On Sunday afternoon former Texas quarterback, who spent three years in Austin before transferring to SMU, earned his first NFL start. With so many injuries surrounding the Dallas Cowboys, Garrett Gilbert started his first NFL game even though he was in the league since 2014. Injuries to Dak Prescott and Andy Dalton made it possible. His first assignment would be none other than the undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers.
Matching up with the No. 4 ranked scoring defense in the league with an offensive line ravaged by injury is no easy task. It seemed as though Gilbert was up for the challenge. Through three quarters he had the Cowboys in position to win with a 19-9 lead. The Steelers offense would break through scoring 15 points in the fourth to secure the win, 24-19.
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Overall, Gilbert looked good. For a guy in his first start you didn’t see the jitters and commanded the huddle. They just couldn’t do enough to win but it was a positive sign for the team. He definitely earned the opportunity to start again, unless you ask head coach Mike McCarthy.
Mike McCarthy said it’s “fair and accurate” to say Andy Dalton will be the Cowboys’ starting QB when he’s able to return. They are hopeful to get him back some time next week
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) November 9, 2020
According to the Athletic’s Jon Machota, the run for Gilbert may come to an end before it even gets started. Andy Dalton was placed on the COVID-19 list before the Steelers game and could return when they come off their bye week.
If it isn’t with Dallas, hopefully the play of Garrett Gilbert earns him another opportunity somewhere.
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