The Dallas Cowboys started this matchup on a rocky note, but it didn’t last long.
One of the significant areas that continued to garner attention was on display once again.
The offensive line was on skates on the initial drive in the first half. Quarterback Dak Prescott found himself on the ground on three different occasions.
However, they did clean it up long enough for Head Coach Mike McCarthy to call Jake Ferguson’s number, and he tore down the seam for an 18-yard touchdown.
TOUCHDOWN COWBOYS ⭐️
Dak finds Jake Ferguson in the endzone 🙌
📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/TQfxUCDRwe
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) October 29, 2023
On the second drive, McCarthy began to move the pocket around, which most should love seeing. While Dak has some mobility, it’s nowhere near what it was pre-injury.
It started very promising, with hopes for Dallas to jump out to a 14-3 lead, but the offensive line, coupled with Tony Pollard looking so out of place, showed up on the scorecard negatively.
Aaron Donald was able to collect two sacks in the first quarter.
The cheerful ending to the drive is Brandon Aubrey. The rookie kicker continues to show he belongs.
He boomed a 58-yard kick with a few additional yards to spare.
His confidence and ability to not waver in crucial moments will help Dallas later in the season.
You noticed I haven’t mentioned anything about the defense. Well, that ends now. Daron Bland is closing end on sharing a spot in the NFL record books. He now has 3 pick-6 interceptions in one season.
#Cowboys CB DaRon Bland just got his 4th interception of the season, and for the THIRD time, he took it back for a TD.
Kid is a stud. pic.twitter.com/RlO1ulRtLe
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 29, 2023
Yes, we miss Trevon Diggs, but credit the Cowboys for identifying, scouting, and drafting Bland. He is a Godsend.
First quarter ends 17 – 3
Defensive Coordinator Dan Quinn is in his bag as well, moving Micah in that A-gap, allowing him to pick up his fifth sack of the season.
When it rains, it pours, and it is coming down hard on the Rams right now—a blocked punt led to a safety. Minutes later, a long kick return by Kavontae Turpin put Dallas in scoring position.
Sam Williams with an amazing punt block!
(via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/aRznyXLFVp
— RJ Ochoa (@rjochoa) October 29, 2023
Sean McVay would love a do-over. Unfortunately, it won’t happen right now.
Over the summer, we watched CeeDee Lamb work on his releases. Well, that release against Derion Kendrick was lethal and ended with another score for Dallas.
CeeDee Lamb TD
Cowboys 26, Rams 3 pic.twitter.com/5GsO73x1gF
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) October 29, 2023
Prescott is comfortable right now. The throws he has made are more than in his wheelhouse.
A short throw to Ferguson who fought for a 1st down, another inside route to Lamb and, wait do my eyes deceive me, a bunch formation that allowed Turpin to get a free release for an easy first down.
As soon as I began giving praise, I jinxed myself.
A tipped pass into a clutter of players that had no business going there was intercepted by Los Angeles.
It’s hard to be critical of McCarthy and Prescott with a 26 – 3 lead but that’s the throws that will get you in trouble against Philadelphia and San Francisco.
Nevertheless, the defense stood strong and almost came up with a strip sack.
To wrap up the first half, Dak ends on a high note. Again, moving off his spot to the right, he was able to throw a dime to a shockingly wide open CeeDee Lamb. Go figure.
Dak Prescott buys time to find a wide open CeeDee Lamb.
Lamb in the first half: 9 catches, 122 yards, 2 TDs pic.twitter.com/HRu8uP2ktD
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) October 29, 2023
Second quarter ends Dallas 33, Los Angeles 9
One thing I’ve noticed is how quickly Quinn has inserted Rashaan Evans.
On one occasion, I saw him with his hand in the dirt. If you tell me Evans will give you some pass rush, I’ll take that every day and twice on Sundays.
Dallas is pummeling Los Angeles right now and there’s a second half still to play.
