the first ever showdown between Dak Prescott and Patrick Mahomes given that both teams had just scored 40+ points last week. Instead, we got 28 combined points and exactly two touchdowns; Prescott and Mahomes combined for three interceptions, two lost fumbles, and zero touchdowns. </p>
<p id="OJ0toz">If the Cowboys didn’t have to play another game in four days, we’d take a lot more time to point out that the defense once again played brilliant football against an offense that’s breaking out of its mini-slump. They gave up two touchdown drives in the first quarter but otherwise held Kansas City to field goals and forced punts or takeaways, never letting Mahomes get into a rhythm. </p>
<p id="ktu8sp">The issue for the Cowboys was that they were unable to really score at all, and that was for several reasons. For starters, Prescott was just off in this game, and playing without Amari Cooper for the first time since the receiver arrived in Dallas was another. But it also didn’t help that Prescott was under duress most of the day against a Chiefs defense that has struggled to harass quarterbacks all year long. </p>
<p id="yKKK5G">On its surface, there really isn’t much to be worried about in this loss. Only the Cardinals and <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Packers</a> have better records than the Cowboys in the NFC right now, and two of their three losses have come to the two teams who played in the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> last year. Those two losses were by a combined 12 points. It’s easy to write this one off as losing to a team that’s been really good for a longer time than Dallas has. </p>
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<p id="pVn8rx">The problem, however, is the reason why the Cowboys lost this game. For the first time all year, the Cowboys just outsmarted themselves. They lost to the <a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Buccaneers</a> because Tom Brady is impossible to stop in a two-minute drill. They lost to the Broncos because the team just forgot to show up. But this time they lost because they committed too many unforced errors, both before and during the game. </p>
<p id="7UJXKC">The first big error was deciding to swap out Connor Williams with Connor McGovern. This had been hinted at by Mike McCarthy earlier in the week when he mentioned the fact that Williams was the most penalized player in the NFL. What McCarthy didn’t mention is that only two other guards in the NFL have allowed a lower pressure rate than Williams. </p>
<p id="zzJNDA">Well, they made the move anyway, and the Cowboys still racked up six penalties in the game. Four of those came on offense, with three of them being on the offensive line. McGovern wasn’t responsible for any of them, but if the sole reason for benching Williams was his penalties - since we know it wasn’t due to his actual production - then it clearly didn’t work. And while McGovern didn’t get penalized, he did give up two sacks and several more pressures. </p>
<p id="xmy7jr">It wasn’t just that McGovern struggled in pass protection, but it also influenced Terence Steele as well. Making his third straight start at left tackle, Steele played more like he did against Denver than against Atlanta. It’s not because the Chiefs are a great pass rushing defense - they were 23rd in pass rush win rate and 30th in sacks coming into the game. Simply put, this was an instance where Steele would have benefitted from continuity. Playing next to Williams, who’s been great in pass protection all year, had helped Steele take a step forward in his second game at left tackle. Changing things up this week threw a wrench into the process for him, and it showed. </p>
<p id="CVHwc0">The Cowboys offensive line didn’t just struggle in pass protection, but in run blocking as well. They’ve been one of the very best in that category all year, but the Chiefs repeatedly blew them off the line of scrimmage all game. Ezekiel Elliott had just one run that went for over five yards on the day, while Tony Pollard’s only run over five yards came on the trick play where he took a direct snap and faked a pitch to Prescott. These struggles didn’t stop Kellen Moore from continuing to run the ball, thereby repeatedly banging his head into a brick wall. </p>
<p id="wSlgQr">The cherry on top was the decision to move CeeDee Lamb back outside for most of his snaps this week with Cooper out. It’s not that Lamb is incapable of playing outside, but he’s just so much more dangerous in the slot. Of course, it didn’t help that both Cedrick Wilson and Noah Brown forgot how to catch the ball, and losing Lamb to a concussion further complicated things. </p>
<p id="IX5IAv">All season long, the Cowboys have thrived with a simple approach: let players do the things they’re best at. They play a lot of man coverage because Trevon Diggs is great at man; they blitz a lot because of Micah Parsons; they throw a lot when facing good run defenses and run a lot when facing good pass defenses. For whatever reason, they got away from that identity Sunday, and it cost them. </p>
<p id="8F4U4q">Just like the Broncos game, this is likely a one-game anomaly, and it helps that they’ll get a chance to prove just that so quickly. But it’s the second time this year that these anomalies have cost Dallas a game, which could come back to bite them if the Cowboys end up having to play on the road late in the playoffs. </p>
https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2021/11/23/22796650/the-mike-mccarthy-chronicles-cowboys-outsmarted-themselves-and-lost-their-identity-vs-chiefsDavid Howman2021-11-23T08:00:00-06:002021-11-23T08:00:00-06:005 takeaways from the Cowboys disappointing loss to the Chiefs
