3 stars from the Cowboys 44-19 loss vs. Saints
Who would you say were the best players from the Cowboys on Sunday?
One step forward in week one, one four-touchdown Alvin Kamara performance step backward in week two. After the Dallas Cowboys’ dominating win against the Cleveland Browns, much more was expected from the Cowboys in their home opener. The team had no answers against the Saints’ offense from the opening whistle. The Saints marched the field on the opening drive for the early 7-0 lead, and an early flurry of points from the Saints became a blizzard that engulfed the Cowboys. The offense wasn’t much better.
They could sustain drives to make it to the Saints’ territory but failed to convert those drives into touchdowns. Dak Prescott threw two interceptions, and the running game wasn’t a factor as the team trailed by several scores at the half.
The Cowboys had won 16 consecutive regular-season home games before this dreadful game, further underlining how this rout at the hands of New Orleans was unexpected. That said, a few players made contributions that would have weighed more heavily had the game been more competitive. Here are the three sort of stars of Sunday’s game.
CeeDee Lamb
For better or worse, the Cowboys offense relies on CeeDee Lamb. With Jake Ferguson out with a knee injury, it threw the burden of the receiving attack squarely on Lamb’s shoulders. However, this also presented an opportunity for Lamb to showcase his potential and significantly impact the game. For a moment, he did. On his 65-yard touchdown catch and run, Lamb made a terrific grab between two defenders. Lamb’s elusiveness and balance shrugged both defenders as he raced to the endzone for the long score. Lamb was his usual self on his other receptions, making contested catches over the middle between oncoming defenders.
After Lamb’s long touchdown, the hope was that it would give the Cowboys a puncher’s chance. If the Cowboys could control the clock better than they did and get some stops on defense, Lamb could have had an even bigger day.
Jalen Tolbert
If there was any other receiver who had a solid day, it was Jalen Tolbert. Much like Lamb, when Tolbert’s number was called, he made the most of his chances and was tied for the game-high in receptions. His six receptions and 82 yards were one of the silver linings in an otherwise miserable day for the team.
Tolbert’s best catch of the day came on a long throw from Prescott. Although it appeared that Tolbert was being interfered with by a Saints defender, Tolbert hauled in the deep throw with Paulson Adebo draped all over him. In his third season, Tolbert is making strides and could ascend into the best season of his career. Brandin Cooks is aging and in the last year of his contract. The Cowboys desperately need someone younger to emerge at the position and give the Cowboys another viable option outside of CeeDee Lamb. After yesterday’s abysmal loss, the time is now for Tolbert to build on that in a losing effort and step up for the team.
Brandon Aubrey
Brandon Aubrey is simply excellent. In his short time in the NFL, he has already demonstrated that he is one of the league’s most outstanding kickers. We know he’s got the distance, as evidenced by a 66-yard field goal attempt that he would have made if not for a penalty. Yet, it’s the consistency that makes Aubrey so special.
Against the Saints, Aubrey made all four of his kicks, including a 52-yard attempt. Last season, Aubrey had a field goal percentage of 94.7%. He is off to a sizzling start this year, having made all eight of his kicks. You’d rather more Cowboys drives be converted to touchdowns versus field goals, but Aubrey has proven he won’t leave points off the board when given the chance. Brandon Aubrey is Mr. Automatic.
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