After 5 games away with a thumb fracture Dak Prescott returned to the field on Sunday for a 24-6 victory over the Detroit Lions.
Here are some of the highs and lows from Dallas’ week 7 win:
STAR UP
Takeaways: The Cowboys defense told us all week that they were frustrated with their performance against Philadelphia and they channeled that into a barrage of takeaways in the second half. Detroit had 6 possessions in the second half and 5 of them ended in a turnover, including all 4 of their fourth quarter possessions. Takeaways is the one aspect that has been missing from Dallas’ defense this year, so it was good to see them return to their 2021 form.
Sam Williams: The Cowboys’ second round pick had himself an incredibly efficient day, tallying 2 sacks, a forced fumble, and 3 tackles on just 12 snaps. Williams plays with a toughness and intimidating physicality that the Cowboys have been in desperate search of over the last 12 months or so.
The Opening Drive of the 2nd Half: It wasn’t enough just to get a turnover, the Cowboys needed to capitalize and score when Trevon Diggs intercepted Jared Goff early in the 3rd quarter. Dallas posted a 7-play, 73-yard touchdown drive that saw Zack Martin and Terence Steele put in exceptional work in the run game. Dallas ran the ball 5 times for 54 yards and a touchdown on the drive, and much of it was due to Martin and Steele.
Sustained Drives: Sustaining drives had been an issue in the last couple of weeks, but the Cowboys managed to improve that on Sunday. Dallas had 3 drives against the Lions of at least 65 yards, which is the first time the Cowboys have had at least 3 drives of that length all season.
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STAR DOWN
Noah Brown: It’s been a great start to the season for Noah Brown, but Sunday wasn’t his day. Brown had a block in the back flag that took a Peyton Hendershot reception off the board, a fumble at the end of the first half just outside of the end zone, and failed to haul in Dak Prescott’s first attempt of the game. The pass could have been better, but Brown also has to make that catch.
Pass Protection: Detroit only finished with two sacks today, but there were several times today where the Lions were able to disrupt the Cowboys with their pass rush, and that’s something that simply shouldn’t happen. The Lions had just seven sacks on the year coming into today, and they had just three combined QB hits over their last two games. Dallas shouldn’t have had those types of issues in pass pro against an underperforming pass rush.
Tight End Coverage: The Cowboys have done such a good job taking tight ends out of the opposing game plan over the last year and a half, but today was not one of those days. Lions tight ends TJ Hockenson and Brock Wright combined for 9 catches on 10 targets and 105 yards receiving.