I didn't see a 2021 Cowboys thread, so mods please delete in case I missed it.
Game 1 under their belt and as expected, they start the season 0-1.
But there was a lot of positive in this game for Dallas. The first is that Dak looked like he did not miss a beat from his scorching start in 2020 pre-injury. That was great to see. I think many expected at least a bit of rust having not played full game speed in almost a year but he was exceptional even though he was under pressure quite a few times. And he did it without his best offensive lineman in Zack Martin (COVID protocol, he will be back week 2). He nearly carried this team to an unlikely win last night.
Secondly, I also loved the offensive game plan. Kellen Moore had TB's defense figured out. He knew he couldn't really try and run it against the TB front 7 (esp with Zack Martin out) so he spread them out and exposed the weakest of TB's defense which is their depth in the secondary. It helps to basically have 3 probowl (nor near-probowl) caliber receivers, but he took advantage of the one on one matchup headaches that it creates for opposiing defenses. So great job by Moore on a well-called game.
Lastly, I was actually a little bit encouraged by the defense. Nobody had any delusions that this unit was going to be a strength of the team and nobody thought they were going to hold down the TB offense, but they looked hungry and swarmed the football well which helped cause a couple of those turnovers. I was hoping for a bit more pressure from the front 4, but TB's O-line is really good. Lawrence was double teamed a lot as well and he still made his presence felt a few times. If the rookies (and 2nd year players like Diggs) can keep developing, this unit will have some good games against lesser offenses.
On the flip side, McCarthy had some head-scratchers....particularly the 60 yard FG attempt at the end of the half. But he also probably should have gone for it on a couple other occasions deep in TB territory. 4th and 3 at the 13 and you could argue 4th and goal from the 3 as well. In this type of game against an elite team like TB, you have to put the game in the hands of your best players. You give the offense the chance to convert those IMHO.
Regardless, there is a lot to build on here and for now, the Cowboys look like the best of a weak division if they can stay relatively healthy on offense.
Game 1 under their belt and as expected, they start the season 0-1.
But there was a lot of positive in this game for Dallas. The first is that Dak looked like he did not miss a beat from his scorching start in 2020 pre-injury. That was great to see. I think many expected at least a bit of rust having not played full game speed in almost a year but he was exceptional even though he was under pressure quite a few times. And he did it without his best offensive lineman in Zack Martin (COVID protocol, he will be back week 2). He nearly carried this team to an unlikely win last night.
Secondly, I also loved the offensive game plan. Kellen Moore had TB's defense figured out. He knew he couldn't really try and run it against the TB front 7 (esp with Zack Martin out) so he spread them out and exposed the weakest of TB's defense which is their depth in the secondary. It helps to basically have 3 probowl (nor near-probowl) caliber receivers, but he took advantage of the one on one matchup headaches that it creates for opposiing defenses. So great job by Moore on a well-called game.
Lastly, I was actually a little bit encouraged by the defense. Nobody had any delusions that this unit was going to be a strength of the team and nobody thought they were going to hold down the TB offense, but they looked hungry and swarmed the football well which helped cause a couple of those turnovers. I was hoping for a bit more pressure from the front 4, but TB's O-line is really good. Lawrence was double teamed a lot as well and he still made his presence felt a few times. If the rookies (and 2nd year players like Diggs) can keep developing, this unit will have some good games against lesser offenses.
On the flip side, McCarthy had some head-scratchers....particularly the 60 yard FG attempt at the end of the half. But he also probably should have gone for it on a couple other occasions deep in TB territory. 4th and 3 at the 13 and you could argue 4th and goal from the 3 as well. In this type of game against an elite team like TB, you have to put the game in the hands of your best players. You give the offense the chance to convert those IMHO.
Regardless, there is a lot to build on here and for now, the Cowboys look like the best of a weak division if they can stay relatively healthy on offense.