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Dallas Cowboys studs and duds: CeeDee Lamb has defining game in walk-off win

By Randy Gurzi

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 17: CeeDee Lamb #88 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates after catching the game-winning touchdown against Jalen Mills #2 of the New England Patriots in overtime at Gillette Stadium on October 17, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The Cowboys defeated the Patriots 35-29 in overtime. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 17: CeeDee Lamb #88 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates after catching the game-winning touchdown against Jalen Mills #2 of the New England Patriots in overtime at Gillette Stadium on October 17, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The Cowboys defeated the Patriots 35-29 in overtime. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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Dallas Cowboys
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 17: Randy Gregory #94 of the Dallas Cowboys sacks Mac Jones #10 of the New England Patriots in the third quarter at Gillette Stadium on October 17, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Dallas Cowboys Stud: Randy Gregory, EDGE

Randy Gregory has been breaking out in recent weeks. At one point, he drew a hold which negated a touchdown pass from Mac Jones to Jakobi Meyers. Not only did that keep the Patriots from going up 21-7, but it also allowed him to get after Jones on the very next play. Facing a second-and-17, Jones dropped back and Gregory blew past the line to unload on the rookie quarterback.

His blindside hit caused a fumble which was picked up by Chauncey Golston. The Dallas rookie then ran it back to the 48, giving his offense a short field as the defense continued to find ways to create turnovers.

Gregory finished with two sacks as he continues to be the leader of the defensive line for Dallas.

Dallas Cowboys Dud: Offensive Line

It seemed to never end. Whenever Dallas made a good play, they had to walk it off thanks to a penalty from an offensive lineman.

For example, Tyron Smith called for hands to the face which negated a 44-yard pass from Dak Prescott to Cedrick Wilson. That was a killer as it could have set Dallas up in great position. The drive ended in a turnover as Dak was throwing it deep for Wilson but they may have had a totally different approach had that play stood.

Smith wasn’t alone in making some mistakes as he was joined by Terence Steele. The second-year tackle struggled at times with Matt Judon and was called for a false start on the drive after Gregory forced a fumble.

That penalty came right after Dallas got a horse-collar tackle called against Deatrich Wise, setting them up in great position. Dallas ended up settling for a field goal on that drive and while it’s not all on the penalty, that put them behind the chains.

There was also the double penalty on Connor Williams that nearly ruined their drive that sent it to overtime. Dak overcame the hole his linemen put him in, but they made it way more difficult on him than it needed to be.

Overall, the Cowboys had 12 penalties for 115 yards and most of that was from the guys up front. They can’t keep winning if that keeps happening.

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