Cowboys offense struggled but huge silver lining should have fans excited
The Dallas Cowboys had a frustrating three-point performance in the first half that might've made you miss it. But Dak Prescott had himself a pretty good start in his first game back since Week 1. It wasn't always pretty, particularly in the first half when Prescott seemed to be forcing plays for the Cowboys that […]
The Dallas Cowboys had a frustrating three-point performance in the first half that might've made you miss it. But Dak Prescott had himself a pretty good start in his first game back since Week 1.
It wasn't always pretty, particularly in the first half when Prescott seemed to be forcing plays for the Cowboys that weren't there.
For example, when the team found itself in second and third down with 20 yards to go early in the game, the Cowboys' quarterback nearly threw a pick. In back-to-back plays, Dak seemed to want the deep shot even though it wasn't there.
Perhaps that was eagerness at work after five weeks spent on the sidelines but it's safe to say Prescott settled down in the second half. He led the Cowboys to three touchdown drives in the third and fourth quarters, including a seven-play series that netted 82 yards to open things up in the third.
Dak totaled 207 yards while completing 19 of his 25 attempts (76%) for a 113.2 passer rating. He was third in the NFL in Week 7 in quarterback efficiency measured by EPA/play and CPOE (via RBSDM.com), if you prefer advanced stats.
The Cowboys' quarterback was particularly dangerous in throws made at 15 yards downfield or less. In those, Prescott went 18-of-19 including a touchdown pass. The offense kept moving with Dak back in the lineup even if drive-killing penalties and some wasted opportunities made it seem otherwise.
By the way, that touchdown was the first for Dak Prescott this season and the first of Peyton Hendershot's career. You couldn't ask for a better National Tight Ends Day gift for the undrafted rookie who played in 30% of the snaps.
The play was set up beautifully by the Cowboys. The drive before, Kellen Moore called the same formation with Tony Pollard in motion to hand off the ball to Ezekiel Elliott in consecutive plays. The change-up was the play-action shot to Hendershot.
Prescott also threw some "absolute dimes," as the kids say. Just look at his connections with Schultz and CeeDee Lamb on Sunday:
The Cowboys quarterback didn't have the prettiest of welcome-back parties but make no mistake about it. He played good football. Things are looking up in Dallas.
Featured image via Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