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<p>The offensive line continues to struggle without Tyron Smith, but at least the defense did its part.</p> <p id="i5rVeF">A game that most assumed would be a battle between two of the NFL’s best offenses quickly turned into an ugly performance across the board. Luckily for Kansas City, the <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a> seemed determined to prove they could put up an uglier performance. It was eerily similar to watching the 2020 Cowboys, especially on offense.</p>
<p id="5Xilkf">It is difficult to dwell on this game since most of us wanted to forget about it the minute we turned off the TV—but playing against a decent team such as the Chiefs reveals a lot about a team. So although it might be painful, what did we learn?</p>
<h3 id="yXkOc9">The injuries are starting to hurt</h3>
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<p id="ix3KxT">Based on wins above replacement, the Cowboys have been affected by injuries more than 22 other teams in the NFL. But up to this game, it appeared as though Dallas was just fine using the “next man up” mentality. Well, on Sunday afternoon, the Cowboys injuries finally got to them.</p>
<p id="11WdKu">Outside of Dak Prescott, what would you say were the two most glaring issues for Dallas on Sunday? It would be difficult not to answer the offensive line and dropped passes. It is not a coincidence that these mistakes occurred with injury-riddled positions.</p>
<p id="z2Pqd8">Between Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb, the Cowboys were missing a collective 94 receptions for 1,323 yards, including 430 yards after the catch, with only four drops on 133 targets. With the four drops in the Chiefs game alone, the Cowboys were missing their reliable wide receivers.</p>
<p id="npkFve">And the injuries were even more apparent on the offensive line as the Cowboys allowed five sacks, 15 quarterback hurries, and a quarterback pressure on 38% of Dak’s throws. What makes these stats even worse is that the Chiefs are the 31st ranked team by PFF pass-rushing grade.</p>
<p id="1PnM6G">This takeaway is not an excuse for Sunday’s performance. The Cowboys played like a bottom ten team, especially on offense. We learned that Dallas is not the unstoppable team that can power through injuries like we might have thought.</p>
<p id="a45NJC">Health is becoming a serious issue, and with Lamb and Cooper both possibly missing the next game, it doesn’t project to get any better. The postseason is only eight weeks away, which is closer than it seems. The Cowboys need to get healthy before then.</p>
<p id="P3KvLQ">It is impossible to prevent injuries in football. At this point, we have to hope that Dallas gets lucky with injuries in the regular season. Because Sunday proved that an unhealthy roster affects Dallas, as it does the rest of the league. Injuries affect a team, this is not a hot take, but the Cowboys have been disproportionately affected and it is starting to show. </p>
<h3 id="IR8Ipu">Adjusting the offensive line seems like the wrong move for now</h3>
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<p id="FskjJo">Whoever thought that substituting Connor McGovern for Connor Williams was the wrong move might have been correct. This headline isn’t an attempt to play Monday morning quarterback; I’ll admit that I believed it was the right decision as well.</p>
<p id="BykbkT">Connor Williams had given up ten pressures, one sack, and had a solid win rate in run blocking. The issue was he had committed 13 penalties on the year, 10 of which had been accepted. Contrast this with Connor McGovern, who, in his first start, allowed one sack and three quarterback pressures. At least he wasn’t penalized this week.</p>
<p id="YIiseq">But the primary reason for this takeaway is that the offensive line looked utterly lost. Despite the McGovern stats listed above, he finished with the third-best pass-blocking grade on the Dallas line in week eleven.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">You know it's not your day when Zack Martin gets beat for a sack. Only happens a couple times per season</p>— John Owning (@JohnOwning) <a href="https://twitter.com/JohnOwning/status/1462572690347159555?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2021</a>
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<p id="9kPTWX">Dak Prescott seemed to have a target on his back against a Chiefs defensive line that essentially changed the game. The offensive line played horribly across the board, and you can reference the stats from the last takeaway as proof.</p>
<p id="VkpLKl">It doesn’t seem like a coincidence that the offensive line’s worst performance of the season came a game after Dallas changed the personnel. Looking at this game in a vacuum, it appears the Cowboys made the incorrect decision.</p>
<p id="vqRCLo">It is possible that the offensive line needs more time to get comfortable in their new roles, or maybe even Tyron Smith’s absence remains the primary reason for the line’s woes.</p>
<p id="xmh6Ax">We shouldn’t completely write off the McGovern move yet. Joe Philbin deserves the benefit of the doubt. But all we can say for now is that the move away from Connor Williams caused Dak a lot of pressure on Sunday. It was a complete disaster, but it is only one game, so we can’t form a definitive conclusion yet.</p>
<h3 id="VvFZSC">We might not know who the 2021 Cowboys are until January</h3>
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<p id="7ccX6Y">Just a quick preface for this takeaway; the sky is not falling and everything is okay. The Chiefs are a decent football team, and this was a much different game than the Broncos’ performance. With that said, we have yet to see the full potential of this roster.</p>
