After two quarters filled with a blocked punt, strip-sack, and scoop-score touchdown, two long touchdowns (one running, one receiving), and a fake punt, the Dallas Cowboys lead the Los Angeles Rams 16-10.
Coming into this game, the Cowboys were labeled as underdogs, so you knew they likely wanted to make a statement. So, on the first drive, what did they do?
They made a statement.
On the opening drive, the Cowboys' tenacious defensive front got to Rams QB Matthew Stafford on third down, and DE Dorance Armstrong got a strip-sack — which led to a scoop-score touchdown by Demarcus Lawrence. Armstrong would follow up his explosive play with another on the Rams' second drive as he blocked their punt, which led to the Cowboys grabbing a field goal.
Entering this game, everyone knew the defense would cause Stafford and the offense problems, so there was no doubt they made their presence known early.
Shifting to the offense, things started slowly as the unit went three-and-out on their next two drives after the FG. However, the gates broke open when RB Tony Pollard got the ball and took it to the house for 57-yards. On his run, Pollard broke several tackles en route to the endzone, but his explosive speed was on full display.
Those type of runs is what will get him paid this offseason, so we can only hope the front office decides to bring him back.
Jumping to the Rams, after getting hit with two big turnovers, they settled in and got the ball rolling. Before Pollard broke loose for his long touchdown, the Rams had their own explosive play when WR Cooper Kupp caught a pass on CB Trevon Diggs in space one-handed, and he blew by the whole defense.
While it felt like the Cowboys could get shaken up, that is when Pollard responded with his big play.
Some things that I liked and disliked about the Cowboys in the first half were:
- The defensive front causing constant hell on Stafford. (Like)
- The commitment to the run game. (Like)
- Getting Tony Pollard his touches. (Like)
- Allowing Stafford time to throw. (Dislike)
- Not helping Tyler Smith when he's one-on-one with Aaron Donald. (Dislike)
- Cooper Rush holding onto the ball a little too long. (Dislike)
- Not prepared for the fake punt. (Dislike)
Overall, it was a great sign to see the team get splash plays early and not be afraid of the big lights at SoFi stadium. Although some may point to this game being easier because of the injuries on the Rams' side, it's obvious they're still a very talented team.
I mean, they are the Super Bowl Champions for a reason.
It should be interesting to see how the Cowboys come out of the gate when the second half starts and if they will commit to trying to control the ball and clock more or working their offense as usual.
With only a six-point lead, I hope they stay committed to their game plan and keep their foot on the gas.
