Many Cowboy fans were not waiting all day for Sunday night in Week 8. The narrative heading into the game against the Philadelphia Eagles was rookie QB Ben DiNucci getting his first start as a Dallas Cowboy, but it was the defense that looked like they had taken a huge step from last week’s disaster in the 23-9 loss.
Yes, the Cowboys defense finally played a good game that didn’t end in them giving up 20 points in the first half. The defense had four turnovers against a struggling Carson Wentz, who played poorly once again. Rookie CB Trevon Diggs picked off Wentz twice after being targeted all game. Ex-Cowboy S Jeff Heath was the last Dallas player to have a two-interception game in 2015 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Not to forget, DE DeMarcus Lawrence had his best game of the season with one sack and five tackles. Although the Cowboys lost, Lawrence looked like the defensive force that once traumatized many offensive lines in the past. It was also nice to see a friendly face back on defense as LB Sean Lee made his 2020 season debut. Although he was limited to 20 snaps, Lee’s veteran presence could definitely be felt on the sideline, which was something the defense lacked so desperately before.
Dallas Cowboys
Now offensively, Dallas surprised the Eagles defense with trick plays right out the gate. From a double reverse to Ben DiNucci lining up as a WR, it felt like OC Kellen Moore was calling plays that would only work in a Madden game. While the trick plays were fun for the first drive, DiNucci had no choice but to run for his life the rest of the game. Even with G Zack Martin returning back to the offensive line, the line had no answer to Eagles DT Fletcher Cox, who had three sacks alone.
Although the Cowboys have not celebrated a touchdown for eight straight quarters now, there were moments when DiNucci started to drive the football down the field. It’s hard to believe, but the Cowboys led the game offensively with 265 total yards. While most of their drives ended in DiNucci fumbling, it was just nice for Cowboys fans to finally see their QB last an entire game.
With this loss, the Cowboys fall to 2-6 on the season, and the Eagles look like the favorite to win the division. I would say it’s certain that the Cowboys have a tanking mindset, but given that they are still within reach of first place in the division and in their next three games, they only see one team over .500, you never know. For now, the Cowboys leave Philly with a loss on the stat sheet but a win for the defense.
The Dallas Cowboys play the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 9.
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