Cowboys studs and duds: Dak Prescott delivers in Wild Card win

The Dallas Cowboys finally got the monkey off their backs.

Dallas hadn’t won a playoff game on the road since 1992 but they were able to secure one on Monday night against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In addition to that stat, they were also 0-for-7 against Tom Brady including Week 1 in both 2021 and 2022.

It was a thorough beatdown as well with Dallas going up 24-0 at the half before winning 31-14 to advance to the second round of the NFL Playoffs. With their attention now on the San Francisco 49ers, we take some time to identify who stood out as studs and duds in the win.

Cowboys studs and duds from Wild Card win

Stud: Micah Parsons, Linebacker

Dallas couldn’t have started much worse on offense as they had three passes go through the hands of wide receivers on a three-and-out. But then on their first defensive series, Micah Parsons did what he could to change the momentum.

Tampa Bay’s first play was a handoff to Rachaad White who was stuffed for a three-yard loss as Parsons ran past the offensive line to make a play.

He continued to stand out on that drive as a third-and-10 saw him draw a flag on Donovan Smith for holding. The pass from Tom Brady was incomplete so the penalty was declined but even a first down on the pass wouldn’t have mattered thanks to Parsons.

The star linebacker played through to the end as he generating pressure even with the outcome decided.

Dud: Tyler Biadasz, Center

On third and seven during the Cowboys second drive, Vita Vea had his way with Tyler Biadasz. He pushed right past the starting center and sacked Dak Prescott for a nine-yard loss, forcing the second punt in as many drives for Dallas.

Outside of that play, the offensive line wasn’t bad. Prescott had time to throw and when there was any pressure, he found room to run. Still, this play was a rough one that could have set a bad tone early on.