Dallas Cowboys first team offense impressive in debut
By Tyrone Starr
After enduring slow starts in the first two preseason games, the Dallas Cowboys offense showed exactly what it can be in it’s “real” debut Saturday night.
With just two drives, the Dallas Cowboys offense put a reminder out there to the entire NFL Saturday night.
With or without Ezekiel Elliott, there is still a plethora of weaponry at the disposal of offensive coordinator Scott Linehan.
In the Cowboys, first two preseason games, almost every big name starter on offense did not participate and it showed. Scoring just thirteen points in two first halves and being down at halftime in each game has been ugly.
All of a sudden, the cavalry arrived Saturday night as the entire starting eleven (minus Zeke) made their 2017 debut. Almost on cue, every key member besides Terrance Williams made something of it.
Dak Prescott looked as if he was a ten year veteran going 7 for 8 for 106 yards and a touchdown. He spread the wealth, getting Jason Witten, Cole Beasley and Dez Bryant two catches each.
Speaking of Dez, he made his presence felt at the beginning and end of the first drive. Leading off the game, Bryant took a slant pass up-field for 23 yards. Six plays later, he clowned Pro-Bowl cornerback Vontae Davis for a 32 yard touchdown reception.
Every good passing game is helped out by a productive running game, however. Of course, the Cowboys bread and butter is their ground attack. This night was no different.
Even without Elliott, his veteran tandem of backups more than held their own. Darren McFadden ran nine times for 59 yards. Alfred Morris also ran nine times for another 49 yards. If Elliott does end up having to miss any time due to a suspension, Dallas will gladly take 5.4 yards per carry from that duo.
On this night, the only thing that could stop this offense was their own mistakes. The Cowboys starters saw just one third down in 18 plays which was successful, thanks to Prescott and Beasley. If not for a McFadden fumble, the Cowboys would have gone two for two on touchdown drives to make their 2017 debut.
Obviously, not every opponent will provide as little resistance as the Indianapolis Colts. The Cowboys will face some serious defense pressure, especially early in the year. Still, if this offense is even partially as efficient as it was Saturday, many good things are ahead.
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The debut of this potent offense was not only fun to watch, but also a reason to be extremely happy about the 2017 season. I, for one, cannot wait for September 10 to get it on against the New York Giants. I know Dak, Dez, Witten, Beas and the O-line are chomping at the bit for a rematch as well.