Down 15 points with 4:45 left to go in the fourth, the Dallas Cowboys were destined for defeat.
Dak Prescott and the offense put their heads down and went to work. In a blink of an eye, the Atlanta Falcons’ lead was down to 39-37. Thanks to a couple of touchdown runs from Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliot, Dallas found themselves in an onside-kick situation.
The Cowboys brought in Special Teams Coordinator John Fassel and K Greg Zuerlein, both coming from the LA Rams, acquired for situations like this. In a huge mistake by the Falcons, Dallas did the unthinkable and CB C.J. Goodwin would battle to recover the on-side kick for the Cowboys. Greg Zuerlein would take the wheel by knocking down a 47-yard field goal to secure the first win for Mike McCarthy’s team.
After a forgettable first quarter, Dak Prescott would finish the game with 450 yards, one TD, and three rushing TDs. Even with OT Tyron Smith reported out with a neck injury before the first snap, and OT La’el Collins still out, the Cowboys offensive-line held their own. While the offensive-line did prove well today, ball security was a huge issue for America’s Team. Five fumbles in the first quarter alone is unacceptable. If the Cowboys want to have the explosive offense as advertised, they have to hold on to the ball.
Looking at the defense, their “bend, don’t break” mentality was not a recipe for success. The number one problem for the defense was putting pressure on Matt Ryan. Dallas only recorded one sack in the fourth, but it proved to be potent. Although Dallas did get the win, there are still many concerns with the defense. The Cowboys gave up 39 points which is very unsettling. Dallas has to figure it out on the defensive side because you cannot rely on an onside-kick to win every game.
What’s next for the Cowboys? Dallas has a date with Russell Wilson and the Seahawks in Week Three. These two teams last faced each other in the 2019 Divisional Round of the playoffs. The Cowboys will have many problems to solve heading into Seattle. For now, the boys will enjoy the big win.
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