After two-quarters of a classic-NFC East battle, the Dallas Cowboys lead the Washington Commanders 12-7. Out of the gate, the Cowboys received the ball and showed the ability to move the ball effortlessly against a stout Commanders defensive line.

However, they were stopped in the first drive and had to settle for a field goal. On their next three drives, the offense began to look discombobulated, and they had to punt twice–and only got another field goal.

It felt like it was going to be a long day for the offense, but before the end of the half, QB Cooper Rush turned a “switch” on, led a 15-play, 75-yard drive, and found WR Michael Gallup for a 9-yard touchdown.

MICHAEL

GALLUP

IS

BACK

(via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/keCKwiaGXi

— RJ Ochoa (@rjochoa) October 2, 2022

Although the extra point would be blocked, it was an encouraging sign to see the offense get a touchdown on the board. Here are the stats from some of the standout offensive players:

• WR Michael Gallup (2 catches, 24 yards, one touchdown)
• WR CeeDee Lamb (4 catches, 59 yards)
• QB Cooper Rush (9/16, 127 yards, one touchdown)
• K Brett Maher (2/2 FGs)

Defensive-wise, the Dan-Quinn-led defense caused havoc for QB Carson Wentz the whole first half. Although they let up a TD, the defensive line has been in the backfield and forced the Commanders to punt on three of their five drives.

Some defensive standouts included:

• LB Micah Parsons (2 tackles, 1 QB Hit)
• LB Leighton Vander Esch (5 tackles)
• DE Demarcus Lawrence (1 sack, 1 QB Hit)
• DT Neville Gallimore ( 1 sack)
• CB Trevon Diggs (1 int)

If there was anything that needed to be cleaned up by the team in the second half, it was their play calling on offense and their run defense. There were too many times they went away from the run game (when it worked), and a lot of yards were given up to Washington’s RBs.

Stay tuned for the post-game post.