NFL
By: Greg Rector
Dallas 35 Detroit 27
Imagine my surprise to see a turnover on the first series of the game by the Cowboys. Indeed it happened again, this time it was Elliott, with a fumble on the second play from scrimmage. The Lions took full advantage with former Cowboys draft pick Bo Scarborough, giving the Lions an early 7-0 lead. So for the seventh time this season the Cowboys trailed early. You better believe I was one angry fan at that point.
The defense again did not make key stops all game long. Turnovers? Nope, these guys are just terrible for causing them or even attempting to strip the ball. It’s what keeps them from being an elite defense. Lions QB Driskel gashed the Cowboys for 51 yards and kept drives alive, that should have been going nowhere. The middle of the Cowboys defensive line must be improved upon. Far too often teams are able to come right up the middle, avoiding the strength of the defensive ends. Further frustration ensued at the start of the second half when the Lions marched downfield to score a TD to open the second half. Repeat after me kids, that’s on the coaches, especially Jason Garrett. This game should have been a blowout, get the players motivated to do that, and of course, as has so often been the case, Coach Process, Coach Clapper, take your pick, has failed to do that.
On to the bright side of the game. The play of Dak Prescott, and the passing attack. On a day where Cooper, was mostly quiet with just 3 catches, it was time for Gallup, and Cobb to shine. Both had over 100 yards receiving, Gallup made several nice catches, but Cobb’s touchdown while taking a huge hit was the difference in the game. Prescott went off for 444 passing yards and three touchdowns. The running game was basically mediocre, which was definitely offset by the passing game. It’s November and weather is going to be a factor in games, getting the running game on track is absolutely needed, if they plan on winning in December and January. Hopefully, the pundit class out there will stop asking if Dak can carry a team with his arm, he leads the league in passing yardage, so asked and answered, as you would hear in a courtroom.
A busy week ahead, with the trip to Foxboro, to face the Patriots, and then the traditional Thanksgiving Day tilt, this year against the Bills. Take the win with it all it’s flaws, and get ready for two tough opponents in a four-day span. Don’t let the Eagles loss to the Patriots make any of the players comfortable. The team’s destiny is in their hands, and it’s time to prove you want it. Talent is a combination of skill, combined with the ability to use it to the best of your ability when it’s most needed. That’s now for the Cowboys.
After 10 games it’s clear what the 2020 draft needs are. Top of the list for me Defensive tackles, followed by another LB, and the elusive safety. Offensively the biggest need is at TE, Witten won’t be around to bail them out forever. If they lose Cobb and cannot sign Cooper, then you can a WR, to the list.
You can find me on Twitter @GregCowboys
