The Dallas Cowboys started the game brilliantly on offense. After the Cincinnati Bengals’ opening drive was wiped out, a 20-yard punt return by All-Pro Kavontae Tuprin opened the game. Starting from their own 40, a couple of great runs from Rico Dowdle were complemented by short passes from Cooper Rush.

Dallas got into the red zone by running the ball on third-and-long and then striking on fourth-and-short. Rush threw 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 the score on the following drive when Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase heated up and scored their own. After the first nine-play drive, Dallas finished with a short plan that Lamb turned into a big gain, racing down the field before hitting 43 yards vertical.

But then, on their 15th offensive play, the milestone that many see as the end of the planned 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 performance.

They scored a field goal on the next drive, but after taking over at midfield, possession went in vain. The next two possessions were three-and-outs. Dallas had made the most of its good plays.

Meanwhile, the Bengals scored touchdowns on two of their three possessions in the red zone. Burrow had a spectacular performance that night, escaping pressure and splitting up the Dallas defense. The Bengals led 17-10 at halftime, with Dallas getting the ball back early in the third quarter.

Haltfime player stats

This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: The Cowboys’ offense goes from exotic to lethargic and that’s why they trail the Bengals 17-10 at halftime