DALLAS — The Dallas Cowboys blew out the Los Angeles Rams 43-20 in Week 8, in what was a perfect way to exit their bye. There wasn’t much rust from the off week for the Cowboys, who might have begun to find some solutions to some questions about the team.
It was a dominating win in all three phases, led by quarterback Dak Prescott and play caller Mike McCarthy’s most impressive showings of the 2023 campaign. Add in another defensive score and the special teams having an elite showing, and you get another laugher at home for the Cowboys.
That’s two wins in a row for Dallas – a clean sweep of back-to-back games against the Los Angeles teams – who now head out to play the rival Philadelphia Eagles with NFC East supremacy on the line. Before turning their sights towards the next game, let’s find out what lessons we can take from the Cowboys’ the win over the Rams:
McCarthy can get aggressive
The game plan in Week 8 called for more passes, especially on early downs, than we’ve seen from McCarthy’s offense this season. From the first snap, which was a pass play and subsequent sack, McCarthy remained committed to being aggressive.
This included some impressive resolve to stick with the plan from McCarthy after he saw his quarterback get sacked three times on the first two drives – four if you include one that got negated by a penalty – yet he kept pushing the ball down the field.
There was also more play action in the mix for Dallas, as McCarthy got his best wide receiver CeeDee Lamb going early, and he finally dialed up the big play to his speedy WR Brandin Cooks, which resulted in a score.
McCarthy got aggressive, put his trust in his quarterback, and watched as Prescott responded with a stellar performance. For one game, it all clicked for the Cowboys’ offense.
Brandon Aubrey goes into the record books
A third down in the first quarter saw the Cowboys in position to move the sticks or kick a field goal, but a sack near midfield seemingly pushed them out of range. The loss of yards didn’t faze McCarthy, his special teams coach, or his rookie kicker, whom he trotted out to attempt a 58-yard field goal.
The former soccer star turned USFL standout nailed that kick, which was the longest of his young career, then went on to make a 27-yarder to tie the NFL record of makes without a miss to start a career.
When the Cowboys decided to keep Aubrey as their only kicker and went into the regular season with him, it was met with skepticism. After he missed his first kick in the season opener, an extra point, the second guessing got louder.
However, the Cowboys nailed their kicking situation once again this offseason and made fools of countless doubters who bashed the decision to stick with Aubrey.
Home cooking
By beating the Rams at home, the Cowboys brought their league-leading home winning streak to 11 games. In their three wins at home this season, Dallas has outscored their opponents 111-33.
One of the reasons playing in Dallas – well Arlington – has become one of the biggest home field advantages in the NFL is because of how fast Dan Quinn’s defense plays on the turf. This season, the Cowboys are 5-0 when playing on turf, and 0-2 when playing on grass. It’s difficult to slow down a defense that plays fast when they’re able to react quicker.
The offense and Prescott are also more effective playing at home. Prescott’s efficiency and accuracy are enhanced by playing at AT&T Stadium, where he has thrown seven of his 10 touchdowns on the year, against just one interception.
Week 8 was Prescott’s best game of the year, throwing for 304 yards and four scores, while completing over 80% of his passes. Two of Lamb’s three 100-yard games and all three of his scores have also come at home in 2023.
Sam Williams’ special impact
The second-year defensive end has been trying to work his way into more playing time, and he may have found his path through special teams. Many expected a jump from Williams in Year 2, but it hasn’t happened because of the depth on the edges for the Cowboys.
Williams recently voiced his displeasure about not seeing the field more and against the Rams, he made his case with a blocked punt that resulted in a safety. The Cowboys also used the DE, who is listed at 6’2” and 262 pounds, as a gunner on punts, a role usually reserved for smaller, speedy players.
One of the easiest ways for young players to work their way into more playing time in the NFL is through special teams, that has always been the case. Credit to special teams coach John Fassel for finding a creative place for Williams to get involved, and to the player for embracing his role.
Williams didn’t register any meaningful defensive statistics, but his blocked punt had a major impact on the game. The momentum swing during the early second quarter play helped provide a 16-point cushion, and the subsequent touchdown scored soon after gave the Cowboys a lead that was insurmountable.
This could be the start of Williams working his way into the defensive rotation and a chance to continue to make plays. It all started with Williams’ work on special teams.
Do you think the Cowboy’ offense has been unlocked? Share your thoughts with Ben on Twitter @BenGrimaldi.
