Thursday means that football is back in our lives once again. A new week brings new promises of hope for all 32 NFL teams. The Cowboys look to fulfill those promises on Sunday Night against the New Orleans Saints and rebound from their Week 3 loss against the Atlanta Falcons.
While they ultimately fell to the Dirty Birds 39-28, there were some bright moments for the Cowboys last Sunday. Let’s take a look at them.
Joseph Randle Breaks Two Tackles On His Way To First Touchdown
On the first series of the game, the Cowboys – without Tony Romo – decided to get their run game going.
Smart idea.
Joseph Randle broke a tackle from ex-Cowboy Justin Durant and then gave one more little shake, aided by a Travis Frederick block, that helped spring #21 loose.
Randle turned on the jets and dashed his way down the sideline before parking in the end zone… a 37-yard touchdown run. This was the perfect start to the game for the Cowboys who, without their biggest offensive stars, needed to put Atlanta in a hole early. Way to go, Joey Randle!
Lance Dunbar Scampers Off The Screen Down To The 1
With 58 seconds left in the first half, the Cowboys were trying to move the ball downfield and score as quickly as possible. We’ve seen so far this season that in such situations Lance Dunbar is the running back that they look to.
I propose that when #25 enters the game that some theme music to the tune of “DUN DUN DUN DUNNNNNNNBARRRRR” plays in the stadium, but that’s an idea for another day.
The screen game is a great option if you use it correctly, and when you get a running back in space like Lance Dunbar things aren’t going to end well for the defense. I mean… look at all that green around Dunbar! You could drive a truck (or Chip Kelly’s ego) through it!
Lance took this screen pass from Brandon Weeden and danced his way 22 yards all the way down to the Atlanta 1-yard line.
Dunbar is a phenomenal security blanket and check-down option for any quarterback, and Brandon Weeden knows that. His presence in the screen game has been paramount to the success that the Cowboys have had this season, and he showed it all day last Sunday, but this play brought the biggest smile to my face.
Joseph Randle Punches It In From The 1-Yard Line
Air Randle!
Immediately after Lance Dunbar’s 22-yard dash, the Cowboys dialed up number 21. Looking to get a touchdown before halftime, snack time for you and me, Dallas sent in Mr. Randle.
Knowing that bumping it to the outside probably wouldn’t yield much success, Joseph just jumped over his massive offensive line. Good call, Randle. The Cowboys picked up six and headed into the locker room with a 14-point lead.
Unfortunately, the second half was a pretty poor showing for Dallas as Atlanta mounted their comeback. The Cowboys will look to put together a more complete performance against the New Orleans Saints, with big plays like this on their minds.
Who do you think will make a big play against the New Orleans Saints? Email me your thoughts at rjochoa@insidethestar.com or Tweet @rjochoa.
