Dallas Cowboys: Studs and duds from improbable Week 2 win vs. Falcons
By Randy Gurzi
Who stood out in the Dallas Cowboys wild Week 2 win over the Falcons?
Week 2 was an interesting one for the Dallas Cowboys. They fell behind 20-0 in the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons thanks to three turnovers. They also made it harder on themselves with two poor attempts at fake punts. Yet, somehow, they came out with an improbable one-point victory in their home opener.
Dallas continued to fight and showed a lot of heart despite how good the Falcons offense continued to play. They chipped away at the lead all game and then after a surprising onside kick recovery, they were able to set Greg Zuerlein up for a game-winning kick from 46 yards out.
With all the highs and lows, we have plenty of studs and duds to choose from. So let’s dive in and look at who stood out for America’s Team in their first win of the year.
Honorable Mention Stud: Dalton Schultz
With Blake Jarwin out, it seemed as though the Cowboys were in trouble at tight end. There were ideas thrown out about free agents and some trade targets since there wasn’t much experience left to turn to. Dalton Schultz decided not to have any of that talk.
The third-year tight end had a career day pulling in a team-high nine receptions for 88 yards and his first career touchdown. He actually nearly had two scores but his elbow just touched down earlier in the game. It was a fantastic performance from a young man who no one saw coming.
Honorable Mention Dud: Trevon Diggs, CB
Trevon Diggs is going to be really good but the rookie had a rough game on Sunday. He was called for a pass interference on Julio Jones — and while it was questionable, he has to know he can’t get handsy at all with a future Hall of Famer.
He did give up a few other passes but he had tough coverage on many of those, so that’s not why he’s on this list. Instead, it’s due to one play that could have turned the game around. Early in the fourth quarter, Matt Ryan threw a deep pass to Calvin Ridley but he didn’t get enough air under it and the ball went right into the hands of Diggs but he dropped it.
Atlanta went on to score on an eight-yard touchdown from Russell Gage and, while the fourth-down conversion surrendered by Chidobe Awuzie loomed large, none of that happens if the rookie hangs onto the pass. Gifts like that aren’t given often in the NFL and when they are, a team needs to take them.