The Dallas Cowboys got the wake-up call they needed against the Cardinals last week, responding with a 38-3 victory over the New England Patriots.
Last week, the entire team, both on offense and defense, did not show up against the Arizona Cardinals.
They got the message and bounced back against the Pats this week.
The win improves their record to 3-1 on the season, with the best team in football up next—the Niners.
Strong first half
Again, the Cowboys' offense in the Red Zone didn't make the right play to punch it in on their first drive.
They settled for three points.
On their second drive, the Cowboys took 10 plays to move 75 yards down the field and get their first touchdown.
With a 20-yard pass to CeeDee Lamb, Dak Prescott gave the Cowboys the lead. After the extra point, the Cowboys led 10-3.
Welcome back, defense!
A Mac Jones fumble forced by Dante Fowler allowed Leighton Vander Esch to have the easiest walk-in touchdown of his life.
The defense was held to 2.5 yards per carry in the first half, while Dak Prescott finished 19 of 22 passing for 196 and a touchdown.
Issues from last week
In the second half the Cowboys did exactly what they needed to do. Play smart football!
After another Interception by DaRon Bland on the first offensive possession by New England put the offense back on the field, they again failed to score a touchdown after taking it inside the 10-yard line.
.@DaRon_Bland goin' beast mode 🔥
📺: FOX & NFL+ ➡️ https://t.co/yLMhJNTZjs pic.twitter.com/c9KIO4uz4H
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) October 1, 2023
Extending the lead 31-3. Bland has been awesome since taking over for Trevon Diggs. Going to need him next week.
Having a 28-3 lead against the Pats with Dan Quinn as the defense coordinator scared me; I'm not going to lie. I think it ended well.
I don't understand what it is.
The #Cowboys continue to make the red zone way harder than they need to.
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) October 1, 2023
This team from 20-20 moves the ball better than anyone in football.
Yes, yards per play, they are FIRST in football; inside the red zone, they are not good, near the bottom.
They did finally get a score from Hunter Leupke in the RED ZONE. Maybe instead of trying to be cute, run the football right at teams down there.
I will address that more this week on the site.
Luepke caps the drive with his 1️⃣st career TD! #NEvsDAL | @Bridgestone pic.twitter.com/b0MqM3fKc4
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) October 1, 2023
Next Week
Look, this has to be fixed.
The Niners are going to score touchdowns next week, and once again the Cowboys are going to be facing a good defense, but they need seven, not three.
The Cowboys have a +50 point differential, and yet we still have no idea how good this team really is.
The test is next week, we will learn a lot about this football team on the road.
Christian McCaffery is the best offensive player in football after a month.
Cowboys are going to have their hands full trying to stop him and all the other skill players on offense.
The Dallas offense is going to have to score touchdowns, they will get down there a handful of times, but they will need seven not three to win that game.
End of the day, Cowboys are 3-1, and that is all that matters. Get ready for a statement game next week against the Niners.
Get your popcorn ready, game is going to be fun.
