How the Dallas Cowboys changed and became the new America’s Team
The Dallas Cowboys stun the New York Giants, starting the season 1-0. Are the Cowboys a changed team? Let’s discuss the new America’s Team.
This wasn’t the football game we expected. The Dallas Cowboys rolled to a 1-0 record, and yet, the best is still to come.
On a night where Dak Prescott was shaky with his throws, going 24 for 39, the offense walks away with a big win against the division rival while knowing the best is coming.
Don’t let Prescott’s numbers fool you, though. On paper, he had a 90.5 rating, but the tape shows he was off target and erratic. Running back Ezekiel Elliott was a big help with 24 carries and 104 rushing yards.
Overall, Prescott was able to test deeper waters with more control over the offense, often calling audible at the line when needed. Though he didn’t commit any turnovers, if Prescott doesn’t aim better, his erratic throws may cost him and the team down the road.
The night started out with calls and taunts about how the Giants own the Boys. But the main story Sunday night was how the Dallas defense bailed the offense, giving the team and fans something to look forward to.
Quarterback Eli Manning tossed the ball 38 times, but failed to get his team in the end zone. He was sacked three times and finished the night with a 78.8 quarterback rating.
Personally, I had the score down as 31-28. I thought Eli would have pushed the defense around. I saw him shooting around the 400 yards mark. But, as we know that didn’t happen.
The defense showed up.
Manning passed for only 220 yards, was sacked three times and had one pick. The Cowboys offense put him on the sidelines, controlling the time with a 34:14 mark to New York’s 25.46-time stamp.
It seemed like there was more footage of Manning on the sidelines than on the field.
Cowboys LB Jaylon Smith running into locker room singing "They say the real is back!" pic.twitter.com/19Y88MErPF
— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) September 11, 2017
With Jaylon Smith making his pro debut, the Cowboys were able to hold New York to just 35 yards rushing. The Giants carried the ball 12 times, averaging 2.9 yards per carry.
Did the Giants miss Odell Beckham Jr.?
Of course. Manning’s top target was Shane Vereen with nine receptions. New wide receiver Brandon Marshall didn’t get a catch until the final moments of the game, just when the contest was all but over.
As we look ahead to the Denver Broncos, a contest that will have an entirely different feel from this division game, the excitement around the defense grows.
Sean Lee and Jaylon Smith combine for 15 tackles. DeMarcus Lawrence, a former second rounder, lifted the Cowboys with five tackles and two sacks; three of his tackles were for loss in yardage.
Don’t forget, the Cowboys cleaned house and welcomed in a brand new secondary. Right now, that decision looks like the correct one. And, considering this was the first game as a unit, the team is still coming together, which should scare teams.