Dallas Cowboys Week 3 – Delayed Reaction

Sep 21, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback

(9) talks with teammates during the first half against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Week 3 is in the books and with another win, we get another delayed reaction. It wasn’t a pretty win, but they did come back from 21 points and showed a lot of poise. The second half was far better than the first, which is something that has been lacking the last few years. There were some good things and some things that need to be corrected, but a win is a win, and now they have momentum heading into a meeting with the New Orleans Saints.

Let’s go over the positives from the game since this was a win:

1. They Stuck with the Run – Just when you thought that they would start throwing the ball around to try to come back, the Dallas Cowboys stuck with DeMarco Murray again and it paid off big time. The threat of the run was one of the reasons why Dez Bryant was so wide open on the touchdown pass. His double move did make the CB look pretty bad, but the play action made the whole secondary freeze and it allowed Dez to get behind everyone. Sticking with the run made the whole offense better.

2. Turnovers – Sure the Cowboys had two of their own, but they got turnovers when they needed them. It is evident this team is trying to play the ball more than they have in the past. Bruce Carter is playing better and his interception gives hope that maybe he is better than he has been. Claiborne pretty much got burned all afternoon, but came up with a huge interception at the end. Hopefully, this will give him some confidence going forward.

3. The O Line – This group is getting better. Doug Free played better than he has this season, and the line is still creating running lanes for Murray really well. They were not perfect in pass coverage, but it was better. If they can keep this improvement up, this will be a very good offense over the rest of the season. The fact Tony Romo looked like he was able to move and throw better helps this line look better, and going forward Romo’s health improving will make this line better in the passing game.

There were some negatives, while correctable, they need to get fixed quickly:

1. Pass Rush Please – There is some pressure on the D Line, but there are not many sacks coming. Hopefully Anthony Spencer‘s return will help this, but if this defense wants to be really good they have to get to the QB. I am seeing more hands come up along the line than I did last season which is a really good thing, they are still not getting in the face of the QB. More pressure should allow for more turnovers.

2. The Short Game – The defense was getting killed with the medium and short game. This can not stay this way. Maybe getting Scandrick in there will help, maybe McClain being out hurt this, but the tight end and RB were killing this defense. I heard a collective “Why is there a DE covering the WR?” on the touchdown, and that is something that has to change. I know it is part scheme, but someone like Drew Brees will eat this defense quickly.

3. Fumble! – DeMarco Murray might be leading the NFL in rushing this season, but he has to figure out how to hold onto the ball. Three games, three fumbles. Now, he is recovering well from them, but this can’t keep happening. The 49ers showed what happens when a really good team takes advantage of turnovers. Murray has to get his hand above his elbow and keep the ball closer to the body. The good thing is this is totally fixable, but the turnovers have to stop.

So there it is, a delayed reaction to the game. Next up, the Saints, let’s hope next week is another delayed reaction after a win.