What a game! The Cowboys pulled out a tough, gritty 20-17 win against the Los Angeles Chargers during Sunday’s matchup. Even when the national media bet against Dallas with injuries to several starters, the Cowboys found ways to force turnovers and score in the red zone.
On the first three drives, the Cowboys scored two touchdowns to take a 14-3 lead in the second quarter. The second half was when the chargers began to play keep-away in which the Cowboys’ offense only had possession three times and only scored six points.
Overall, there were a few players who stood out so let’s dive in on who helped the Cowboys get their first win of the season.
Jayron Kearse
The sixth-year safety has made a name for himself during the first two games of the season. He was the most consistent player in the secondary as he was around the ball, tipped passes, and has an interception (which was negated due to pass interference).
He stepped in for the injured Donovan Wilson, who missed the game due to a groin injury and was a key part of their win today. Due to his play, Kearse has earned himself more snaps even when Wilson returns into the lineup.
Jayron Kearse was targeted 4 times, and he allowed just two catches for eight yards but also snagged an INT. In addition, Kearse added three stops (2 vs pass, 1 vs run).
Impressive performance from the man replacing Donovan Wilson.
— John Owning (@JohnOwning) September 19, 2021
Hopefully, we can continue to see this kind of effort by Kearse as this defense seems to know how to make plays on the ball which was not the case last season.
Micah Parsons
The Cowboys knew what the first-round pick Micah Parsons could do to help overcome the historic bad defense last season and he showed that on Sunday against the Chargers.
Parsons finished with two tackles, a sack, and a tackle for loss as he filled in a defensive end due to Demarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory being out. The play of the game by far was the sack Parsons had on quarterback Justin Herbert for an 18-yard loss to force the Chargers to settle for a field goal and tie.
Micah Parsons' first career sack: vs. Justin Herbert, for 18-yard loss
Chargers settle for FG. Tie game at 17 with 3:58 to play.https://t.co/A93eJMzwnw
— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) September 19, 2021
Parsons told the media after the game the last time he played that many snaps at DE were in high school, so the fact he looks so comfortable playing at that spot truly help the outcome of the game.
Look for Dan Quinn to move Parsons on the defensive line for weeks to come to create mismatches where he can use his athleticism and speed to make plays.
Tony Pollard
Speed is the name of the game when it comes to Tony Pollard, who put on a show on Sunday. The third-year back finished with 13 carries, 109 yards, and a touchdown as he brought some versatility to the Cowboys’ offense that heavily leaned on the running game.
The #Cowboys decided to give it to the explosive RB this time and Tony Pollard scores.pic.twitter.com/nNlRuRV6QK
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 19, 2021
Tony Pollard is so much more explosive than Zekepic.twitter.com/sZLDdq3kjO
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 19, 2021
The league will now have to worry about both Ezekiel Elliott and Pollard as they are proven to be a dynamic duo. Offensive Coordinator Kellen Moore had a great game plan to heavily involve both backs as both scored the only two touchdowns for the Cowboys.
The Cowboys have so much loaded talent on offense and with Pollard being featured more, look for this offense to have a more balanced passing and rushing attack.
Pollard needs to play more period! Zeke looked better but Pollard brings an element to this backfield that Zeke no longer can, which is explosive plays. He also looked surprisingly strong and pushed the pile on several occasions. I like the play calling of Moore. He seems to be coming into his own a bit.
Overall a great team win. It wasn’t pretty but these are the type of games the cowboys usually lose. The offense (including Dak) wasn’t sharp, but we made plays when we had to. Most importantly we came away with the win. Inspired effort from the defense and great games from two back ups RT Steele and SS Kearse. Parsons was in the backfield all night and provided much needed pressure on Herbert. Should have Gregory back against the Eagles and maybe Wilson?
Without Gallup and possibly Coop it will be interesting to see Kellen Moore do his mad scientist in game planning for the Eagles. Maybe strong dose of CeeDee and Wilson, Zeke/tony and more throws to our TEs? How about a hat tip to all-world Zach, Steele’s progress and the rest of the O line? And John Fassell’s “special” teams are killing us.
Overall a pretty good game, Dak was ok, missed some throws, but he was efficient overall, which is important, we went from throwing the ball over 50 times in a game, and a nonexistent run game to then running the ball more than we were throwing it, we were good both ways, so that is great to see as that means we could play with a lead or get back into games, you need that if you wanna make a deep playoff run
Defense was good, Herbert and Chargers gave us some breaks though, biggest break was that throw in the end zone where Keenan Allen fell down and Herbert thew it right straight to Kazee, but Diggs and Parsons stood out to me as well
Parsons showed off versatility in being able to step in at DE and get after Herbert in a pretty pivotal part of the game
And Diggs made a clutch but also tough pick that gave our team some momentum
Overall good game, with some breaks in our favor, now let’s see if we can put it all together, if so, then we got a legit shot of winning not just division but possibly the NFC