The Cowboys are off to a good start in the 2017-2018 NFL season as they are 2-1 through three weeks.  The team went into the season surrounded by controversy as star running back Ezekiel Elliott was on trial for a six game suspension. Despite having the NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell against him, Elliot appealed the suspension and won’t miss any games.

The team opened up the season at home on Sunday Night Football against their division rivals, the New York Giants, making it three consecutive years that the two teams started the season playing against each other. The Cowboys’ defense dominated from the start and only allowed three points to the Giants. The offense was subpar, but they still put up 19 points and took home the win. Dan Bailey had four field goals which carried the offense. Veteran tight end Jason Witten had a receiving touchdown and also passed Michael Irvin in receiving yards to make him the Cowboys all time receiving leader.

The second week proposed a tough matchup for the Cowboys as they traveled to the mile high city to face the Denver Broncos. The offense struggled against the Broncos, stifling defense and only put up 17 points through four quarters. Star wide receiver Dez Bryant and Jason Witten were bright spots as they each had receiving touchdowns. Ezekiel Elliott had one of the worst games of his career, only picking up eight rushing yards on 11 carries. The defense was picked apart by Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian who threw for 231 yards and four touchdowns. The final score was 42-17 Broncos.

The Cowboys went into week three looking for redemption as they hosted the beat up Arizona Cardinals, left without star running back David Johnson who is on injured reserve for the season. The game was back and forth in the first half, and the second half started with the score tied up at seven. The Cowboys broke away in the fourth quarter and defeated the Cards 28-17. Elliot had a bounce back week, rushing for 80 yards on 22 attempts. He also picked up a rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter putting the Cowboys up 28-17.

The Cowboys went into week four on a high as they faced the 2-1 Los Angeles Rams. The Cowboys were off to a hot start as second year quarterback Dak Prescott threw for two touchdowns in the first half to Elliot and wide receiver Brice Butler. After having a 24-16 lead at halftime, the Cowboys began to collapse, giving up 19 points in the second half, and eventually losing the game 35-30. Star running back Todd Gurley was a standout for the Rams, as he ran for 121 yards and collected seven receptions for 94 yards-including a 53 yard touchdown reception. Rams kicker Greg Zuerlein accounted for 23 of the Rams 35 points by hitting all seven of his field goals, which put him into second place of most field goals in a game by a Rams kicker in franchise history.

The Cowboys did not expect to be 2-2, and with a tough schedule coming up, are not looking good. They will have to push through and manage to beat some tough teams if they want to have a chance to win the division and return to the playoffs.