<p id="xoLOFM">You have to play the schedule you’re given, and the Cowboys have beat up on bad teams, which they should have done. Dallas currently has faced the third hardest strength of schedule, so the Cowboys are not the 2020 <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a>. This is a good football team, and their 7-3 record is not a fluke.</p>
<p id="lZlIT3">But we have yet to see the ceiling of this team. Beating the now 7-4 Patriots was a solid victory, as was the <a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/">Chargers</a> game. However, the win in New England seems to have occurred before the Patriots hit their stride.</p>
<p id="rlBvsx">This is not a genuine problem, but it would have been nice to clarify the question marks surrounding this team after what we saw in 2020. How good can this team be? What type of team can the Cowboys beat? Can we get a win against a team we might see in the postseason?</p>
<p id="wTjz9e">With the Cowboys facing the eighth hardest strength of schedule over the rest of the year, there is a chance that these questions aren’t answered until the Cardinals game. Even then, that game might be all but irrelevant.</p>
<p id="xdmxxy">So it is possible that we don’t know what type of team the Cowboys can beat until January. And that is alright because once again, you have to play the schedule you’re given. But beating up on the Chiefs would have been the perfect clarification we all needed, which is part of the reason this loss is more discouraging.</p>
<p id="vJQNfU">We know the Cowboys have a top ten offense in the league, a good defense, and they are destined to at least compete in January. Outside of those facts, everything else is up in the air.</p>
<p id="71LkkQ">With a 94.8% chance to make the playoffs, a 17.4% chance to make the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a>, and a 9.4% chance to hoist the Lombardi, the ceiling is a championship. But we might not get to see that ceiling manifest itself in the regular season. Which is frustrating, but it is no reason to panic.</p>
<h3 id="391Kn3">The rushing game has gone downhill</h3>
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<p id="5wvRkI">Before Ezekiel Elliott or Tony Pollard fans interpret this takeaway as a commentary between the two, the rushing game has gone downhill across the board. The Cowboys simply aren’t running as efficiently as they once were.</p>
<p id="OJuuTD">Going into the bye week, the Dallas rushing attack was electric. The Cowboys were ninth in the NFL by rushing EPA per play, running for 164 yards per game at 5.1 yards per attempt. The first down rushing was particularly impressive, as the Cowboys were ripping off over 100 rushing yards <strong>on first down alone. </strong></p>
<p id="146seb">Since then, the running game has just not been there. Over the last four games, the Cowboys are 29th in the NFL by rushing EPA per play, rushing for 88 yards per game at 3.9 yards per attempt. The first down rushing efficiency has similarly fallen, as the Cowboys are only averaging 50 rushing yards on first down since the bye.</p>
<p id="itroN2">Tony Pollard and Ezekiel Elliott were at a 90.3 and 75.1 PFF grade entering the bye week, respectively, and since then, they have fallen to 68.4 and 60.4.</p>
<p id="VVhHTp">The running game is part of the reason for the decline in overall offensive efficiency. Not in the sense that the Cowboys need to “establish the run,” according to Troy Aikman. Sorry Troy, but that was ridiculous.</p>
<p id="dFICie">Instead, Dak Prescott needs help on the ground. Picking up 4-5 yards every time your running back touches the ball goes a long way in helping your quarterback convert short-yardage situations. The Cowboys do not need to “establish the run” to succeed, but Prescott can’t keep doing it all.</p>
<p id="wJzfXx">It is worth noting that Tyron Smith missing time is the commonality between when the rushing attack was working and when it is not. Smith will presumably be back for Thanksgiving, and hopefully, the ground game gets back to what it was. </p>
<h3 id="Xsv6WM">It is time for us to believe the defense is top ten in the league</h3>
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<p id="arRNIO">This was a horrendous performance, but at least the game wasn’t all bad. The Chiefs, despite their lackluster start to the season, still have an explosive offense. And after the first three drives, the Cowboys’ defense essentially shut them down.</p>
<p id="y1i5LD">Going into week eleven, the Chiefs were a top-five offense. For reference, they were second in the league by EPA per play, fifth by passing EPA per play, third by the percentage of drives that end in a touchdown, dead last by the percentage of drives that end in a punt, and fifth by offensive DVOA. Kansas City had turnover problems, but their offense was always top-five in the league.</p>
<p id="8wfpzJ">At the very least, it was the best offense the Cowboys have faced since week one. The Dallas defense showed up by holding the Chiefs to 4/12 on third downs, forcing four punts, 19 points, zero passing touchdowns from Patrick Mahomes, and seven yards per passing attempt. All while generating two turnovers and three sacks.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cowboys LB/DE Micah Parsons has tied DeMarcus Ware's franchise rookie record with eight sacks on season. It took him less than 10 full games.</p>— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/GehlkenNFL/status/1462563703841251333?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2021</a>
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<p id="nOzPdY">The Cowboys’ defense answered the call. There is a reason that Dallas was competitive in this game going into the fourth quarter despite not scoring a touchdown, and it is because of Dan Quinn.</p>
<p id="S54m17">It was a disappointing game, but not because of the defense. While many expected a shootout, Micah Parsons, Dorance Armstrong, and Jayron Kearse ensured this game didn't get out of hand.</p>
