It’s hard to imagine based on how the game started, but the Dallas Cowboys have gone into halftime with a 14-13 lead over the Los Angeles Rams in their 2020 season opener.
The Rams marched the field easily on their opening drive and scored on a Malcolm Brown run. Dallas responded with a punt, but were able to hold up defensively and eventually answer with a touchdown reception from Ezekiel Elliott.
After two field goals from Los Angeles, the Cowboys got the ball back at the two-minute warning and impressively drove the field. They took the lead on a 1-yard rush from Elliott.
Injuries are starting to become the dominant storyline for the Cowboys. Already missing La’el Collins, Sean Lee, and Jourdan Lewis going into game, they have since lost Leighton Vander Esch, Blake Jarwin, and backup tackle Cam Erving.
The Vander Esch injury is the most concerning. The reported collarbone issue occurred earlier in the half and he has been officially ruled out. The long-term severity is yet to be determined.
Jarwin went down on the final drive with a non-contact injury to his knee. We’re still waiting to hear how bad it is.
Still, despite their early struggles and departed starters, the Cowboys have done enough to stay on top on that fancy new Sofi Stadium scoreboard.
Other Notes
- Dak Prescott, Jaylon Smith, and L.P. Ladouceur were named as captains for this week. One of the changes under Mike McCarthy is naming three captains on a weekly basis, as opposed to having set captains for the entire season with Jason Garrett.
- Greg Zuerlein missed his first and only field-goal attempt so far, a 53-yarder that would have tied the game 10-10. He had the distance but went wide right.
- CeeDee Lamb has four catches for 57 yards to lead all receivers in his NFL debut.
- Third-year guard Connor Williams has looked exceptional thus far, even standing up to Aaron Donald at times. He looks like a transformed player from the last two seasons.
