Dallas Cowboys Vs. Green Bay Packers: Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott Lead Cowboys To Road Win Over Packers
The Dallas Cowboys entered their Week 6 matchup against the Green Bay Packers in an enviable spot. Despite having to start a rookie fourth-round pick in Dak Prescott for the first five games of the season, the Cowboys headed to Lambeau Field with a 4-1 record. At worst, the team would head into its Week 7 bye week with a 4-2 record with Prescott at the helm.
Instead, the Cowboys went to Lambeau and took it to the Packers as they pushed their record to 5-1 with a 30-16 victory. Jason Garrett’s team has to feel good heading into the bye after getting a major road win over one of the top teams in the NFC. Dallas now holds a one-game lead over the Washington Redskins in the NFC East.
The @dallascowboys are here to stay. pic.twitter.com/arWaWh1dw6
— NFLonCBS (@NFLonCBS) October 16, 2016
There’s no way that the Cowboys could’ve expected to be in this position after starting quarterback Tony Romo got injured during the preseason. Despite Prescott’s impressive play in the preseason, it’s a lot to ask of a rookie to go out and win football games in the NFL, especially when he was considered a project coming out of Mississippi State.
Part of the credit has to go to Dak Prescott for not turning the ball over and making plays when the team needs him to, but a lot of the credit has to go to offensive coordinator Scott Linehan. The strength of the Cowboys’ offense is the offensive line and Linehan has continually fed rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott to help take pressure off of Prescott.
Over the last four games, Elliott has amassed 140, 138, 134, and 157 yards as he leads the NFL in rushing through six weeks. Linehan understands that the focus must stay on the running game in order for the offense to continue to be successful.
1st time in NFL history that a rookie runner has posted four consecutive games of 130+ yards! Eat @EzekielElliott! #DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/hRIvnLG1H6
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) October 16, 2016
One would think that the Dallas Cowboys should head into the bye, get some rest, and come back out ready to chase the No. 1 seed in the NFC. While that will still be the goal, things can’t always be that simple with the Cowboys.
According to CBS Sports, the Cowboys are still considering starting Romo when he is 100 percent healthy. The fact that team owner Jerry Jones is still even considering starting Romo is absolutely baffling. Prescott has not only saved the Cowboys’ season, but he’s put the team in prime position to get a high seed in the NFC Playoffs. This team is clicking on all cylinders and making a major change at quarterback could disrupt the Cowboys’ chemistry.
The difference between the Cowboys with Romo at the helm and Prescott under center is pretty significant. Tony has shown over the years that he’s not afraid to take chances down the field which often leads to turnovers in key situations. Aside from 2014 when DeMarco Murray rushed for 1,845 yards, the Cowboys never really put much of an emphasis on the running game.
With Prescott in charge, the Cowboys have taken advantage of their strengths and it’s been wildly successful. In addition, the run-heavy approach keeps Dallas’ undermanned defense off the field. If Romo were to start, the defense would likely spend more time on the field which could spell trouble for the unit.
In the end, everything is going swimmingly for the Cowboys and there’s absolutely no reason to turn to Tony Romo, barring an injury to Dak Prescott. It’s not only the best decision for the Dallas Cowboys right now, but also for the future as Dak Prescott can only get better with the more playing time he receives.
[Featured Image by Dylan Buell/Getty Images]
