A group of blind men heard that a strange animal, called an elephant, had been brought to the town, but none of them were aware of its shape and form. Out of curiosity, they said: "We must inspect and know it by touch, of which we are capable". So, they sought it out, and when they found it they groped about it. In the case of the first person, whose hand landed on the trunk, said "This being is like a thick snake". For another one whose hand reached its ear, it seemed like a kind of fan. As for another person, whose hand was upon its leg, said, the elephant is a pillar like a tree-trunk. The blind man who placed his hand upon its side said, "elephant is a wall". Another who felt its tail, described it as a rope. The last felt its tusk, stating the elephant is that which is hard, smooth and like a spear.
The point is, every week people post their assessments and thoughts on the results they see. As the team wins and loses these assessments change. Unfortunately this team will need to show the entire season before any of us, who have no real knowledge of this game from a professional stance, for us to make a semi-accurate assessment of the 2018 Cowboys.
What we can take from this is.
There are a few plays which change the outcome of games, positive or negative.
Dropped interception
Dropped touchdown pass
Unsportsmanlike conduct hitting a ball carried out of bounds
Dak taking a drive killing sack by holding the ball too long
These plays normally would be the dagger to the heart for this team. Marry that with the normal holding penalties at critical times and the 2018 Dallas Cowboys would lose this game normally.
However
Esch intercepted a pass
Esch broke up what could have been a touchdown pass
Esch made a tackle while engaged with a lineman to stop a third down
Dak ran the option and bulldozed a linebacker for a touchdown
Zeke too one to the house through the defenses middle for a touchdown
Gallup came back for a catch for a first down to keep a drive alive
Beasley had two catches which sustained a drive (pay that man his money)
This may not have been a top flight defense, but the Dallas offense did enough to win. Dak, in bus driver mode, moved the team and exploited the interception for a touchdown.
Those hand full of plays which normally scuttles Dallas were answered by plays that changed the game for Dallas. And while some can argue what a lousy defense the Falcon's have, their offense was rated between 8-10 and the Dallas defense with parts missing held them to 19 points.
We get another shot Thursday to see how this team will respond. Perhaps all the Dallas is back and the it was a terrible defense need to just wait on the results.
