NFL Power Rankings, Week 3: Cowboys, Ravens silence critics, Saints lose Brees
By Randy Gurzi
5. Dallas Cowboys (8)
This week didn’t start off as well for new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore and the Dallas Cowboys as Week 1 did, but they got things figured out and started to make some plays. They were shut out in the first quarter and Dak Prescott even threw his first-ever interception against Washington in his career. But then something happened that Cowboys fans aren’t used to — the play-caller made some adjustments and got things rolling.
The scoring started with a beautiful 51-yard touchdown pass off play-action from Prescott to wide receiver Devin Smith. Making this play even more special was the fact that this was Smith’s first catch since 2016 after the former second-round pick was snake-bitten with several serious knee injuries.
Smith ended up leading the team with 74 total yards on three catches but there were a lot of receivers who got in on the action. Michael Gallup had six receptions and Amari Cooper added four including his second touchdown on the season. Also hauling in touchdown No. 2 on the season was 37-year old Jason Witten.
If there’s any knock on this team, it’s the way their defense continues to leave plays on the field. Byron Jones had a shot at an interception on the first pass of the game and dropped the ball. Later, Jeff Heath had a ball in front of him but never tried for the ball as he was looking to deliver a hit. The trifecta came when Xavier Woods bobbled what was a sure pick-six.
Overall, this team has everything they need to make it far this season. They just have to find a way to make the plays on defense when they’re there.