The Dallas Cowboys are now 1-0 to start the 2017 after an impressive 19-3 victory of the New York Giants. It’s always good to get a division win, but the Cowboys did it in a dominant fashion Sunday night in all three phases of the game. I would like to take this opportunity to share with all of you The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly that took place for the Dallas Cowboys last night.
I would first like to say that I was really impressed with the way the Cowboys played the game from beginning to end. They looked to be pretty close to midseason form and it showed in the way they controlled the game.
So, without further do here is The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly for the Dallas Cowboys against New York Giants in Week 1 of the 2017 season.
The Good
Would it be a copout to recognize the entire Dallas Cowboys team and how they performed last night against the New York Giants? Honestly, I think all three phases the game was pretty much dominated by the Cowboys, which is a good sign for things to come. The entire team looked to be in midseason form and controlled the game from start to finish.
The Cowboys offense was able to move the ball up and down the field at will against a tough Giants defense. There were some spectacular catches made by Brice Butler and Cole Beasley to keep drives alive, but if there was one area that needs improvement it might be the red zone playcalling.
The Cowboys defense was a huge question mark heading into this contest. No one really knew what to expect from them, but they pretty much shut down the entire Giants offense and flustered QB Eli Manning the entire game. The bright spot here might just be the pass rush. They were able to get home on several occasions and that will only help the overall performance of the entire defense.
The Bad
I’m probably nitpicking here, but the only bad I noticed last night for the Cowboys against the Giants was that Dak Prescott never seemed comfortable. I don’t know if it was just early-season jitters or if the Giants defense just gives Prescott more problems then others, but something was off.
Prescott seemed to have a problem with his accuracy. He overthrew several of his receivers early in the game and missed a surefire touchdown to Dez Bryant by overthrowing him as well. Luckily, that missed TD didn’t come back to bite the Cowboys in the butt, but those opportunities must be capitalized on.
Prescott was able to overcome everything in the end and helped the Cowboys offense outscore the Giants. It definitely wasn’t the best performance we have seen from him, but he continued to grind it out despite his struggles. That’s all you can ask for from your starting QB or anyone for that matter.
The Ugly
Again, this may be nitpicking, but Ezekiel Elliott just didn’t look himself last night. You didn’t see the same kind of energy or explosiveness we’re used to seeing from him and he just looked kind of lethargic at times. I’m sure all of this suspension stuff hanging over his head has had some kind of effect on him, but I expected him to come out against the Giants and run angry.
Zeke Elliott didn’t have a bad game by any means. He was able to rack up 104 rushing yards on 24 carries and added another 36 yards through the air on five catches. That’s not a bad performance at all, especially against a Giants defense that is known for shutting down the run. But, I am curious to know if something was affecting Elliott last night. He just didn’t look like himself to me.
Good article Brian. I agree with you wholeheartedly about Dak and Zeke. They both had good nights don’t get me wrong, but neither was in top form. Dak looked skittish to me and Zeke not quite up to speed. The bright side to this is that I totally expect them to be their old selves next week. I think Dak was too hyped to put the whole “can he beat the Giants?” thing to bed, and was pressing, and I am sure Zeke was mentally and emotionally strung out after all the suspension shenanigans. It should be out of their system but time we get to Denver. I know the Giants offense is terrible right now, but i am jazzed about the defense’s performance last night. The line looked strong, which helped the secondary look good, and Lee and Smith are gonna be an absolute monster LB team by the end of this season. All in all, a great start to the season for the ‘Boys, and it should only get better from here.
Thanks for commenting. I was really pleased with the entire team’s performance overall. It was a great way to start the season and hopefully everybody rounds into form quickly. The first game of the season is always a struggle to get through, but I’m expecting big things from this 2017 squad.
Dak only played 2 quarters in preseason and may just have been rusty against a live opponent. When he had that great run breaking tackles, finished it upright – has to slide there. No extra shots on QB awarded to the defense.
We know last night was the B game, so it’s upside for him in Denver.
EE, I agree he was not at full intensity. I’m sure the accusations would be nearly impossible for someone to not get worn down by. The injunction will hold IMO and he’ll get off it and back to winning the rushing title.
Morris ahead of McFadden? Not on board. McF is the guy to gash defenses when EE needs a breather.
Everything I’ve heard and read said that Morris has been outperforming McFadden and that it wasn’t even close. I honestly don’t really like either option. I think they are both pretty much in decline as players and would much rather see Rod Smith see some carries.
Looking at preseason, Morris 5.3 to McF 5.1 per. But McFadden is faster & more explosive. It might signal that if EE were to get suspended, Morris is the workhorse and they want McF to bring his skills in on 3rd down.
I think they both have some gas left in the tank, age 28 and 30 respectively, and McF had a lot of games where he was out with injuries & not getting pounded.
Fortunately Elliott will probably not face any suspension this year. I don’t see Morris filling the shoes completely. I was very pleased of course with the game the defense had Sunday, but as Tapper, Smith and the secondary rookies get worked in, I still think the TOP game is the best strategy.