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LANDOVER, Md. -- Not the prettiest of games, but it was entertaining. A lot of different players stepped up for the Cowboys in key moments.
Here are my five thoughts on Dallas' 27-23 come-from-behind victory over the Washington Redskins Sunday at FedEx Field.
1. Dak gets his first TD
Dak Prescott still hasn't thrown a touchdown in the regular season, but he also hasn't thrown an interception. Prescott was very good in his second career start. He completed 22 of 30 passes for 292 yards (103.8 passer rating) and a rushing TD. Say what you will about those vanilla defenses he cut up during the preseason, he's been extremely impressive for a rookie QB through two games that count. Key stat: including preseason, Prescott has thrown 125 passes without an interception.
"I trust my guys," Prescott said. "I stress to them all the time that I trust them against anybody. We've got great playmakers on this team."
2. What's up with Zeke?
Ezekiel Elliott has to hang onto the football. Jason Garrett wants to lean on Elliott like he did DeMarco Murray in 2014. But second half fumbles aren't going to help his case. Elliott ran well at times, but Line 1 with Garrett will always be taking care of the ball. When the Cowboys needed to answer late, Alfred Morris was the one in the backfield, not the fourth overall pick in this year's draft.
"I got to be better," Elliott said. "It really doesn't matter what I did. I had those two fumbles and that's what's important.
"Whenever the ball is in my hand, it's my responsibility to protect it. I got to go out there and protect the ball. That's my job."
3. That's more like it for Dez
Dez Bryant wasn't involved nearly enough in Week 1. The Cowboys made sure that didn't happen back-to-back games. Bryant was targeted four times on the first series alone Sunday. He finished with seven catches for 102 yards on 12 targets. I understand Jason Garrett wants his QBs taking what the defense gives them, but Bryant is too dynamic of a playmaker not to still target occasionally in double-coverage.
4. Defense made plays when it had to
The Cowboys defense looked really bad at times. But like they did at times in 2014, they came up with the key stops late. None was bigger than Barry Church's fourth-quarter interception in the middle of the end zone. If that play ends up being a Redskins TD, the Cowboys probably lose. Instead, Prescott and Co. marched down to take the lead on an 11-play, 80-yard drive. The defense then held up again, getting key stops in the final minute.
5. Did the O-line improve?
Expectations for the Cowboys offensive line were extremely high entering this year. And they obviously should be. On paper, it's the league's best. But through two games, they certainly haven't been up to their standard. Just like the season opener, there was never much running room for Ezekiel Elliott or Alfred Morris. The Cowboys ran the ball 30 times for 101 yards in the season opener. They ran it 30 times for 102 yards Sunday. That's an average of 3.4 yards per carry.