The Cowboys’ offense goes from exotic to lethargic, and the Bengals are 17-10 at the half because of it

The Dallas Cowboys started the game hot on offense. After shutting down the Cincinnati Bengals’ opening drive, a 20-yard punt return by All-Pro Kavontae Tuprin set things up. Starting at their own 40, a couple of sweet runs by Rico Dowdle were boosted by short passes from Cooper Rush.

Dallas entered the red zone, ran the ball on third and long, then went for it on fourth and short. Rush lobbed a pass to the back right pylon and CeeDee Lamb ran under it for the first score and a 7-0 lead.

The Bengals tied it up on the following drive when Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase heated up and connected for scores of their own. After the opening nine-play drive, Dallas connected on a short layup that Lamb turned into a big gain, driving across the field before cutting vertically for 43 yards.

But then, on their 15th offensive play, the milestone many see as the end of scripted offense, Dallas faltered. CeeDee Lamb ran a route into traffic and Rush’s pass was tipped and picked off. That was the end of Dallas’ strong offensive showing.

They scored a field goal on the next drive, but it was a blistering possession after taking over at midfield. The next two possessions were three-and-outs. Dallas had exhausted their good play.

Meanwhile, the Bengals were able to score touchdowns on two of their three red zone possessions. Burrow has been spectacular on the night, escaping pressure and carving up the Dallas defense. The Bengals led 17-10 at the half, with Dallas getting the ball back to start the third quarter.

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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: The Cowboys’ offense goes from exotic to lethargic, and the Bengals are 17-10 at the half because of it