<p id="xBKgQ7">Here are the Cowboys current defensive rankings by various outlets:</p>
<ul>
<li id="0erQAn">5th by EPA per play allowed</li>
<li id="trSqyt">4th by defensive DVOA</li>
<li id="uWvm0k">Tied for 4th by takeaways per game</li>
<li id="v9uU5x">6th by percentage of opponents drives that end in a score</li>
<li id="wQUbF7">8th by points per game allowed</li>
</ul>
<p id="A36q1V">It is finally time we believe in the defense. Dan Quinn has turned around the 2020 disaster of a defensive unit, and come Thanksgiving, that is something we can all be thankful for.</p>
<p id="TvG5rg">It was an ugly game, but luckily for Cowboys fans, we don’t have to ruminate on the loss for too long. In just a few short days, the Raiders will be coming to town, and Dallas gets a chance to redeem themselves.</p>
<p id="XjkUYX">The team is getting healthier, it is preferable to lose against an AFC team than an NFC team, and the defense played better than expected. There are reasons to be optimistic. But for now, it just hurts.</p>
https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2021/11/23/22797087/5-takeaways-from-the-cowboys-disappointing-loss-to-the-chiefs-tyron-smith-micah-parsons-dak-prescottAidan Davis2021-11-22T18:00:00-06:002021-11-22T18:00:00-06:00Dak Watch Week 11: Analyzing a loss at Arrowhead
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<p>What worked, and what did not, against the Chiefs defense.</p> <p id="lvxsio">It has been a rocky three weeks for Dak Prescott and the <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a>.</p>
<p id="JUkrjT">Which has made for a rocky three weeks here at Dak Watch.</p>
<p id="KTvVIp">Three weeks ago we tried to make sense of a shocking loss at the hands of the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com">Denver Broncos</a>, in Prescott’s return from a calf injury. Thankfully, he and the Cowboys rebounded last week with a strong performance against the <a href="https://www.thefalcoholic.com/">Atlanta Falcons</a>.</p>
<p id="WQDcN0">Then, there was this week. Ultimately, the story of Sunday’s loss to the <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com">Kansas City Chiefs</a> might be told up front. Defensive lineman Chris Jones was, to put it mildly, a problem for the Cowboys, as he seemed to be in the backfield — and in Prescott’s lap — on almost every snap. Dallas also struggled to convert third-down opportunities, which will be a theme of this breakdown.</p>
<p id="9vwzpX">Prescott finished the day having completed 28 of 43 passes for 216 yards and two interceptions, and was also sacked five times. We’ll get into those interceptions, some of the sacks, and more, in this week’s installment of Dak Watch.</p>
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https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2021/11/22/22796798/dak-watch-week-11-analyzing-a-loss-at-arrowheadMark Schofield2021-11-22T17:00:00-06:002021-11-22T17:00:00-06:00Cowboys at Chiefs: The good, the bad, and the ugly from Week 11
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<figcaption>Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The highs and lows in Week 11 for the Dallas Cowboys,</p> <p id="v3erKB">For the second time in three weeks, the <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a> looked nothing like the team we become accustomed to watching in 2021. In Week 11 against the <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com">Kansas City Chiefs</a>, much like they played against the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com">Denver Broncos</a> a few weeks ago, Dallas looked out of sync and outcoached Sunday afternoon.</p>
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<h5 id="XTZgB1">
<em>We discussed everything from Sunday’s win during our Dallas Cowboys Postgame Show on the Blogging The Boys podcast network. Make sure to subscribe to our network so you don’t miss any of our episodes. </em><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blogging-the-boys-for-dallas-cowboys-fans/id1169821159"><em>Apple devices can subscribe here</em></a><em> and </em><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/3xz5DmRtIGDYws8tv15c6v"><em>Spotify users can subscribe here</em></a><em>.</em>
</h5>
<p id="rcexof">Each and every week we try to identify the the highs and lows from each game, but after a disappointing loss like this one the scales tend to tip more towards the negative side. That generally means finding anything positive is few and far between. Despite that though, we are going to discuss <em>the good</em>, <em>the bad</em>, and <em>the ugly</em> nonetheless.</p>
<h3 id="7irCIo">
<strong>THE GOOD</strong> - Micah Parsons</h3>
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<cite>Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="LZvLOp">Surprisingly enough, the Cowboys defense wasn’t the reason they lost Sunday afternoon against the Chiefs. They actually kept them in the game to the very end, but sadly it just wasn’t enough. Although there was very little positive to take away from this Week 11 matchup, there was one player in particular who stood out above the rest. Micah Parsons once again proved he’s arguably the Cowboys best defensive player. He had yet another multi-sack game bringing his total to nine on the year and also forced a fumble. He was probably the lone bright spot from the Cowboys disappointing loss this week.</p>
<h3 id="NLX51r">
<strong>THE BAD</strong> - CeeDee Lamb</h3>
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<img alt="Dallas Cowboys v Kansas City Chiefs" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/zPB2DeHZjJW3FQRStTFaUCgvJp4=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23033389/1354769158.jpg">
