Exciting is an understatement when discussing the Cowboys’ win on Sunday against their division rival, the Giants.
After a tight four quarters ended in a 37-37 tie, the Cowboys were able to put the game away after a Russell Wilson interception led to a 46-yard Brandon Aubrey field goal.
Aubrey was a force in the game, going 4/4 on field goals. His longest came from 64 (!) yards away and sent the game to overtime.
Aubrey joins a special group of only three players with field goals of 64 yards and over (Justin Tucker, Matt Prater) and has two out of the four kicks made in that range. After a stint in MLS and a spur-of-the-moment decision to try out kicking, Aubrey has become a shining star on a team teeming with talent.
Brandon Aubrey’s Help
It wasn’t just Aubrey who helped the Cowboys secure the win, though. Dak Prescott (2 TD, 1 Int) was able to find multiple receivers for scores, and running backs Miles Sanders and Javonte Williams were each able to find the end zone themselves.
The run is back in Dallas, as last season the team only had six total rushing touchdowns. The team currently sits at four, and Williams’ three currently lead the league.
As for the Cowboys’ defense, the same high praise cannot be given. Russell Wilson reminded viewers of his old Seahawks self, dotting up the Cowboys’ zone left and right with deep balls to Malik Nabers and Wan’Dale Robinson — both receivers exceeded 140 yards (Nabers 167, Robinson 142).
Wilson’s career day ended with three touchdowns, 450 yards, and a 73% completion percentage; a stat line like that is the glaring signal that the Cowboys’ defense needs help. The signing of veteran edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney might be able to provide some assistance, but the secondary was the glaring issue. There were numerous instances of blown coverages, hence the three Giants players with receptions over 45 yards.
Schottenheimer Shines
Although the game against what is typically an inferior opponent was close, the way they won showed that this Cowboys team has heart.
Brian Schottenheimer made sure to spread the credit around after the game, going through each player’s accomplishments in the locker room. Schottenheimer’s energy is exactly what this Cowboys team needs; motivation is just as important as skill when it comes to winning games.
Talking about his first win as a head coach, Schottenheimer said, “This is about them, this isn’t about me. It’s about them, and I’m just so blessed to be their head coach.”
Cowboys fans should feel good hearing that from their head coach, along with his energy towards the team. It only takes one leader to fire up a team, and when that energy comes from the head coach, it’s a good sign, even if it is his first season.
The Cowboys travel to Chicago next week for a matchup with the 0-2 Bears. This should be a game where the defense can improve. Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze will be looking to exploit the zone.
While he was excited by the result of the game, Schottenheimer knows the jobs not finished, “Learning to win is important in this league, and our guys learned how to win tonight,” Schottenheimer said. “They found a way, and that’s what matters.”
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