The Dallas Cowboys Week 7 Grades: The New-Look Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys defense remains the strength of this football team. After years of investing in the offense, the Cowboys have changed their identity and are now a defense-first team.

Lucky for them, the defense and special teams have shown they can win games, because the offense remains a muddled mess, even with Dak Prescott back.

The Dallas Cowboys won on Sunday but it wasn’t all perfect, here are this weeks grades.

We begin with the run offense…

The Lions defense played well in the first half, but not so well in the second. Kellen Moore got back to the running game. Ezekiel Elliott scored two touchdowns–and he is looking fresh and strong. Tony Pollard continues to flash big play ability.

Grade: B

Dallas Cowboys Pass offense

Dak Prescott was erratic from the first series. Several badly thrown balls and more than a couple into triple coverage. Having not played in 5 weeks, there was bound to be rust. He finished with one touchdown and no turnovers. Dak Prescott will find his grove because it is a long season.

Grade: D

Dallas Cowboys Run defense

Another game the Cowboys have given up 100 yards to an opposing offense. The Lions gained 117 yards on the ground. DeMarcus Lawrence continues to show why he is the best stopping DE in the NFL.

Grade: C

Dallas Cowboys Pass defense

Dallas pass rushed was outstanding. They continue to harass quarterbacks. They had 5 sacks against an offensive who had only given up 7 sacks. Sam Williams had a coming out party this Sunday. In 12 snaps he did plenty of damage.

Trevon Diggs and Jourdan Lewis added two INTs.

Grade: B

Dallas Cowboys Special teams

Brett “Money” Maher has been fantastic this season. He is as lethal as the electric KaVontae Turpin in his own way. Turpin is close to busting a return for a touchdown. The special teams’ unit has been outstanding.

GRADE: B

Dallas Cowboys Coaching

• Better play calling in the second half by Kellen Moore as he leaned on the running game.
• The first touchdown of Peyton Hendershot’s young career came off play action.
• Dan Quinn’s troops didn’t allow a touchdown by the Lions and created five turnovers.
• Bones Fassell is the best special team coach in the entire league.

GRADE: B

Overall: Today’s win was not as clean as Mike McCarthy would have liked, but a win is a win. You don’t apologize for winning in the NFL. I expect Dak Prescott to be better next week while the defense and special teams continue to lead the way. Dallas could make a deep run if they get their offense going.