Every week, we gather to discuss the latest news about the Dallas Cowboys and seek our writer’s perspective on each headline. Welcome back to the roundtable. This week we have David Howman, Sean Martin,
Tom Ryle, and Jess Haynie.
This was Dallas’ first game with the two new acquisitions from the trade. How would you rate Quinnen Williams’ and Logan Wilson’s performance?
Mike: Williams changed everything up front from the first series. He consistently dented the pocket, forced the Geno Smith to reset the pocket constantly, and drew enough double-teams to free stunts and one-on-ones for everyone else. Against the run he played heavy-handed and finished right on the line so there were no cheap yards after contact.
As for Wilson, he brought order and calm to the middle of the field. With the green dot, the fronts were set, the checks got out on time, and the underneath spacing finally looked organized. His range and angles showed up on cutbacks and perimeter runs, and in coverage he was comfortable matching backs and tight ends. For both players this was an A-grade in their performance for their first game as a Cowboy.
Howman: Quinnen Williams gets an A+ easily. He was exactly as advertised, blowing up run plays and making an impact as a pass rusher. Logan Wilson looked good too, but didn’t see the field enough for me to really get a sense of his long-term impact.
Jess: An obvious high score for Williams, who looked as good as any DT we’ve seen since Jerry bought the team. The Raiders’ o-line is in shambles, though, so we need to see if he can keep it up against better opponents. Wilson didn’t make big plays, but you saw him closing on ball-carriers and stopping them before they could get first downs. I promise you that Kenneth Murray wouldn’t have been there as quickly, if at all, so the upgrade is already evident.
Tom: I heard Mickey Spagnola of the mothership talking about how Williams didn’t just generate sacks and pressures, he opened up things for the rest of the defensive front and helped shut down the run. But this week is a much bigger test. Wilson seems like an upgrade.
Sean: The Cowboys got 1-vs-1 matchups all night long for their defensive line against the Raiders offensive line, and it was a thing of beauty for winning the game at the point of attack. Williams was a huge part of this and made the “as advertised” plays himself with 1.5 sacks. As for a grade on Wilson, I’ll take the Cowboys waiving Damone Clark on Tuesday following the win as a sign they were pleased with the totality of their work at linebacker in this game, and Wilson was a rotational part of this, so he more than earns a passing grade as well.
The Cowboys offense stumbled to start the game, but what grade would you give the offense through the victory against a decent Raiders defense?
Mike: The first quarter was choppy with too many negative down-and-distance situations and not enough rhythm, but once they leaned into the quick game and protection help, the offense settled and you could feel the plan take hold. Dak played on point with great efficiency, the ball came out with precision, and the drive structure improved with tempo.
The way the offense played forced Vegas to pick its poison with CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. The run game wasn’t dominant, but it was functional enough to keep play-action credible and help close the game when it mattered.
Howman: Starting off slow out of the bye isn’t exactly a surprise, but the offense woke up and finally looked like themselves again after two lackluster performances. I’d give them a B+
Jess: Part of the stumble was the disciplinary action of sitting Lamb and Pickens for the first series, so that mitigates the criticism. Given how they settled in and performed for the majority of the game, and against a decent overall defense in Vegas, I think an A- is in order.
Tom: Solid B+ for me. Pickens was just a beast.
Sean: I’ll go with Tom and Howman and say a B+. To be honest, I had an A- written, then remembered the fumble by Dak and the inability to get a first down right after the Raiders made it a two-score game, so this wasn’t truly A work on offense. But, the Cowboys didn’t look stagnant, they played with good balance, and saw Pickens go off in a way that will make any defense they see from here on out questioning how to slow him down. It was a much-needed night for many big names on offense.
This week the Cowboys face division rivals, Philadelphia Eagles. What are your expectations for this home game clash?
Mike: At home, Dallas should have the edge, but Philadelphia’s front and perimeter weapons make this a battle. If the Cowboys stay out of the early negative-play hole that’s burned them in a few first quarters, they can dictate pace and make the Eagles chase on the scoreboard instead of the other way around.
Howman: One word: victory. They nearly beat the Eagles in Philly to start the season, and Dallas has improved on both sides of the ball since then. The Eagles aren’t an easy out, but nothing short of victory should be accepted this week.
Jess: I’m not as confident as my colleague. Philly keeps finding ways to win, and their defense is looking scary. This is a night-and-day flip from the caliber of opponent we just faced. I think the Cowboys will make it competitive, but predicting a win feels too homeriffic for me.
Tom: The Eagles don’t look as dominating this season and Nick Sirianni is making some headscratching decisions. I think it will be a close game and a Cowboys win would not shock me.
Sean: It’s hard not to immediately remember how well the Cowboys adjusted post weather-delay in the first loss at the Eagles to slow down Saquon Barkley and their ground game. Dallas has even more of a reason to think they’ll be successful here again, and I think the offense will carry enough momentum from the Raiders win to make big plays downfield. The biggest area of concern right now for me would be blocking up the Eagles pass rush long enough to take these downfield shots. I’ll side with Howman and say the expectation needs to be a win, to finally achieve that elusive winning streak under Brian Schottenheimer.
Rapid fire section
Who scores first for Dallas?
Howman: Javonte Williams
Jess: Brandon Aubrey
Tom: Jake Ferguson
Sean: CeeDee Lamb
Which Cowboys defender gets the first sack?
Howman: Kenneth Murray
Jess: Donovan Ezeiruaku
Tom: James Houston
Sean: Kenny Clark
Should the Cowboys deploy a QB Spy this week? If so, who should take on the duty?
Howman: No spy, just blitz frequently up the middle; see above.
Jess: It’d be a good role for Overshown if he’s ready for more work.
Tom: Maintain discipline and I don’t think they need a spy.
Sean: Remember when I answered this a few weeks ago by saying Murray wouldn’t make the tackle anyway as a spy? Good times. The Cowboys have better options to do so now, so I say go for it.
Will the officials call a false start penalty against the Eagles offensive line this week?
Howman: It’s bound to happen.
Jess: Why start now?
Tom: I sure hope so.
Sean: Yes, speak it into existence.
Dak Prescott passing yards, over/under 270.5
Howman: Just slightly under
Jess: Under
Tom: Over a little
Sean: Over
George Pickens receiving yards, O/U 82.5
Howman: Over for sure
Jess: Over
Tom: Over
Sean: Over and out
Quinnen Williams total tackles, O/U 5.5
Howman: Over
Jess: Under
Tom: Under, but frees up others
Sean: Over because of how much the Eagles will test the middle
Brandon Aubrey longest field goal, O/U 53.5
Howman: Under, because the offense will have no problem moving the ball
Jess: Over
Tom: Under
Sean: Over in another end-of-half situation
