The Dallas Cowboys were defeated by the Miami Dolphins 22-20 in a firework-filled Christmas Eve matchup. The game featured goal-line turnovers and explosive plays throughout its entirety. Dallas may have lost, but the Dolphins gave the Cowboys valuable film to study. Here’s how the Dallas Cowboys can continue their gauntlet and stay red hot to finish 2023.
Boxed In, Beat Down; How the Cowboys Can Rebuild off of Their 20-22 performance Against Miami Dolphins
Keep Getting the Ball to CeeDee Lamb
Does this even need to be said anymore?
CeeDee Lamb’s unbelievable pace sets him far and away from the NFC East’s best Wide Receiver. He’s caught a touchdown in seven straight games, averaging more than 13 yards per reception. It’s no coincidence that he was Dallas’ leading receiver on Christmas Eve. Once-known stud CBs like Xavien Howard and Jalen Ramsey came into the season widely regarded as Dallas’ toughest CB matchup. Lamb found a way to carve each Pro Bowl CB up like a Christmas ham.
The ability for CeeDee Lamb to play in the backfield, slot, and outside receiver makes him so special. The Cowboys would not be close to the Dolphins if not for Lamb’s stellar six reception 118-yard performance. After a quiet week in Buffalo, Lamb returned to form. It’s imperative to Dallas’ success that Dak Prescott keeps looking his way before anyone else. The Dolphins may have defeated the Cowboys, but it’s safe to say whoever attended that game knows who the best receiver was. Look for another high-caliber performance by Lamb against the Detroit Lions on the 30th.
It’s Dallas’ shiniest key to winning.
Limit the Rushing Yards Gained
A couple of weeks ago, this would’ve read “Stop the run”. Unfortunately, the last two weeks have shown that isn’t really in the Cards for Dallas at the moment. The Cowboys allowed the likes of Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane to run all over them. 20% of Miami’s first downs gained resulted from 10+ yard runs. Performances like this can not continue to happen if the Dallas Cowboys want to make a deep playoff run. Luckily, Dallas’ most underrated puzzle piece will return soon. DT Johnathan Hankins remains optimistic about returning to the team for Dallas’ matchup with the Detroit Lions.
“Every day has been getting better. I’m not too worried or stressed about anything,” said Hankins. “I’m from Detroit so it’d be nice to play against them,”
The Cowboys should thank their lucky stars Hankins’ injury isn’t major. Since his departure, Dallas went from allowing an average of 122.5 rushing yards to 128.5. Six yards of difference on average from one player truly shows how important Hankins’ status remains. The run game has dramatically improved since Hankins came to town, but it still needs work. Dallas has two options at the moment. Option one, welcome Hankins back to the fold and cross your fingers. Option two, get Hankins some help. Recently released DT Sebastian Joseph-Day would make an excellent run-stuffing compliment for the Cowboys. His worth is proven, too.
It’s a nice thought, but it’s gonna cost money and time. The Cowboys can’t beat teams better than the Dolphins if they don’t do something about the run game. Something has to change.
Give Hunter Luepke a Break, People
Okay, don’t come calling for my head just yet. Hear me out.
Cowboys FB Hunter Luepke waivered against Miami, providing crucial short-yardage gains and making costly mistakes. We all saw him fumble at the goal line. That’s fullback language, the goal line is where gadget guys like Luepke build a reputation. Many Cowboys fans called for his head after he gave the Dolphins the ball. It’s easy to be angry at Luepke, but his mistakes were a strangely good sign.
Luepke’s consistent performance was largely overshadowed by his goal-line fumble. The former College teammate to QB Trey Lance cost Dallas big time, but it’s too early to call for his job. Luepke continues to get better as Dallas gives him more snaps. He’s uniquely finding footing in a very crowded and talented offense. It’s time that Cowboys fans learn to forgive and that Dallas continues giving him the rock. Mistakes sharpen football players, and Luepke is in a learn-or-leave situation. While he’s been the best rookie fullback, he’s a replaceable commodity. Before we even get into that, just don’t be surprised to see the Cowboys keep handing and throwing him the football.
Hunter Luepke’s fumble was the Dallas’ first sign of trouble. The Cowboys won’t beat teams far better than the Dolphins without Luepke. Look for him to find the football vs Detroit, whether it be receiving or rushing. He’s slowly becoming one of Dallas’ most under-the-radar weapons.
Main Photo: [Jim Rassol] – USA Today Sports
