Cincinnati Bengals

Bengals at Cowboys: 3 things we learned

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The three biggest takeaways from Sunday’s Bengals at Cowboys game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

On Sunday afternoon, the Dallas Cowboys moved to 4-1 on the season with a convincing 28-14 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Dallas went up 21-0 in just the first half and added their fourth touchdown in the second half. Meanwhile, the Bengals managed to add two scores late but struggled throughout the game. A lot was learned about both teams from this latest matchup, but here are three of the biggest takeaways that were made apparent.

1. Ezekiel Elliott is the early runaway candidate for rookie of the year.

It’s pretty obvious to see that Elliott has been running away so far when it comes to this award. Many analysts and fans predicted he’d be good and would win the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. After the first few games, it was a bit of a question mark, and some even felt his teammate was the clear contender. However, Elliott has shown over his last three games, that there’s no doubt.

In today’s game, he finished with 134 yards and two touchdowns on just 15 carries. One of those carries was a monster breakaway down the field for a 60-yard score. Earlier in the game, he showed off his strength, plowing through the defense to get a seven-yard rushing touchdown.

For his last three games, he’s totaled 412 yards as he ran for over 130 in each of those contests. He’s only getting better with each game played, and that’s certainly scary for opponents. That said, he’s yet to face any of the top rushing defenses in the league.

2. Dak Prescott is also getting better by the game.

Even with Tony Romo on the sidelines, the Cowboys have to be pleased with how their rookie quarterback has filled in and kept them on track for a possible playoff appearance. In today’s win over the Bengals, he was able to smoothly guide his team down the field on multiple scoring drives. One of those included him rushing it in himself after faking a handoff to Elliott.

He also had a touchdown pass to one of his favorite targets in Cole Beasley. Thanks to Elliott, Prescott has been able to relieve himself of some pressure, as defenses worry about the rookie running back who is currently leading the league in yards.

The rookie is setting records too. On Sunday, he threw his 155th pass without an interception. He also had his first turnover, when the Bengals forced a Prescott fumble which they recovered.

However, Prescott’s versatility is very apparent and his abilities have his team in an early position to make a run towards the postseason. Even when Romo is ready, Dallas can make sure he’s fully ready as the team can be confident in the skills of his rookie replacement.

3. Andy Dalton and the Bengals are a mess and things will only get worse.

After the Bengals were able to defeat one of the AFC’s top teams a few weeks ago, they put on their worst performance of the season today. The offense was clearly in disarray and the fact Tyler Eifert is out of the lineup continues to plague them. Andy Dalton was unable to connect on any third-and-long situations, as Dallas’ defense managed to smother him. On the day, the Bengals QB was sacked four times. In addition, Dallas’ offensive line had their way against the Cincinnati defensive line, and the running backs ran all over them.

While Dalton finished with two touchdown passes and is still amongst the top QBs in the league in total yards thrown, the offense needs to figure things out. It’s only going to get tougher from here for this Cincinnati team, as next week they get to face the New England Patriots.

With Tom Brady in just his second start of the season, it’s scary to imagine what will go down in his first game back at Gillette Stadium. Against the Browns on Sunday he threw for 400 yards and three touchdowns in a big win. With the way Cincinnati’s defense looked against Dallas, Brady may not have to throw much at all to get a victory.

Could this mean the timetable is almost up for head coach Marvin Lewis? The Bengals really need to find some answers fast, if they want to have any shot at the postseason.