Dallas Cowboys: Studs and duds from improbable Week 2 win vs. Falcons
By Randy Gurzi
Dallas Cowboys Week 2 Stud: CeeDee Lamb, WR
The Cowboys got themselves a steal with CeeDee Lamb as the No. 17 overall pick and after two games, he looks to be the real deal. The rookie had 59 yards on five catches in Week 1 and was even better in Week 2.
He finished with six receptions for 106 yards and added another nine yards on one reception. The majority of his yards came on a 37-yard reception, which was a connection between him and Dak Prescott when the Falcons had jumped offsides. Prescott was smart to take a deep chance on a free play, but Lamb made it no risk at all as he was wide open.
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However, his best play coming in the final minutes as he set up the game-winning touchdown. Lamb got himself open for a 24-yard reception that allowed Dallas to run the clock down and kick the field goal to escape with a win.
He’s clearly a great route runner with impressive hands. He’s going to be a star for Dallas and his first two games should have them even more excited than they had already been about his potential.
Dallas Cowboys Week 2 Dud: Special Teams
The Cowboys were bad on special teams last season which is why they brought in John Fassel to coach that side of the ball. After two weeks, it looks as though things haven’t gotten any better. Against Atlanta, the special teams unit was a major issue, especially early in the game.
Easily the biggest special teams gaffe came when punter Chris Jones attempted a pass to C.J. Goodwin and threw it short — resulting in the Falcons getting the ball at the Dallas 40. Already down 14-0, this put them in a 17-0 hole despite the defense only giving up five yards. They also had another failed fake punt in the fourth quarter that sealed the deal in their attempt at a comeback.
In addition to this, they had problems in the return game. They started their third drive at the 13 when Pollard ran the ball out of the end zone and got nothing in return. The next drive was worse as a touchback was moved back to the 12 thanks to a roughing penalty on Donovan Wilson. They kept it going with Pollard again taking it out of the end zone and ending up at just the 17. He was bailed out on that one as the Falcons were called for a facemask to give them 15 yards, but the return team was continually doing them no favors.
Sure, they won thanks to Greg Zuerlein and the kicking game but that was more of him stepping up and making up for the other mistakes on the teams unit.