The Dallas Cowboys are on the fast track to an 0-2 record to start this season. Thanks to three first-quarter fumbles they trail the Atlanta Falcons 29-10 at halftime of their Week 2 game.
Ezekiel Elliott has fumbled twice, recovering one, and then two others came from Dak Prescott and Dalton Schultz. Atlanta was able to build a quick 20-0 lead off these turnovers and a failed fake punt, all of which helped set the Falcons up in good field position.
Dallas finally managed to put together a drive and scored on an Elliott touchdown run. They also have a field goal from Greg Zuerlein but are barely in striking distance of Atlanta with 30 minutes left on the clock.
While the offensive issues have been the true culprit today Dallas’ defense hasn’t done much to help. They’ve been unable to put any pressure on Matt Ryan and have been burned on a few passes to wide-open receivers.
New starting TE Dalton Schultz, who has moved up the depth chart after Blake Jarwin’s season-ending injury, has four catches for 41 yards. The fumble was an unfortunate play but otherwise it’s been a decent start for the third-year player.
Dallas got burned again on another questionable, aggressive call from Mike McCarthy. Down 14-0 and facing 4th Down from their own 29-yard-line, the Cowboys attempted a fake punt with Chris Jones passing the ball to C.J. Goodwin. The pass was low and Goodwin could barely get his hands on it before it hit the turf.
Last week against the Rams, McCarthy went for it on 4th-and-3 within field goal range and Dallas failed to convert. Those three potential points were sorely missed in the 20-17 loss.
This week’s game isn’t so close. We’ll see if the Cowboys can do anything to rally back when the second half begins soon.
