Dallas Cowboys Week 4 Grades: They Avoid the NFL Trap Game

The Dallas Cowboys looked disorganized after opening day. They limped off their home field after losing to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 19-3. Their franchise quarterback, Dak Prescott, went down and needed surgery for a thumb fracture. Safety Jayron Kearse (MCL sprain) and left guard Connor McGovern (high ankle sprain) were lost to multiple-week injuries, too.

The offensive brain trust had no trust from a fanbase that suffers from two decades of mental trauma of no Super Bowl appearances and what they believe to be false promises from a owner with the ego the size of Texas.

Today, the Dallas Cowboys are winners of three straight with a 3-1 record. You never apologize for winning in the NFL.

Familiar faces returned in Week Four. Cowboys WR Michael Gallup (ACL), TE Dalton Schultz (PCL) and LG Connor McGovern (high-ankle sprain) were all active today.

Dallas Cowboys RUN OFFENSE

It was a long day at the office for the offensive line. They created few holes upfront for the running backs. Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard combined for a measly 55 yards on 27 carries. The line-up looked better with Peters in it. The unit had their hands full with the studs from Alabama. Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne are a load to deal with inside.

Dalton Schultz is the starting tight end, but Peyton Hendershot has shown he is a better blocker at the point of attack. Schultz had more penalties than catches, his blocking is still subpar, and he is not a dynamic weapon despite the $11 million franchise tag.

Grade: D

Dallas Cowboys Pass offense

Cooper Rush has been performing well. He has limitations, but that is why he is the back up QB. I still give him credit for being more than a game manager and reminding us why Mike McCarthy believes in him. He continues to thrive off play action, letting it rip down the field, and generating some timely big plays for the offense. He dodged two interceptions that were negated by penalties.

Michael Gallup’s return affected the passing game. Two catches for 24 yards and a touchdown plus two penalties for 65 yards.

“I needed to make a statement.” – Michael Gallup

Honorable mention: Tyler Smith continues to improve each week. His pass protection has been fantastic. People should never put a cap on an young player’s ceiling. A lot of folks are taking Ls from their premature draft grades.

GRADE: C