Cowboys starter might single-handedly change front office's plans for the offseason: 5 takeaways from loss to Bengals
That was a tough loss for the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night Football as they fell to the Cincinnati Bengals 27-20 following a blocked-and-muffed punt. Paired with a tough season-ending injury to linebacker DeMarvion Overshown, it was a tough pill to swallow for coaches, players, and fans. At 5-8, the Cowboys are essentially done for the […]
That was a tough loss for the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night Football as they fell to the Cincinnati Bengals 27-20 following a blocked-and-muffed punt.
Paired with a tough season-ending injury to linebacker DeMarvion Overshown, it was a tough pill to swallow for coaches, players, and fans. At 5-8, the Cowboys are essentially done for the year.
Let's dive into the biggest takeaways from the game, starting with something to smile about.
1. Rico Dowdle might completely alter the Cowboys' offseason plans
Let's start with a positive after that heartbreaking Cowboys loss: How about that kid Rico Dowdle? It was yet another dominant performance from his part as he continues to reward the coaching staff the more they lean on him on offense.
On Monday, the Cowboys' back had arguably his best career game with a 131-yard performance in which he averaged 7.3 yards per carry. Five of his 18 rushing attempts went for at least ten yards and 87 of his total yardage happened after contact.
The more the Cowboys have leaned on Dowdle, the more he's proved he's capable of being a RB1 in the NFL. I believe his performances might make the front office think twice before making a big move for a back next offseason, something they've been expected to do with the resurgence of big-name backs around the league. Say Boise State's Ashton Jeanty is there when they're on the clock next April, expect Dowdle to make them second guess themselves.
2. Last minute activation cost Cowboys the game
Amani Oruwariye will be a name Cowboys fans won't forget anytime soon. Last night's game would've likely ended with their hands raised if it wasn't for his muff on a punt teammate Nick Vigil had already blocked mere seconds before.
Not to pile on Oruwariye, as one can't help but feel for the guy, but the simple reality is if hadn't been for him, the Cowboys would've started their possession in enemy territory. Not only is that automatically considered field goal range with Brandon Aubrey on the roster, but with the way Dowdle was running, it likely would've been an easier shot.
3. DeMarvion Overshown's injury is a massive blow
Any season-ending injury always hurts. But with Overshown, the sting hits different. According to Jerry Jones, it's an injury that might result on him even missing the 2025 season. It's feared to be something even worse than just a torn ACL.
Overshown was playing lights out and looked like a future All-Pro linebacker already. The fact that we don't know how his career will shake out after back-to-back season-ending knee surgeries is a tough pill to swallow.
4. Tyler Guyton should be worried about his future role on the team
The Cowboys' first-round rookie was active on Monday night after being questionable on the injury report and yet didn't see the playing field as Chuma Edoga took the starting role.
This hasn't been the first time when Guyton has been active and been sat down by the coaching staff. Earlier in the season, Mike McCarthy chalked it up to Guyton not being ready to go but he was still active. Later, they rotated Asim Richards with Guyton in what was even described as a competition at the time.
In other words, Guyton's starting role with the Cowboys appears to be far from secured. They're asking the rookie to earn it. The question is, will he?
5. Micah Parsons was great but Joe Burrow didn't care
It's crazy to say this but Micah Parsons had ten pressures on Monday against the Bengals and he walked away with zero sacks. He did cause two holdings, which have to count for something. That's not a knock on Parsons, who made a tremendous impact throughout the game in what was a great performance from him as he stayed on Amarius Mims, the rookie right tackle for Cincy, most of the game.
Rather, it's a tip of the hat to Joe Burrow, who did a great job neutralizing many of those pressures by maneuvering the pocket and getting rid of the football in a 369-yard, three-touchdown outing. Parsons and Burrow gave us a tremendous match on Monday.
