The Dallas Cowboys started off the game hot on offense. After shutting down the Cincinnati Bengals’ opening drive, a 20-yard punt return from All-Pro Kavontae Tuprin set things up. Starting at their own 40, a couple sweet runs by Rico Dowdle were augmented by short passes from Cooper Rush.
Dallas got into the red zone, running the ball on third and long and then going for it on fourth and short. Rush lobbed a pass to the back right pylon and CeeDee Lamb ran underneath it for the first score and a 7-0 lead.
The Bengals tied it up on the following drive as Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase heated up and connected for their own score. After the opening nine-play drive, Dallas connected on a short plan that Lamb turned into a big gain, racing across the field before cutting vertical for 43 yards.
But then, on their 15th offensive play, the milestone many see as the end of th scripted offense, Dallas faltered. CeeDee Lamb ran a route into traffic and Rush’s pass was tipped and picked. That was the end of Dallas’ strong offensive showing.
They scored a field goal on the next drive, but that was a fizzled possession after taking over at midfield. The next two possessions were three-and-outs. Dallas had exhausted their good plays.
Meanwhile the Bengals were able to score touhdowns on two of their three red-zone possessions. Burrow has been spectacular on the evening, escaping pressure and carving up the Dallas defense. The Bengals lead 17-10 at the half with Dallas getting the ball back to start the third quarter.
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