Cowboys Top Baltimore with Workmanlike Effort, Sweep AFC North

Despite a slow start, the Dallas Cowboys displayed their usual mettle while coolly and efficiently dispatching a game Ravens team.

In the early stages of yesterday’s game, the Dallas Cowboys looked disjointed. The methodical ruthlessness employed during large segments of their schedule was lacking. Credit the Ravens for putting pressure on quarterback Dak Prescott. The harassment caused errant throws from the recently anointed Dallas signal caller. The confusion resulted in four punts in the first four possessions.

Yet through it all, Baltimore could only claim a 7-0 lead after the first quarter. As much as the offense saved the day last week in Pittsburgh, the defense deserves full marks for holding steady and keeping the game manageable. Eventually, the offense began to establish a rhythm. The offensive line started opening lanes for running back Ezekiel Elliott. Prescott settled in and distributed the football with aplomb.

In fact, once the Cowboys shook the cobwebs loose, they found themselves tied at the halftime break, 10-10. From this perspective, they were a bit lucky to be there. But as has been the case all season, it is impossible to count them out. They bounce back. They’re resilient. This bunch is talented and they do not let adversity get in their way.

This was especially the case in the second half. After holding the Ravens on the first possession of the third quarter, the Cowboys asserted their dominance. The ensuing ten-play, six-minutes-plus drive culminated in a touchdown and a 17-10 Dallas lead. Once again, the defense held. Once again, the offense embarked on another meat grinder that extended the lead to 24-10.

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The Ravens did manage to pull to within a touchdown with a drive of their own about half way through the fourth quarter. But the Cowboys again responded with an inexorable, time-consuming march to a field goal. The result was a 27-17 score that provided the final margin of victory. If the initial effort left something to be desired, the finish exemplified further evidence that this team’s ultimate fate may well lead to something very, very special. Their goal is to grind defenses into a spent dust. It is a glorious sight to behold.

I am almost out of superlatives when it comes to describing this squad. When they’re on their game, they’re unstoppable.

Even if they’re off the mark, they’ve shown an ability to rally and exert their will. Granted, it all comes back to the offensive line, but the play from the rookie tandem of Prescott and Elliott is what is driving this historic run. It can be boiled down to poise from the quarterback and sheer power from the running back. Everything else revolves around these two NFL children. I’ve never seen anything like this before.

Could they lose on Thanksgiving Day against the Redskins? Absolutely. The law of averages dictates that they’ll drop a game eventually. Washington has been very solid this year, and they could have easily beaten the Cowboys in their Week 2 matchup. Washington quarterback Kirk Cousins is hot and will certainly be gunning for revenge on Thursday afternoon.

Next: The Streak Continues as the Dallas Cowboys top the Ravens 27-17

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But even beyond Thursday, win or lose, enjoy this. Lombardi trophies are never handed out in November. But right now, the Dallas Cowboys are playing championship football. They have taken on all comers and have passed each test with flying colors. Barring a catastrophic run of attrition, special things await leading up to February 5th, 2017.

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