4-0 for Cooper Rush !

The Offense: Wow, what a game the Dallas Cowboys played as a whole. The offense looked well most drives however we knew we would get stopped a few times going into it. I say, let Cooper start. Just over 100 yards passing but he's been very clutch and knows when to take his chances. If the Cowboys can bypass the Eagles next week why wouldn't they let Dak rest an extra week or two! We need precision from his like his rookie year, if he needs extra practice why wouldn't we allow it after our backup has proven comfortable in the spot light. Tony Pollard deservers more than 8 carries point blank. Yes, Ezekiel Elliot has looked very nice with a few carries for more than 10 yards on the season now. But with Pollard showing his break away ability multiple times this year, theres no question why the back field should be at least 50-50 between Zeke and Pollard. Tyler Smith finally had his welcome to the NFL moment, giving up a few sacks and QB pressures throughout the game, this was one of his biggest matchups so far this year in former Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald. He gave up two sacks and had to get adjusted to constant pressure in his face every play. Smith has done very well for a late first round pick, and has passed all expectations for the first few weeks and hes expected to improve from where he left off. The wide receivers look way more comfortable now that Michael Gallup is back and making toe tapping plays on the sideline like his old self. In only his second game back, had 4 catches for 44 yards. Lastly, I really like the combination of Peyton Hendershot, and Jake Ferguson, at least while Dalton Schultz is not 100% for the time being.

The Defense: On the defensive side of the ball, everything about this defense has shown out this year. Unfortunately, we saw Trevon give up a big play like last years antics, however this was almost expected since the combination of Cooper Kupp, and Matthew Stafford has been unstoppable since the two have been put together. Besides that single play, the defense looked exceptional. The run stop was awesome, ill say it again and every week if I have to, our interior defensive line has put in work! What an awesome moment for Demarcus Lawrence to open the game on a scoop and score, a defensive lineman's dream! Micah Parsons has also decided to join the sack party once again totaling two for this game, now marking him at 6 on the year. He's in a 4 way tie with Nick Bosa, Matthew Judon, and Maxx Crosby for first place. Anthony Barr has looked like he's becoming the Line backer we've grown to know in prior years totaling 6 tackles this game, looking much more comfortable. Finally, I called it last week, Malik Hooker has made his case! He deserves to be signed. Hooker grabbed the game sealing interception when Matthew Stafford and the Rams were mounting a come back late in the 4th quarter. Another bright spot that has been glaring the past few weeks has been Dorance Armstrong, the rookie product out of Kansas has looked much improved from last year. He caused the scoop and score to lead Lawrence's touchdown, and even blocked a punt. He caused constant pressure and has been filling Randy Gregorys shoes swimmingly. The one major flaw I see in the Cowboys defense is Anthony Brown. He's held his own the past few weeks, but he's allowed a bigger portion of the passes. With a premier quarterback like Patrick Mahomes or Aaron Rodgers, this can be exploited. We saw it last year, week one when Tom Brady picked him apart. Never the less, Bring on the Eagles!

Upcoming: Finally, our biggest division threat. Meeting 1 will be crucial and a very big teaching moment for down the road as we don't see them again until week 16 in our home stadium when it may mean big playoff implications. For the Cowboys stopping Jalen Hurts, and the rush should be everything they set their eyes on. If they can shut down the run and not allow any wild plays like last week the cowboys may be able to hold their own like we've seen the past few weeks. This is a big one, hopefully the boys can walk away with a win and first place!

Current record: 6-2

Upcoming schedule:

Wk 9 **Bye**

Wk 10 Cowboys @ Packers

Wk 11 Cowboys @ Vikings

Wk 12 Giants @ Cowboys Thanksgiving game

Wk 13 Colts @ Cowboys

Wk 14 Texans @ Cowboys

Wk 15 Cowboys @ Jaguars

Record prediction after these games: 11-3

NFC East standings as of 11/04/22

Philadelphia Eagles 8-0

Dallas Cowboys 6-2

New York Giants 6-2

Washington Commanders 4-4