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Dallas Cowboys studs and duds: Cooper Rush exceeds expectations in huge win

By Randy Gurzi

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - OCTOBER 31: Cooper Rush #10 of the Dallas Cowboys throws a pass during the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 31, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - OCTOBER 31: Cooper Rush #10 of the Dallas Cowboys throws a pass during the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 31, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /
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Dallas Cowboys
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 10: Micah Parsons #11 and Leighton Vander Esch #55 of the Dallas Cowboys on the field before the game against the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium on October 10, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images) /

The Dallas Cowboys won their sixth in a row, this time with Cooper Rush under center. He was one of many studs for them in the victory.

Just before kickoff, it was decided that Dak Prescott would sit out for the Dallas Cowboys. That meant Cooper Rush would take center stage on Sunday Night Football.

And the bright lights and national attention didn’t phase him at all in his first career start.

Rush led the Cowboys to a win as they moved to 6-1 on the season after shocking the Vikings 20-16. Here we look back over that game and identify some studs and duds for Dallas.

Dallas Cowboys stud: Micah Parsons

The Cowboys got their first-round pick right in 2021 when they took Micah Parsons from Penn State. As has been the case all season, Parsons was all over the field and helped the defense slow down a talented Minnesota offense.

Parsons registered two tackles for a loss in the first half alone as he was constantly sniffing out every play around him. He had another two tackles for a loss in the second half and ended up with a game-high 11 tackles on the night.

Dallas Cowboys dud: Bradlee Anae

Bradlee Anae is a player fans have wanted to see on the field more. A fifth-round pick from Utah, he seemed to be a steal for them but has been unable to crack the defensive rotation. That could be even more difficult following his blunder on Sunday that cost Dallas points.

Following a pass breakup from Anthony Brown, Anae jumped offsides on the ensuing punt. That gave the Vikings a first down and they were able to move it to the other side of the field where they scored three points to go up 10-3.

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