The Dallas Cowboys were able to avoid a 0-2 start by beating the Washington Commanders 37-20 Sunday afternoon.
In a much-needed bounce-back win, Dak Prescott and the offense lived up to their offseason hype as the "Greatest Offense There Is," which included Dak setting the franchise record for most touchdown passes.
The biggest headline coming out of this game is Jayden Daniels' injury. Obviously, that changed the complexion, but Dallas maintained control for most of the way. And after a Week 1 loss that raised more questions than answers, several Cowboys used Sunday’s win to quiet some concerns and build some early-season momentum.
These players are seeing their stock rise after the win.
3 Cowboys whose stock is rising after Week 2 vs. the Commanders
1. CeeDee Lamb - WR
From the opening drive, CeeDee Lamb looked like a player determined to remind everyone that he is still one of the NFL's elite receivers after a relatively quiet Week 1. He didn't waste much time making his point. Lamb looked like the best player on the field, exploding for more than 150 yards and two huge touchdowns.
Dak Prescott looked for Lamb early, and he undoubtedly set the tone for the first half. Dallas' first drive ended with a Lamb touchdown on an efficient 10-play possession. Lamb's chunk plays of 15 and 23 yards jump-started a Cowboys offense that needed to get going early after going three-and-out to start the game against the Giants.
Lamb also helped get Dallas three easy points on their second drive by hauling in a 38-yard catch-and-run. Sure, the drive ended with only three points, but the Cowboys' quick 10-0 start played a huge part in securing the win in retrospect.
While the Commanders did a better job containing Lamb in the second half, his role in getting the offense rolling early can't be overstated. He put the finishing touches on a dominant afternoon by hauling in Dak Prescott's record-breaking touchdown pass.
After a quiet opener, Lamb reminded everyone exactly why he's one of the NFL's elite receivers. His stock is soaring after a performance like this.
2. Jaishawn Barham - LB
Jaishawn Barham made his first start as the MIKE and wore the green dot with DeMarvion Overshown sidelined by injury. His debut was a struggle, and a sideline exchange with Christian Parker became a viral talking point in the days that followed. That put even more pressure on the rookie entering Week 2, with plenty of questions about how he'd respond to his first taste of NFL adversity.
While Barham's performance was not perfect by any stretch, he made the biggest defensive play of the year so far for this team. After Washington nearly tied the game on a pass that arguably should have been a touchdown and Dallas' offense could only get three points to start the half, things were feeling too familiar with what happened against the Giants.
However, Barham erased those concerns when he perfectly sniffed out a screen pass and forced a fumble. As he wrapped up Dyami Brown, Barham punched the ball loose, and Dee Winters recovered. The turnover swung the momentum back in Dallas' favor, and the offense took full advantage with a quick touchdown to open up a two-possession lead.
Barham was also very active and flying to ball. While he is still a long way from being a star, his debut as the MIKE showed he is capable of big things. A performance like this will boost his stock.
3. Tyler Guyton - LT
Tyler Guyton put together another solid performance after protecting well last week against a touted Giants defensive front. Pro Football Focus gave him one of the best grades of any Cowboy. He once again did not allow a sack or have his name mentioned all game. For an offensive lineman, that is a good thing.
Guyton was challenged early in training camp when Brian Schottenheimer said he would compete with Nathan Thomas for the starting left tackle job. Guyton thoroughly outperformed him, and the Cowboys eventually traded Thomas. Now, there doesn't appear to be any question about who owns the job.
Prescott was only sacked twice against Washington, and neither was Guyton's fault. His steady protection helped give Prescott time to operate and allowed the offense to move the ball with ease.
After a rough first two seasons, Guyton looks like he's taken a significant step forward through two games. His stock continues to rise after another encouraging performance.
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