FRISCO, Texas — A quiet second half and an uneven opening performance have given the Dallas Cowboys’ top receiver plenty to think about heading into Sunday’s NFC East matchup with Washington.
The receiver acknowledged that his Week 1 performance against the New York Giants was not up to his expectations, but he stopped short of dwelling on it.
“It’s just football,” he said. “Just try to get better.”
Dallas had only two offensive possessions in the second half of its season opener, limiting opportunities for the passing game to find a rhythm. The receiver said he did not realize how few chances the offense had until after the game.
“It didn’t feel like that,” he said.
After reviewing the film, he pointed to his releases and a couple of plays where he felt he created separation. But getting open is only part of the job.
“You run a beautiful route, still got to finish the catch,” he said.
The limited opportunities have not changed his approach. If anything, he said the experience reinforces the importance of making the most of each possession.
That could be particularly important Sunday against a Washington defense that has shown a willingness to play man coverage. The receiver said he expects the Commanders to present different looks and emphasized that Dallas cannot become too consumed with predicting what the defense will do.
“You just got to do what you do,” he said.
The Cowboys also want to establish more consistency in the running game, something the receiver believes could create additional opportunities for the passing attack.
Dallas enters the game seeking its first division win of the season after losing its opener to New York. The receiver said there is urgency because of the division matchup, but there is no reason for the team to panic after one game.
“It’s a mindset that people are more honing in now,” he said.
For him, the message is simple: stay ready, make the play when the opportunity arrives and move forward.
The Cowboys will get their next opportunity Sunday against Washington.
