Cowboys running game shows up
By Mark Halpern
So last week, the Cowboys run game was, as I said, was nonexistent; however, that wasn’t the case today. We saw an equally balanced offensive game plan established from the start of the game.
Ezekiel Elliott returned to form today with the help of a tremendous offensive line. Zeke looked like he did in his first year in 2016; he burst through holes and showed off some speed that last year was an issue. He looked focused and ready to take every chance and turn it into a positive performance. Zeke took 16 carries and turned them into 71 yards and a score. He also chipped in the passing game with 2 receptions for 26 yards. He also did well in the blocking for Dak Prescott, picking up several vital blitzes and gave more time for Dak to throw.
Now Zeke wasn’t the only one running the ball. Tony Pollard also had a significant day on both the running game and the passing game. Pollard has been Zeke’s back/change of pace runner; however, he showed why he deserves to be in the game more today. Tony took 13 carries and turned it into 109 yards and a score of his own. Pollard also had 3 receptions for 31 yards, and the duo was of Zeke, and Pollard was unreal as the two of them put up a total of 180 yards on the ground. This is the formula you need to win a football game.
As for the Passing game, it wasn’t Dak’s best outing. Dak threw for 237 yards and one interception and no touchdowns. His passes were good except for the one that sailed on him and was intercepted. Cee Dee Lamb was his favorite target with 8 receptions for 81 yards. Lamb took a pass at the end of the first half and made a great move and turned the ball up field, Zeke was running right alongside him, and right before the Chargers caught up with him, he pitched the ball back to Elliot, who almost made it in the endzone and got pushed out at the 2. So, the passing game was not at its best but, they moved the chains well, and besides the one interception Dak looked good.
The defense, on the other hand, had a mixed day. They missed some key players, moved around linebackers to play at the line, had an extra defensive back in at times, and stopped the run, which they accomplished last week. The defense also got 2 sacks and forced two interceptions. They failed again in the passing game, letting Justin Herbert throw for the tune of 338 yards and 1 touchdown, and the two interceptions. This has been a Cowboys weak spot for years now, and Mike Williams made Anthony Brown look worse than a rookie. Williams had 7 for 91 yards and a score, Keenan Allen had 4 receptions that went for 108 yards that was good enough to lead the team, and Austin Ekeler also had 9 receptions for 91 yards. The secondary got rocked again but, when passes were to the endzone, the “no-fly zone” showed up and took care of business.
This was an excellent win for the Cowboys and a much needed one because starting 0-2 is almost a death sentence in most cases. The Cowboys are home to take on division rival the Philadelphia Eagles in a battle that should be great as both teams are 1-1 and hungry for wins. The Cowboys are two different teams, and when the good and bad come together and start playing at the level I know they can be, it will be a very dangerous football team.
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