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- Reaction score
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1. What happened on the opening drive?
The Cowboys were moving the ball, then threw on third and 2 and settled for a 50-yard Dan Bailey field goal. Why didn't they run Ezekiel Elliott? Instead, Dak Prescott threw to a double-covered Dez Bryant. After that pass fell incomplete, why not run Zeke on fourth-and-2? Bailey gave the Cowboys the early 3-0 lead, but Dallas basically played catch up from there on out. Yes, it was only the first possession. But I think it went a long way in setting the tone for the next three quarters.
2. Dak bounced back
Huge bounce-back drive from Dak Prescott after his interception. He threw only four during the regular season, but his pick early in the third quarter was his biggest mistake of the season. The ball looked like it was intended for Bryant, but Bryant was already blocking for Cole Beasley. But credit to No. 4. He responded in a big way. And he played well throughout. Certainly not his fault the Cowboys lost. It will be tough for fans to get over the outcome, but they have to feel good about the future of the QB position.
3. Misplaced blame
Some will blame the Cowboys going nearly a month without playing a meaningful game. I don't think that was the reason for Sunday's final score. They entered the fourth quarter down 28-13 and were within a few seconds of forcing OT. Rust wasn't the reason for the loss, it was just great play by the opposing QB. No doubt, this is a disappointing end to a 13-3 season. They were talented enough to go to the Super Bowl. They didn't. But a young QB, RB and O-line make this result feel much different than the one two years ago in Green Bay.
4. What an incredible atmosphere.
I've never experienced AT&T Stadium like that. And it was nuts right from the start. Usually, the crowd doesn't completely fill in the seats until the second quarter. There are usually so many visiting fans that you can hear their cheers. Not Sunday. The Cowboys fans owned that building all day. I expected a loud building, but it far exceeded my expectations.
5. Aaron Rodgers is unreal
I don't know if anyone has ever played the quarterback position at a higher level than Aaron Rodgers played it for most of Sunday afternoon. He was nothing like the player the Cowboys saw in Week 6. He was basically flawless. Without Rodgers, I don't know if the Packers would win more than five or six games. With him, they have a chance to win the Super Bowl.
