The Dallas Cowboys needed to get back on track in Week 2, gutting out a 37-20 win over the Washington Commanders. It wasn’t pretty across the board, especially with defensive injuries and inconsistent play, but the offense certainly looked like it wanted to prove last week was a fluke. Overall, this was a much-improved team effort, even if the 2026 Cowboys are clearly a work in progress.
Offense Found a Groove, But the O-Line is a Mess
Yeah, the offense finally showed up, which was huge after their Week 1 flop. They were way better, no question. Dak Prescott threw for 279 yards and four touchdowns! But let’s be real, the offensive line is already a big problem. Cooper Beebe had one of his roughest performances since joining the team, with PFF grades of 37.8 for pass-blocking and 55.6 for run-blocking. It’s obvious they’re really missing Tyler Smith, and it’s hitting Beebe hard. The run game absolutely vanished, only putting up 66 rushing yards total. Prescott got sacked twice. Dallas won’t get away with just throwing for 279 yards and four scores every week. They need a complementary rushing attack to keep defenses honest and free up the playbook. If Beebe doesn’t step up, this offense isn’t hitting its full potential.
Defense Made a Move, But Still Giving Up First Downs Like Candy
Okay, so the defense did improve, and we gotta give them that. They climbed from 32nd in EPA per play after that collapse against the Giants all the way up to 17th. Christian Parker has his work cut out if they want to keep that momentum. They’re getting pressure, racking up 31 pressures in two games, but they just aren’t finishing. Sacks are still too rare. But the absolute killer? Missed tackles. Seriously, 22 missed tackles through two games, with a whopping 12 against Washington alone! They’re in position, but they can’t finish the play. And mobile quarterbacks? Forget about it. Jayden Daniels shredded them for 69 yards on seven carries in the first half before he got hurt. Week 1, Jaxson Dart added 54 yards on 11 carries. Those scrambles have led to seven first downs and just keep drives alive. This is a major Achilles heel.
So, yeah, they got the win, but injuries, mental errors, and some serious growing pains are still holding this team back. Parker’s gotta find a fix, and fast. Because who’s coming up next? None other than Lamar Jackson. And they’re playing him in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday. If they can’t stop a mobile QB, that game is gonna be a long, long afternoon.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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