NOTHING BLAND ABOUT THIS WIN

By Mark Halpern

     The Cowboys hosted the New England Patriots at AT&T Stadium this past weekend. The Cowboys seasoned the Pats to 38-3, and Daron Bland proved to be the spice that this team needed in a big way. 

    Bland, a second-year cornerback, came on the scene fast last year in Dan Quinn’s scheme, was the primary backup to Diggs, and played in the nickel and dime sets. Bland got the call when Diggs went down with the ACL injury and flourished on Sunday. The defense owned the second quarter, and right after a Leighton Vander Esch fumble recovery for a TD, Bland picked off Mac Jones for a pick-six and, throughout the game, had a few pass deflections and played great coverage. He will be tested in the upcoming battle between Dallas and San Francisco next weekend. The Dallas defense and the rest of the Cowboy Nation can rest that Micah is okay after a brief scare that saw him limp off towards the end of the first half.

     The offense had a complete day. Dak had 261 yards, one TD, and no turnovers (YAY!!!!!!!) and spread the ball nicely. Jason Fergusson had a big game with seven receptions for 77 yards, and Cee Dee got his first TD of the season in the first quarter. I am disappointed in the running game, as even though Dallas was up, they abandoned the run and kept the game through the air. Pollard had 11 carries for 43 yards and tacked on three receptions. Rico Dowdle did leave in the second half, and Dallas might not have wanted to risk an injury to Pollard and be down two running backs they might have elected to go this way. The offensive line returned to form but not complete form as Tyron Smith missed today’s game, but Zack Martian and Tyler Bidaz returned. The O-Line will have an arduous game next Sunday at San Francisco and will need all hands on deck to try and contain a defense built like theirs. This moves Dallas to 3-1 on the season and second in the NFC East behind the 4-0 Eagles. 

NOTE: THE COWBOYS DID SET A RECORD DURING THIS GAME WHEN THEY CONVERTED A TWO-POINT PT CONVERSION FROM THE 15-YARD LINE.