<cite>Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="TDyrc5">The Cowboys were already without their top wide receiver heading into the Week 11 matchup with the Chiefs as Amari Cooper was out after testing positive for COVID, but the depth was further tested after CeeDee Lamb sustained a head injury in the first half. Not only was Lamb’s absence in the second half detrimental to the Cowboys offense, but his status for Thursday’s game against the Raiders could be in doubt if concussion type symptoms linger. With Cooper out and Lamb questionable next week, Dallas’ once deep WR depth would be extremely thin without their top two targets.</p>
<h3 id="W8D6dm">
<strong>THE UGLY</strong> - Self-discipline/focus</h3>
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<cite>Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="PEhzt5">Self-discipline and lack of focus has become a pretty big issue for the Cowboys recently. It reared its ugly head once again in Week 11 against the Chiefs and was a big reason why they ended up losing. Dropped passes, mental mistakes, blown coverages, poor tackling, unnecessary penalties, and lack of execution made this game a lot uglier than it should’ve been. Sadly, the majority of these concerns fall solely on the shoulders of the players. The coaching staff did little to help with self-discipline, but it’s is something they can stress more in practice moving forward. Ultimately though, it’s up to the players to hold themselves accountable.</p>
https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2021/11/22/22795497/cowboys-at-chiefs-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-from-week-11Brian_Martin2021-11-22T15:30:00-06:002021-11-22T15:30:00-06:00Cowboys 2021 rookie report: The Micah Parsons show continues
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<p>At least there was something positive in the Cowboys game.</p> <p id="NxKbyx"> There wasn’t a whole lot to enjoy in the Cowboys’ disappointing loss to the Chiefs in Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday. However, as has been the case for seemingly every game this year, Micah Parsons continued to be a shining star for Dallas. </p>
<p id="qGG7lg">Parsons had yet another big game, even though it came in a loss, and was part of an overall solid showing for the Cowboys defense. The rest of the Cowboys’ rookie class, however, can’t quite say the same this time around. </p>
<h1 id="bZRQBh"><strong>Micah Parsons, LB</strong></h1>
<p id="SNaucG">We’re beginning to sound like a broken record, but Micah Parsons is incredible. Every week it seems like he does something more to cement his runaway lead with the Defensive Rookie of the Year vote. Honestly, at this point the discussion should be more about his candidacy for Defensive <em>Player</em> of the Year. He’s been that good. </p>
<p id="VsYakU">Parsons saw a lot of use on the line of scrimmage as a pass rusher this week, as Dan Quinn did what every other defensive coordinator in the NFL has done this year by not blitzing Patrick Mahomes. It worked in containing Mahomes, and it also worked in getting Parsons several huge moments. He finished the day with two sacks, one of which resulted in a fumble recovery for the Cowboys, and three hits on Mahomes. He also hit a high watermark for pressures in a single game: </p>
<div id="oY75VL">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Micah Parsons has 12 pressures today, per <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNStatsInfo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ESPNStatsInfo</a>. <br><br>That's the most by a player in a single game, as tracked by ESPN, since 2019 -- Nick Bosa and J.J. Watt each had a game with 12 that year.</p>— Seth Walder (@SethWalder) <a href="https://twitter.com/SethWalder/status/1462572430073995282?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2021</a>
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<p id="xZzvtQ">That is, uh, quite good. There is a cost in the linebacking corps for moving Parsons to defensive end, even though it made sense for this matchup. And for what it’s worth, Parsons made clear his opinion on whether or not he should make a full-time move to playing EDGE: </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cowboys LB/DE Micah Parsons on his response to anyone who believes who should stay at DE full-time: “That just limits …what I can do. …I think Q and George and AD are doing a really good job of playing to my strengths.” A versatile chess piece.</p>— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/GehlkenNFL/status/1462589740235083785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2021</a>
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<h1 id="tz6iDw"><strong>Kelvin Joseph, CB</strong></h1>
<p id="o8fEry">Kelvin Joseph was inactive this week and did not travel with the team for a non-injury related personal reason. With a quick turnaround for the next game, it’s unclear if he’ll return to the team by then.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">He’s dealing with a loss of a family member. <a href="https://t.co/W6DF4ZAgz3">https://t.co/W6DF4ZAgz3</a></p>— BryanBroaddus (@BryanBroaddus) <a href="https://twitter.com/BryanBroaddus/status/1462454299691302918?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2021</a>
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<h1 id="C3xwhz"><strong>Osa Odighizuwa, iDL</strong></h1>
<p id="RNL9fC">The Chiefs entered the game with their interior offensive line as a strong point, which is why most of the Cowboys’ pass rush success happened on the edges against two tackles who have struggled this year. So it wasn’t too terribly surprising to see Osa Odighizuwa have a fairly quiet day, registering two tackles and not making much noise in the pass rush. </p>
