Rookie Micah Parsons took up the slack for the Dallas Cowboys
Dallas defense ready to take on QB Jalen Hurts and Philadelphia Eagles. Injuries still haunt the Dallas Cowboys, but they were able to pull together in all three areas: offense, defense, and special teams. It was a team effort that helped the Dallas Cowboys pull out a win over the Los Angeles Chargers during the Week 2 skirmish at SoFi Stadium.
An almost expected overtime was in the works as the Dallas Cowboys appeared to flail in the waning seconds of the game. They allowed the clock to wind down into the critical remaining seconds. After the win, Coach McCarthy explained that the clock he was watching went off the boards and the clock that Coach Kellen Moore was watching was blocked by a camera.
The Cowboys’ remaining time out was called at the four second mark giving Greg Zuerlein an opportunity to kick the game winning 56-yard field goal. Had Zuerlein missed, it would have caused an overtime period. Some commentators have reflected on Coach McCarthy’s history of clock management with the Packers and attribute the late time-out call to him. Whether it was a play clock gamble or a play clock snafu, Zuerlein’s kick paid off for the Cowboys with their first win of the season.
Cowboys whipped Chargers despite Covid-19 and injuries
As the Cowboys prepare for Week 3, injuries and COVID-19 protocol continue to disrupt practice for a few of the players. Amari Cooper, Carlos Watkins, and Dorance Armstrong are nursing injuries following the game against the Chargers. Amari Cooper’s bruised ribs will probably not sideline him from the Monday night game against the Eagles. Carlos Watkins sprained his knee and is expected to be able to play on Monday night. Dorance Armstrong’s ankle is injured, but he is also expected to suit up on Monday night.
The COVID-19 protocol is in place for Linebacker Keanu Neal. He has not yet tested positive, but he has been exposed. As a precaution, Neal is in quarantine from the team because he has not been fully vaccinated.
Rookie Micah Parsons took up the slack for DeMarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory during the Week 2 game. Parsons was credited with a sack of Justin Herbert. Lawrence is still out with a broken foot, but Gregory has been cleared from the COVID-19 protocol. With Parsons paired with Gregory, the Dallas defense will be ready to take on Quarterback Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles.
Cowboys defense training paid off with 4 interceptions and 2 fumble recoveries
The Dallas Cowboys worked hard on defense during training camp, and their hard work is paying off during the first two weeks of the season. They have collected four interceptions and two fumble recoveries. One of the most impressive was Damontae Kazee’s catch in the interception at the end of the third quarter. Kazee’s interception put a stop to an 11-play drive. Instead of running out of the end zone, he wisely took the touchback. It was the second intercepted pass in their own end zone. Dan Quinn’s defense has stepped up the pace, and the cornerback and the safety positions are focusing on getting their hands on the ball during practice and on game days.
Dak Prescott tallied 23 completions for 237 yards, and most were short range passes. Tony Pollard’s speed helped boost the Dallas offense. The combination of Pollard and Ezekiel Elliott provide Prescott with options other than the pass. This scoring combination bodes well for Dallas as they take on the Eagles in Week 3.