Cowboys studs and duds Week 5: Micah Parsons closes out the Rams

Once again, the Dallas Cowboys found a way to win. On the road against the defending champion Los Angeles Rams, Dallas started out with a 9-0 lead thanks to their defense and special teams.

They continued to rely heavily on that defense as well as the ground game en route to a 22-10 victory. Now, at 4-1 on the season and 4-0 with Cooper Rush, they prepare for a huge game against the Eagles in Week 6.

But before then, let’s look back at who stood out for Dallas in their huge win over LA.

Dallas Cowboys studs and duds after Week 5 victory over Rams

Stud: Dorance Armstrong, EDGE

Stephen Jones made some bad moves this offseason and some even worse claims. Now, one of those statements has actually turned out to be very true. While trying to act as though they didn’t botch the Randy Gregory contract negotiation, he said Dorance Armstrong could be just as good.

In Week 5, that looked to be true. Armstrong was responsible for nine points as he sacked Matthew Stafford on the opening drive, stripping the ball in the process. The fumble was recovered by DeMarcus Lawrence, who rumbled in for a score. On the next drive, he blocked a punt and while the Cowboys didn’t move the ball, Brett Maher hit the field goal to go up 9-0.

Armstrong has been everything Dallas hoped and more. He’s not flashy but just does his job and does it very well.

Dud: Tyler Smith, LT

With Tyron Smith out, Tyler Smith has done a solid job at left tackle but Sunday wasn’t his best outing. He was tasked with slowing Aaron Donald down on more than one occasion as the Rams felt Donald could get the best of the rookie. Smith one on one against one of the best defensive players in the league wasn’t a great idea.

Donald had a strip sack in the first half, which Smith was fortunate to recover. Smith was also called for a hold on the play, but L.A. declined it. He was flagged again late in the second quarter for another hold and then on the ensuing play gave up a sack to Donald.

The Rams superstar had his way and while we can’t be too hard on Smith for going up against the best as a rookie, it wasn’t his best performance.