Grading the Cowboys’ offensive performance against the Giants

Each week I will grade the Cowboys’ previous game position by position. After systematically dismantling the New York Giants in all three phases of the game Sunday night, this week’s report card is certainly refrigerator worthy. Hats off to Pro Football Focus for the stats and graphics.

Quarterback: B

It is still kind of surreal to me how quickly we have reached this insanely high expectation for what Dak Prescott will do each week. While he appeared to be full of adrenaline – resulting in several errant throws, Prescott still finished the game 24/39 for 268 yards and a TD. He wasn’t bad by any means, however I think #4 would be the first to tell you he can play better.

With as highly touted as the New York Giants defensive line was, Prescott sure did experience quite the clean pocket all night.

Running back: B+

This was about the best outcome Cowboys fans could have hoped for from Ezekiel Elliott. Going against a team that essentially shut him down last season, Zeke was able to block out the distraction of his pending legal troubles to accumulate 140 total yards. His punishing style certainly wore the Giants defense down as the game went on. As PFF illustrates, over half of his 140 yards were after contact.

Wide Receiver: B

Dez Bryant had a hard time getting free from Janoris Jenkins most of the game. Bryant finished with just two receptions for 43 yards, but did draw a pass interference penalty that led to the game’s only touchdown. Cole Beasley was his usual self operating out of the slot, and had the early season favorite for catch of the year. Perhaps the surprise of the night goes to Terrance Williams. After briefly exiting the game with an ankle injury, Williams returned to be the Cowboys leading receiver, hauling in six catches for 68 yards.

While the group as a whole was admirable, Bryant will have to assert his dominance for them to get an “A”.

Tight End: B+

I think the most notable take away from this group was Jason Witten passing Michael Irvin to become the Cowboys all time leader in receiving yards. Witten historically is a nightmare for the Giants, and he continued that bad dream for New York on Sunday night. Witten caught the game’s only touchdown en route to hauling in seven receptions totaling 59 yards.

Offensive Line: A

The strength of the Cowboys team, the offensive line enacted a bit of revenge against the group that seemed to get the best of them in 2016. After struggling against the Giants upfront during the last two contests, the Cowboys were able to seemingly do what they pleased this time around. Dak Prescott routinely had a clean pocket to throw from, and the ground game was not devoid of running lanes. In fact, two Cowboys were pitching a “shutout” at halftime.

Overall it was a successful night for the Dallas offense, but there is certainly plenty of room for improvement going forward. Settling for that many field goals as opposed to touchdowns is a recipe to get beat by good teams. Stay tuned to cover32 to see how the defense grades out.

AROUND COVER32

Fantasy Football Start Em’ Sit Em’ Week One

Buffalo Bills: Things we know this week

Throwback Thursday: Jason Taylor

Could Powell lead Jets in rushing and receiving?

Patriots versus Chiefs recap