The Dallas Cowboys lost to the Miami Dolphins 22–20, once again falling victim to the road curse. Instead of Dallas losing handily like they did last week, the game was agonizingly close. If they hadn’t squandered their opening goal opportunity of the match, the outcome might have been very different.

In order to start the offensive quickly, the Cowboys won the toss and decided to receive. Dallas is 6-0 when they score on their opening drive, as the commentators subsequently pointed out, and it was obvious that they intended to do so. They would get off to a strong start thanks to a Dak Prescott eight-yard pass to CeeDee Lamb, and Tony Pollard would record their first down of the contest. In addition, they would deploy Lamb as a running back, and he would gain nine yards straight up the middle. As the offensive line, without Tyron Smith, appeared to be holding up well early on, Hunter Luepke would make a rare appearance to gain another set of downs.

However, as Peyton Hendershot would false start, the all too familiar flags would fly. To offset the error, Lamb would score thirteen on the following play, and Luepke appeared to have a new role as the short-yardage specialist to score again. Additionally, he would be the beneficiary of an eight-yard outlet pass. But Prescott would fail on a scramble a few plays later, giving them a fourth and lengthy play.

They paused to talk about going all in. To bring them into the red zone, it was decided to target Jake Ferguson, who would gain nineteen yards. Luepke would fail to secure the handoff, and the Dolphins would pounce on the fumble to remove the threat. Brandin Cooks would also make an appearance as a runner to get them nigh the one, and Tony Pollard would give them a first and goal within the one.