Cowboys studs and duds: Cooper Rush falters in Week 6 defeat

Stud: Ezekiel Elliott, RB

This hasn’t been the best season for Ezekiel Elliott, but he really gave it his all on Sunday. He’s been rushing for less than four yards per attempt through the first five games but against the stout Philly defense, he went for 81 yards on 13 carries, which is an average of just over six yards per attempt. Elliott even scored a touchdown from 14-yards out to cut the lead to 20-10.

https://twitter.com/dallascowboys/status/1581831964872478725?s=20&t=RgF05b84nHpoM0ZE9_lHlQ

The Cowboys did well to get back into this game after being pushed around in the first half and it was Elliott who really got things rolling for them. When he was running well and keeping them out of third-and-long situations, everything became easier. He loves to play against the Eagles.

Dud: The offensive line

During the four-game win streak for Dallas, Cooper Rush had a lot of time to pass the ball. On Sunday Night Football, he had almost no time to get the ball out of his hand, which had a lot to do with him finishing 18-of-38.

While he deserves criticism for his misfires, he was also feeling the pressure right up the gut all night long. Tyler Biadasz and Connor McGovern especially struggled with the defensive tackles and rookie Tyler Smith had some issues as well. Rush somehow avoided the sack every time but he was easily hit 10 or more times in this one.