The first month of the NFL season has been a rollercoaster for the Dallas Cowboys(2-2). After a strong opening victory against the Cleveland Browns (1-2) by a score of 33-17, the team seemed poised to be contenders in the NFC once again, just as they’ve been over the past three seasons, finishing each with a 12-5 record. However, their playoff struggles continue, with Dallas failing to reach the conference finals since 1995. Following the win, the Cowboys suffered back-to-back home losses, ending a 16-game home winning streak. They were completely outmatched by both the Saints and Ravens, allowing star running backs Alvin Kamara and Derrick Henry to rush for over 100 yards each and score at least two touchdowns.
Winning With Help From the Refs?
Yesterday, the Cowboys’ defense didn’t allow a touchdown as they narrowly beat the New York Giants (1-3) with a questionable 20-15 win. Of the last 15 meetings between these divisional rivals, Dallas has won 14, with the only loss coming in 2021 when Andy Dalton, not Dak Prescott, was at quarterback. The win was crucial for the Cowboys, especially given their tough October schedule, but there were questions early in the game about the number of flags thrown by the referees. The lead official, Clay Martin, has never officiated a Cowboys loss (5-0). However, it’s important to note that Dallas was penalized more than New York in this game, 11 to 4.
The final tally showed Dallas penalized 11 times for 89 yards, while New York was flagged four times for 35 yards. It could have been 12 penalties for Dallas. On their first score of the night, running back Rico Dowdle almost waltzed into the end zone untouched. A replay revealed why the touchdown looked so easy-Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson seemed to have held a Giants defender. A flag was thrown, but it was picked up, and the score stood. It’s hard to see the hold clearly, but viewers can judge for themselves.
On Dallas’ second touchdown, receiver CeeDee Lamb who finished with his 19th career 100-yard game (106 yards), seven receptions, and a touchdown. However, it appears the referees didn’t like Lamb’s celebration, where he backpedaled into the end zone and tossed the ball in the direction of Giants defensive back Deonte Banks after a 55-yard score. The officials, possibly making up for the earlier missed call, flagged Lamb for unsportsmanlike conduct. It seems like celebrating in the NFL comes with penalties these days, and, as in many cases, these penalties also result in fines for players.
Tough October Ahead for the Cowboys
This victory was a much-needed boost for the Cowboys, especially considering their daunting October schedule. “America’s Team” will now have extra days to prepare for the Pittsburgh Steelers (3-0) at Acrisure Stadium. The Steelers’ defense will be a significant challenge for Dak Prescott. After that, they’ll face the dangerous Detroit Lions (2-1) at home, whose high-powered offense will test Dallas’ struggling defense from the first few weeks. After their bye week, the Cowboys will face the reigning NFC Champion San Francisco 49ers in another Sunday night showdown. The 49ers are currently dealing with several injuries, but they could have key players back in time for that matchup.
