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ARLINGTON -- You can relax a little bit this week. Everything isn't falling apart at AT&T Stadium. The Cowboys are now 12-2.
Here are my thoughts on Dallas' 26-20 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday night.
1. Dak is back
Dak Prescott looked much more like the quarterback who led the Cowboys on an 11-game winning streak. He was particularly better on third down, an area he has struggled the last couple of weeks. Prescott also looked more comfortable moving around, running three times for 22 yards and touchdown. He only rushed once against the Giants after running 14 times the previous two games. If you want to see Tony Romo back under center, you just have to face it, an injury to Prescott is the only way it's happening.
2. Nice job spreading the ball around.
Prescott seemed to get everyone involved. Eight receivers each caught at least one pass from the rookie QB. As he should, Dez Bryant led the group with 10 targets and eight catches for 63 yards. A lot of credit should also go to offensive coordinator Scott Linehan, who did a good job mixing things up as well. Prescott was an outstanding 32 of 36 for 279 yards and a 99.0 passer rating.
3. Another game, another Zeke hurdle
Ezekiel Elliott leaped over another defender and scored a two-yard touchdown in the first half Sunday night. But the highlight that will be remembered most came after the score.
The Cowboys' rookie running back immediately headed through the back of the endzone and straight to the Salvation Army red kettle. Elliott jumped in, ducked down, peeked out and looked around for a few seconds. Elliott was flagged for a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, but it might have been worth it considering the exposure it generated for the Salvation Army.
Elliott's score was his 13th rushing touchdown of the season, breaking the rookie record of 12 held by Herschel Walker and Tony Dorsett. Elliott finished with 159 yards on 23 carries.
4. It's officially time to believe in the Cowboys defense.
I was late to the party, but this group continues to come up with key plays when needed. Jeff Heath's fourth-quarter interception and Terrell McClain's forced fumble were two of the bigger plays, but the entire defensive line got consistent pressure and Sean Lee continued to play at an elite level. David Irving was very good, especially in the fourth quarter, getting two sacks and knocking a pass down. And this was without DeMarcus Lawrence and Cedric Thornton in the lineup. Orlando Scandrick also had a nice interception to seal the victory.
5. Dan Bailey is somewhat human.
He actually missed two field goal attempts! Now, one was from 56 yards, the other was from 52. Bailey, however, did hit from 27 in the second quarter and he made all three of his field goals in the fourth (40, 38, 33). Obviously, the Cowboys wouldn't have won without him. He's basically automatic inside 50. Great weapon to have in the postseason.
