Cowboys studs and duds: Pollard shines in dominant team win
Stud: Dak Prescott, Quarterback
America’s Team’s star quarterback took a lot of criticism for last week’s loss in Green Bay. But, he silenced all the doubters after an elite performance against the Vikings. Prescott completed 22 of 25 passes for 276 yards and two touchdowns in the game. He also led the Cowboys on eight scoring drives. All of Prescott’s passes were on point from the start and he orchestrated the offense beautifully.
Dak Prescott: 18 of 20 passing, 216 yards, 2 TDs, 145.0 passer rating.
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) November 20, 2022
Tony Pollard: 56 rushing yards, 109 receiving yards, 2 TDspic.twitter.com/9VcxW6wQsm
This was the type of bounce-back performance the Cowboys needed as they head into their Thanksgiving game on Thursday. Prescott was playing at such an elite level on Sunday that his CPOE (completion percentage over expected) was +21.8% which is an otherworldly number.
Dallas will be a very tough team to beat if QB1 can continue to play at this level.
Dud: Dalton Schultz, Tight End
Ever since Dak Prescott returned to the lineup Dalton Schultz has been more effective. But, on Sunday he missed a chance to give the Cowboys an early 6-0 lead in the game when he tried catching a pass one-handed in the endzone. There is no question it was a tough catch, but Schultz has made plenty of those before.
Dalton Schultz has to use to two hands on that ball. That was a perfectly placed pass.
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) November 20, 2022
Cowboys have to settle for a field goal and 3-0 lead.
In the grand scheme of things, the Cowboys settling for three points instead of seven did not matter. But later on in the season, those extra points could make all the difference in a game. Schultz did make a nice block to spring Tony Pollard for a touchdown later in the game, but he most definitely wants that endzone target back.