It’s usually mentioned that we must always not apologize for successful. The Dallas Cowboys did win on Thursday evening and we are going to, actually, offer no apologies on behalf of the hard-fought dub. However the implication related to that saying is {that a} group “barely” gained so to talk, and may thank their fortunate stars for strolling away happier than the opposite squad. In case you performed the worst recreation of your life however nonetheless gained, it’s a higher day than others the place you have been nice however misplaced.
Maybe my stomach continues to be filled with Christmas treats and pleasure, however there isn’t a motive to be upset with how the Cowboys performed in Nashville. Clearly there are issues that we might all wish to see improved, however for probably the most half they have been in management at some point of the competition and put it away once they needed to. Typically talking, they dealt with it the best way that superb groups do.
We mentioned all the pieces from Thursday evening’s Cowboys recreation on the most recent episode of The Postgame on the Running a blog The Boys podcast community. Be certain to subscribe to our community so that you don’t miss any of our exhibits! Apple units can subscribe right here and Spotify customers can subscribe right here.
It’s value saying that the Cowboys not solely gained, however coated and did in order 13-point favorites (some books had them at -13.5 however the level stands), on the highway, and on brief relaxation. It’s the final half that may be a bit fascinating in that Thursday evening marked the primary time actually ever that the Cowboys needed to play a highway Thursday evening recreation on brief relaxation.
To be clear the Cowboys have performed highway Thursday evening video games earlier than, however up to now they’ve completed so solely when coming off of a Thanksgiving Day recreation that was at dwelling. It’s not straightforward to play back-to-back Thursday video games, however they’ve all the time been afforded the chance for a “regular” week in going Thursday to Thursday, which was not the case on this specific occasion.
The Cowboys can sit again, calm down, take pleasure in their 12-4 file, and hope for chaos throughout the remainder of the NFL over the weekend.
Right here is our inventory report from the win in Tennessee.
Inventory Up: Malik Davis
With Tony Pollard inactive for this recreation, the Cowboys relied on third-string operating again Malik Davis and he confirmed quite a lot of the pop that led many individuals to need him on the roster again within the last days of the preseason.
All instructed Davis completed with 10 carries for 39 yards (23 of which got here on a single contact) so not probably the most spectacular stat line of all time; nonetheless, this was probably the most highlighted that he has ever been within the Cowboys offense and in an NFL offense interval, so to see him have any success was thrilling on the subject of the long run.
Inventory Up: DeMarcus Lawrence
It stays unbelievable that anyone has ever felt like DeMarcus Lawrence will not be one of many highest-level contributors to the Dallas Cowboys as a complete. He was exceptional on Thursday evening.
Lawrence does a lot soiled work that isn’t seen however it’s these form of performances that assist increase the general flooring of the group.
Inventory Up: Dalton Schultz
The Cowboys have performed two video games on a Thursday this season, Thanksgiving Day and Thursday evening in Nashville. Dalton Schultz caught two touchdowns in every of them. Reality be instructed, it has hardly been the season that many anticipated from Schultz, however he was a reasonably dependable possibility for the Cowboys within the passing recreation and deserves some love.
Inventory Up: CeeDee Lamb
It has occurred. CeeDee Lamb has arrived.
In the end Thursday evening was a comparatively chill 100-yard recreation for Lamb, however these have gotten commonplace and extra importantly his presence all through opposing defenses is which is what issues probably the most. He’s a complete and full alpha huge receiver.
CeeDee Lamb is the primary Cowboys receiver since Terrell Owens in 2007 to have three straight video games of 100 yards receiving.
— Bobby Belt (@BobbyBeltTX) December 30, 2022
Lamb surpassed 100 receptions on the season on Thursday evening which makes him solely the third participant in Dallas Cowboys franchise historical past to take action (1995 Michael Irvin and 2012 Jason Witten).
The Cowboys are very lucky to have him. That might be an essential level within the offseason when contract negotiations probably open up.
Inventory Up: Dante Fowler
Dante Fowler got here shut to creating a giant play on Christmas Eve in opposition to the Eagles however he took all of it the best way in opposition to the Titans.
The Cowboys are lucky to have a lot of move speeding choices and if they’ll all get dwelling constantly then this group very a lot has an opportunity.
Inventory Up: T.Y. Hilton
Doesn’t it really feel like T.Y. Hilton has been right here all alongside? His acclimation to the offense has appeared so seamless. Hilton is arguably the second-most dependable pass-catching possibility throughout the offense proper now. That’s each a testomony to him and a sign of the place the group is total.
Inventory Up: Brett Maher
On Thursday evening, Brett Maher set a Dallas Cowboys franchise file for factors scored in a season. He has been really exceptional and deserves the entire credit score on this planet for turning his profession round.
Give me the entire crow.
Unstable Inventory: Dak Prescott
We created this sort of inventory a number of weeks in the past and it applies as soon as once more to Dak Prescott. Whereas it’s clearly true that he’s credited for 3 turnovers within the recreation, the second interception was hardly on him.
It may be true that Dak is the sufferer of some terrible bounces, and that these turnovers need to cease a method or one other. Prescott performed unbelievable soccer exterior of the terrible moments however once more these moments have been actual and had an influence.
Inventory Down : Peyton Hendershot
Hendershot was the person answerable for the interception that wasn’t on Dak.
You must catch the ball.
Inventory Down: Kelvin Joseph
Extra penalties. Sufficient is sufficient.