<p id="tpfwkz">However, it is somewhat concerning that he hasn’t been heard from much each of the last two weeks, and faded after a strong start against Denver before then too. It’s possible that he’s hitting a rookie wall, as Odighizuwa has had to play significantly more snaps than the team initially envisioned for him this year and his stamina was a question mark coming out of <a href="https://www.bruinsnation.com">UCLA</a>. It could also just be a minor slump that Odighizuwa will break out of, but it’s something to monitor. </p>
<h1 id="bfq4PD"><strong>Chauncey Golston, EDGE</strong></h1>
<p id="ydzMIo">If Odighizuwa had a quiet day, Chauncey Golston one-upped him in terms of not contributing much. He wasn’t necessarily bad, although Golston did exhibit some troubles setting the edge like he did against Denver. But Golston just failed to make any real impact, something that’s been uncharacteristic of the rookie. </p>
<p id="q7NhiX">His biggest impact came on an unnecessary roughness penalty in the second half, which gave the Chiefs a free first down. It wasn’t a back-breaking penalty, although Mike McCarthy took issue with the officials for calling it. But Golston is one of many Cowboys players who will look to rebound on Thanksgiving. </p>
<h1 id="EOuI4R"><strong>Nahshon Wright, CB</strong></h1>
<p id="ikajmy">After having such a nice redemption story last week with his touchdown on the blocked punt, Nahshon Wright was inactive this week with a hamstring injury. </p>
<h1 id="CSQRpe"><strong>Jabril Cox, LB</strong></h1>
<p id="0mwPpu">Jabril Cox is on the injured reserve with a torn ACL. </p>
<h1 id="Sl6oBP"><strong>Josh Ball, OT</strong></h1>
<p id="mVTxli">Josh Ball is on the injured reserve. </p>
<h1 id="iWGDlm"><strong>Simi Fehoko, WR</strong></h1>
<p id="HKoEaE">Simi Fehoko remained inactive for this game despite the Cowboys being down Amari Cooper. CeeDee Lamb sustained a concussion that kept him out for the second half, so if he’s not ready to go by Thursday then Fehoko may get to suit up. </p>
<h1 id="fqcn8K"><strong>Quinton Bohanna, iDL</strong></h1>
<p id="Yk0CoQ">Quinton Bohanna was a surprise inactive last week, but it doesn’t seem to have been the start of any trend. He was active against Kansas City, despite the Chiefs not exactly being a team that runs the ball much. Bohanna did his job of plugging up the middle on early run downs and recorded a tackle on the day in his limited action. </p>
<h1 id="P0DWL0"><strong>Israel Mukuamu, S</strong></h1>
<p id="tOUp0g">Israel Mukuamu was inactive this week. </p>
<h1 id="06mWXO"><strong>Matt Farniok, OG</strong></h1>
<p id="bnT8Sx">Since the Cowboys’ only points Sunday came by way of field goals, and Matt Farniok was once again getting all of snaps blocking for Greg Zuerlein kick attempts, we can factually say that the Cowboys scored on 100% of Farniok’s snaps. Few players, let alone rookies, can claim that. Not that they would, but it’s something for the rookie. </p>
https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2021/11/22/22795579/cowboys-2021-rookie-report-the-micah-parsons-show-continues-osa-odighizuwa-chauncey-golstonDavid Howman2021-11-22T11:00:00-06:002021-11-22T11:00:00-06:00Grading the Cowboys poor performance against the Chiefs
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<figcaption>Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>It wasn’t a pretty game for the Cowboys this week.</p> <p id="sA3Sky">Combine poor execution and missing players at wideout, with an offensive line that forgot how to block, and you get the <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a>’ performance against the <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com">Kansas City Chiefs</a>. The shootout that many thought was coming turned out to be a defensive struggle that tilted in the Chiefs favor thanks to mistakes by the Cowboys offense. Even though the score had the Cowboys losing by ten points, it could have been a lot worse if not for the tough play from the Cowboys defense that was holding on for dear life. </p>
<p id="WOunRL">Let’s take a look at what went right and what went wrong for the Cowboys this week by grading the Cowboys performance.</p>
<h3 id="v6iDTl"><strong>Overall: D</strong></h3>
<p id="wP39xv">The Cowboys offense was out of sorts all game, just like they were two weeks ago against the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com">Denver Broncos</a>. Poorly thrown passes from Dak Prescott, the running game was never established against the Chiefs defense, and the coaching staff just didn’t seem to have an answer for the Chiefs on defense or special teams. The only saving grace for the Cowboys this week was the play of their defense that kept them in the game the best they could.</p>
<h3 id="DIzeJo"><strong>Coaching: D</strong></h3>
<p id="W5s5yH">The Cowboys offensive coaching staff just didn’t seem to have an answer for the inside pressure that Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones was able to put on Prescott and the running game this week. They also failed to give much help to Terence Steele once again on the left side of the line, allowing pressure to come from Prescott’s blindside for most of the night. The only reasons this wasn’t an “F” was due to the injuries and players missing on offense and defensive coordinator Dann Quinn’s defensive game plan to slow to the explosive Chiefs offense.</p>
<h3 id="zIfnnX"><strong>Quarterback: D</strong></h3>
<p id="6TCdRe">It just seemed like the pressure got to Prescott this week and that’s something that we just aren’t used to from him. That, along with him forcing the ball down the field and into tight coverage. Prescott looked mortal this week after losing his two best wide receivers and receiving constant pressure up the middle and from his blindside. With a short week ahead, we have to hope that Prescott can return to form but he’s going to need some help if that is to happen.</p>
