Cowboys’ Week 2 superlatives after bounce-back win over Bengals

Sep 18, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard (20) runs with the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard (20) runs with the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 18, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Sam Williams (54) tackles Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon (28) in the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Sam Williams (54) tackles Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon (28) in the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

OROW: Tyler Smith, OL (x2)

For the second straight week, Tyler Smith is our Offensive Rookie of the Week. The first-round pick had an even better game this time out, and he’s making himself not only look worth the 24th pick but even a steal.

In Sunday’s matchup, Smith allowed just one pressure on 36 passing snaps. He didn’t allow a single sack, or even a penalty, which he was notorious for in college. Smith was also phenomenal in the run game, grading out as the second-best run blocker on the team with a 74.0 grade by PFF. This is from a player who primarily played guard in college.

Runner-up: KaVontae Turpin, WR

DROW: Sam Williams, DE (x2)

Sam Williams is once again the Defensive Rookie of the Week by default. However, we did see a bit more of the second-rounder this time out. Instead of the six defensive snaps Williams played last week, he finished with ten.

While that still is not a ton of reps or game time, it’s still a step in the right direction for Williams. He was called for a penalty during the game, but, he did make a really nice tackle for loss to turn an already first-and-long into a second-and-longer. Hopefully, the trend of increased snaps continues for the Ole Miss product.

Runner-up: DaRon Bland, CB (special teams)