As Cowboys Nation is still getting over the Dallas Cowboys 42-17 loss to the Denver Broncos, this week hasn’t been that much fun. However, Jason Garrett’s team is ready to take on the Arizona Cardinals.
And even though it hasn’t been a perfect start to the season, there are some things that have surprised many of us. Today on Inside The Star we’ll discuss the three biggest surprises of the season.
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Jaylon Smith Leads The Team In Tackles
There was a point during the offseason, when some of us didn’t expect Jaylon to have significant playing time until midseason. Probably we just didn’t want to get our hopes up. Fortunately, Jaylon is an animal and has been playing without problem.
He has shown explosiveness, and there’s no doubt he will be able to improve a lot as the season continues. While he’s been good, he isn’t at 100% yet. Think about it, he hadn’t play football in a long time after his devastating injury.
Once he is at the level he was supposed to be on coming out of Notre Dame… watch out.
Cowboys LB Jaylon Smith leads the team with 23 tackles (per coaches film) through 2 games. Sean Lee has 21.
— Brandon George (@DMN_George) September 19, 2017
I think it’s very surprising to see him lead this defense in tackles. At the end of it all, he was a player who probably wouldn’t have seen that much action had Anthony Hitches been healthy to open the season.
Keep doing what you’re doing, Jaylon.
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Sacks Machine: DeMarcus Lawrence
Pass rush? Is that a thing for the Dallas Cowboys? DeMarcus Lawrence sure is making a case.
Lawrence has had trouble remaining healthy for the team before, and now that he is healthy (and in his contract year) he is killing it at playing football and sacking quarterbacks.
Officially, #90 has three and a half sacks through two games. Benson Mayowa led the team with six in 2016. If DeMarcus keeps it up, the Dallas Cowboys may find a more than decent pass rush.
DE Damontre Moore is returning from a two-game suspension this Monday and when the Cowboys play the Packers in week 5, David Irving will also be back on the roster. Things are looking good for this Cowboys DL.
Lawrence is actually close to making history. Only two players in the history of the NFL have opened the season with three consecutive multi-sack games. If DeMarcus Lawrence sacks Carson Palmer twice this week he will become just the third player to do such a thing. And the first one since 1998.
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Jason Witten Is An NFL Leader
Yes, you read that right. 35-year old Gold Jacket Witten leads the NFL in a particular category.
Receptions. Now, I know it’s early on the season but that is a very surprising stat. Witten leads the NFL with 17 catches so far. While so many people argue that ol’ number 82 is too old to be a starter for the Cowboys, Jason is making a statement here.
I’m sure most of Cowboys Nation is happy for him though. Jason Witten has given this franchise everything he’s got.
Travis Kelce and Zach Ertz have just 13 receptions so far.
Jason also is the only player in the Cowboys roster not named Dak Prescott with more than one TD. Not saying that is necessarily a good thing, but Witten is very important for this football team and the fact that he’s still contributing in such a way to this offense says a lot.
Keep balling, GOAT, keep balling.
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I know last week the Dallas Cowboys suffered a tough loss versus the Broncos… but it’s time to move on. This team simply had a terrible day and were outplayed in every aspect of the game. It’s time to focus on the good things and get ready for a bounce back win against the Arizona Cardinals.
Are you ready for some Dallas Cowboys Monday Night Football?
I just want to know, who are the people arguing that Jason Witten is to old to be a starter?
They are out there, Frederick. Trust me, I don’t know why, but they are out there.
Witten is still effective in the pass game, but his blocking ability has really diminished over the last couple of years. There isn’t a better option on the roster right now, but Witten isn’t perfect at this point.
Perfect? Ok, I’ll give you that but that can be said about anyone. The statement was “While so many people argue that ol’ number 82 is too old to be a starter for the Cowboys”. I just haven’t heard any. I know they are out there, I just didn’t think there were THAT many!
I don’t think there is a better option for Dallas at this moment. Witten is still a great player in his own right, but struggles at times.