The Dallas Cowboys where in what could have been seen as a must-win situation in Week 2 when they took on the Washington Commanders. Not only where they looking at an 0-2 hole to start the season, but they were also in danger of starting 0-2 in the NFC East.
It wasn’t always pretty, but the Cowboys were able to get their first win of the year. Quarterback Dak Prescott was in the zone as he put up 279 yards passing and four touchdowns while completing 26 of his 31 psass attempts. Dallas converted seven
of their 11 third down chances, and they also scored touchdowns in three of their four red zone opportunities.
Defensively, they still have some things to clean up. Which that said, they only allowed 20 points for the game which is something they can build on. Before they face one of their toughest challenges in Brazil this Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens, let’s take a look at three things we learned about the Cowboys in Week 2.
Lamb is still Lamb
He didn’t have the best outing in the season opener versus the New York Giants with just 44 yards. Against Washington, CeeDee Lamb went nuclear as he reminded everyone why he’s one of the top wide receivers on the planet. One the very first drive of the game, Lamb caught three passes for 41 yards and ended it with a touchdown. At game’s end, Lamb had eight receptions on nine targets and accumulated 153 yards and two scores.
This was the ninth time in Lamb’s career that he registered two receiving touchdowns in one game, and it was the second time he’s done it against the Commanders in the last three seasons. When Lamb and Prescott are clicking on all cylinders, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better quarterback/receiver duo in the league.
Caleb Downs is as good as advertised
It’s only been two games, but Downs is already showing why the Cowboys took him with the 11th overall pick back in April. After racking up eight tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble in his NFL debut, Downs was stellar again versus the Commanders. His nine tackles were tied for first on the team and he also registered another forced fumble and a pass breakup.
Downs was all over the field making plays against the run and showing his instincts in coverage, which were on full display during a pass breakup on Terry McLaurin in the first half. He’s still making mistakes here and there, but that’s expected for a rookie. However, it’s clear that he will continue to be a vital piece in Christian Parker’s defense.
Jaishawn Barham is figuring it out
It was a tough debut for Barham against the Giants, which led to him showing his frustration while talking to the aforementioned Parker on the sideline. However, after getting the green dot to call plays with DeMarvion Overshown on the shelf, Barham looked excellent against the Commanders even with some of the errors he made. He ended up with seven tackles, one tackle for loss, and a huge forced fumble in the third quarter which led to a Jake Ferguson touchdowns to put the Cowboys up by 14.
He did a good job playing downhill as well as moving sideline-to-sideline against the run. Barham looked comfortable in getting guys in their right spots with his pre-snap checks and he looked good in coverage as well. Through the first two games, Barham is the highest-graded defensive rookie per Pro Football Focus. So, he’s laying the groundwork for a productive first year in the NFL as he continues to progress.