<h3 id="033WGc"><strong>Running Backs: C</strong></h3>
<p id="HGd4zV">The running game just was never established this week and when the Cowboys utilized Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard in the passing game, the Chiefs were ready for it and able to bring them down quickly. For that reason, you can’t really fault this Cowboys running game, they had defenders in their face when running the ball. The main takeaway here is the hope that Elliott who left the game with an injury will be able to return on a short week and be effective now that the Cowboys could be down two receivers next week and 16 total carries won’t cut it.</p>
<h3 id="lOOqN1"><strong>Wide Receiver: C-</strong></h3>
<p id="wE4HuL">The team already came into this game shorthanded with Amari Cooper out due to Covid protocols. Then going into halftime they lost CeeDee Lamb to a head injury. From that point on the Cowboys just weren’t able to threaten the Chiefs secondary outside of Michael Gallup. The majority of the passes after that went to the Cowboys tight ends and running backs. They were also phased out thanks to the pressure Prescott, but the drops from some of the understudies at receiver really hurt the offense. The only reason this group doesn’t get a worse grade is due to backups being used for the most part. </p>
<h3 id="5FYh7G"><strong>Tight End: C</strong></h3>
<p id="K58pHB">Tight end Dalton Schultz once again seemed to be the only receiver that Prescott was able to actually get the football to down the field. Schultz was able to catch six passes for 53 yards, outside of that they weren’t really effective in blocking this week when lined up along the offensive line. They are going to be relied upon again on Thanksgiving if Lamb is out.</p>
<h3 id="kHlVl7"><strong>Offensive Line: F</strong></h3>
<p id="JThxsR">The Cowboys offensive line was the main reason for the Cowboys’ offensive struggles this week as they weren’t able to give Prescott any time in the pocket consistently. The loss of left tackle Tyron Smith still looms over this group, and the move to start Connor McGovern at left guard didn’t have a positive effect on the the offensive line and Terence Steele needs help at left tackle. They were also unable to create lanes for the Cowboys running backs to gain yards, instead, they were fighting most of the day to get back to the line of scrimmage and didn’t have any success stopping Chris Jones.</p>
<h3 id="TyafM0"><strong>Defensive Line: B</strong></h3>
<p id="z9AJrV">The defensive line was getting pressure on Patrick Mahomes all day but was just a step to slow on getting home most of the time. Rookie Micah Parsons, who started at defensive end this week, was able to pick up two more sacks on the season and Dorance Armstrong added one of his own. They were also able to keep the Chiefs running game in check for the most part before being worn out thanks to the offense’s turnovers and three and outs. </p>
<h3 id="pSr20g"><strong>Linebackers: C</strong></h3>
<p id="6vBs9F">The Cowboys linebackers were in position to make plays and for the most part they were able to, but there were times when tackles were missed allowing the Chiefs to pick up first downs. With the injuries at defensive end the linebackers sorely miss having Parsons in the middle of that defense making plays against the run and pass. Leighton Vander Esch and Keanu Neal did a good, but not great, job overall this week.</p>
<h3 id="i1ThzJ"><strong>Secondary: C</strong></h3>
<p id="INcpr0">The Cowboys secondary did a good job of limiting the Chiefs explosive plays to a minimum this week, but they still gave up chunks of yards to move the chains. Tight end Travis Kelce did most of his damage in the middle of the field late in the game that dropped their grade overall. It was raised a bit though thanks to another take away that gave the Cowboys offense nice field position that they couldn’t take advantage of.</p>
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https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2021/11/22/22795483/grading-the-cowboys-poor-performance-against-the-chiefsTerence Watson2021-11-22T09:30:00-06:002021-11-22T09:30:00-06:00Five plays that shaped the Cowboys’ letdown loss to the Chiefs
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<img alt="Dallas Cowboys v Kansas City Chiefs" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/zURirUF9Me55iV7BRFNqger4etE=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70177610/1354768277.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>It was tough to watch the Cowboys play the Chiefs. </p> <p id="SdREpa">For the second time in three weeks, the Cowboys had a game in which everything went wrong for them. This time around, it was a little easier to swallow, considering that it was a road game against a surging Chiefs team in which several key Cowboys players were out. </p>
<p id="blIlkj">That doesn’t erase the sting in this one, although it helps that this team gets a chance for atonement in just four days in their home stadium. It was evident pretty early on that this wasn’t Dallas’ day, and these five plays were a big part of making sure their fortunes never changed. </p>
<p id="susT3y"><strong>Noah Brown’s drop kills the Cowboys’ opening drive</strong></p>
<p id="Uop450">The Cowboys’ first play of the game nearly went to the house, with Michael Gallup toasting the Chiefs cornerback off the line. But Dak Prescott missed him in a harbinger of things to come. Two plays later, though, Prescott would throw a perfect pass only to be let down by Noah Brown. </p>
<p id="QyAAba">On third and two, the Cowboys didn’t need a whole lot to move the chains. Prescott ended up delivering a ball right into the hands of Brown, who Dallas needed to step up this week with Amari Cooper out. But the ball bounced right out of his arms, and Dallas was forced to punt on their opening drive. </p>
