Cowboys studs and duds Week 3: CeeDee Lamb finds redemption

The Dallas Cowboys improved to 2-1 with a win over the New York Giants on Monday Night Football — and it was thanks to another impressive comeback from Cooper Rush, who gave them the lead in the fourth quarter with a touchdown to CeeDee Lamb.

For the wideout, it was a redemption act to haul in that touchdown, as he had a first half to forget that included a terrible drop. Lamb wasn’t alone when it came to some plays that were forgetful, as we look at those who stood out as studs and duds in Week 3.

Cowboys studs and duds Week 3 vs New York Giants

Stud: Tony Pollard, RB

Maybe instead of trying to create a lame quarterback controversy between Cooper Rush and Dak Prescott, Jerry Jones should be asking why Tony Pollard doesn’t get the ball more. Of course, he won’t answer that question because he’s the reason why — he wants Mike McCarthy and Kellen Moore to use the man who makes the money, which is Ezekiel Elliott.

While Elliott did play well in this game, Pollard again proved to be the better player. On Monday, he had 71 yards on just six carries at the half, including a huge 46-yard run — and it could have been more if he hadn’t had a 10-yarder called back due to a penalty.

He didn’t get the short touchdown run, which went to Elliott, but he had 13 rushes for 105 yards as he continues to make the most of every opportunity.

Dud: Mike McCarthy, Non-Disciplinarian

As if those penalties weren’t enough, the Cowboys continued to get one flag after another. There were holds by Tyler Smith, a hit out of bounds by Sam Williams, and a personal foul on Donovan Wilson — which was a bad call, but still, they have a reputation for a reason.

And that reason is that Mike McCarthy has done absolutely nothing to fix the non-stop penalties by Dallas. They were first in the league in penalties a year ago and they’re on pace for that once again this year.

They lost out on sacks, big runs, and potential touchdowns as they had eight accepted penalties for 70 yards. Until he gets this under control, McCarthy is going to struggle to find sustained success.