<p id="aKLG3z">It wouldn’t be the last time Brown dropped a pass in this game, and the butter fingers spread to Cedrick Wilson as well. But the Cowboys needed to get their offense in a rhythm early, especially with Cooper missing, and this drop killed any chances of doing that. </p>
<p id="vq16OS"><strong>Nobody touches Frank Clark on his way to a strip sack</strong></p>
<p id="QpxQAE">The Cowboys’ second offensive possession went even worse. A first-down run got stuffed, and then a screen pass to Gallup was blown up because Dalton Schultz whiffed on his block. Suddenly, it was third-and-14 at the Cowboys own 21-yard line. </p>
<p id="ULYJDT">When Prescott took the snap out of the shotgun, Frank Clark exploded off the line and blew right past Terence Steele, who didn’t even seem to see him. Worse was that Ezekiel Elliott, who looked to be going out for a route, didn’t try to chip him at all. That resulted in a free shot on the quarterback, and Prescott had the ball knocked out of his hands before he could even sense someone was coming. </p>
<p id="liv8er">Chris Jones fell on it, and sent the Chiefs offense out onto the field already in field goal position. The Dallas defense (which played a heck of a game, by the way) did hold them to a field goal, but the strip sack made it a layup for Kansas City. Suddenly, the Cowboys were down two scores. </p>
<p id="RF1wa9"><strong>Dak Prescott’s shot to CeeDee Lamb ends up an interception</strong></p>
<p id="wFSPNo">Late in the second quarter, Micah Parsons did Micah Parsons things and registered a strip sack on Patrick Mahomes, which was promptly recovered by Tarell Basham. The offense went back out with 42 yards to go for a touchdown and just over 90 seconds with which to do so. It looked like they might have a shot at making things close before halftime. </p>
<p id="4y8OgX">Going with a no-huddle offense, Prescott hit three straight completions that set Dallas up with a first down at the Kansas City 28-yard line. That’s when Prescott decided to go deep to CeeDee Lamb in the endzone. But Prescott threw it short while Lamb took the outside leverage - a rare miscommunication between the two - and it turned into an interception. </p>
<p id="Dpf22s">To make things worse, Lamb apparently suffered a concussion on that play, which kept him out for the rest of the game. The offense had already been hindered by Cooper’s absence, but losing Lamb made things just about impossible for Dallas. His status will be something to monitor with such a quick turnaround for the Thanksgiving game. </p>
<p id="o1YXXR"><strong>Michael Gallup gets mauled in the endzone, but a no-call forces Dallas to settle for three</strong></p>
<p id="FUWD7u">So Cooper was out, and Lamb got knocked out too. The Cowboys still had Gallup, who’s itching to make some plays now that he’s back on the field. And that nearly happened in the second half, too. </p>
<p id="Ejw1lF">After Jayron Kearse picked off Mahomes on the Chiefs’ opening drive of the second half, the Cowboys started moving the ball. On third-and-five at the Chiefs’ 12-yard line, Prescott fired a bullet into the endzone for Gallup. He was unable to catch it, as the defender was all over him, but no flag was thrown. Mike McCarthy then went with the analytical decision and kicked the field goal. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">---> DAL (3) @ KC (16) <---<br>DAL has 4th & 5 at the KC 12<br><br>Recommendation (STRONG): Field goal attempt (+2.2 WP)<br>Actual play: G.Zuerlein 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-J.McQuaide, Holder-B.Anger. <a href="https://t.co/FAOyexn3Q6">pic.twitter.com/FAOyexn3Q6</a></p>— 4th down decision bot (@ben_bot_baldwin) <a href="https://twitter.com/ben_bot_baldwin/status/1462561768014848010?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2021</a>
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<p id="sxmDDt">Of course, if the flag had been thrown, it would have set the Cowboys up with a first-and-goal situation instead of having to settle for three. Since they were down 16-3 at the time, those extra four points could have potentially changed the game completely. But, alas, it was not to be. </p>
<p id="ENUwLr"><strong>Chris Jones gets home for a sack on third-and-long</strong></p>
<p id="KQi6JT">There was never really one exact moment where the game suddenly became out of reach for the Cowboys, which was more an indictment of the Chiefs than anything, but this play was about as close as we got to a dagger moment. </p>
<p id="9DMw2K">After a Chiefs field goal extended their lead to 19-6, the Cowboys offense was once again starting to pick up steam, albeit in bits and pieces. But a false start on Tyler Biadasz eventually led to a third-and-13 on the Kansas City 24-yard line. It was the kind of situation where Dallas could play for a quick gain and then go for it on fourth down, but it never really mattered. </p>
<p id="pZW9iI">Chris Jones blew up the offensive line, as he did most of the day, and brought Prescott down. Faced with a fourth-and-19 now, the field goal was the only realistic choice. Greg Zuerlein drilled the 48-yarder, making it a 10-point game once again, but the sack ruined an opportunity to at least try something. The field goal proved to be the last points of the game as they ran out of time for a comeback. </p>
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<p id="ZbUqJS">We discussed all of the top plays from the game in our Dallas Cowboys Highlights Show on the Blogging The Boys YouTube Channel.</p>
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https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2021/11/22/22795520/five-plays-that-shaped-the-cowboys-letdown-loss-to-the-chiefs-dak-prescott-ceedee-lamb-amari-cooperDavid Howman