ARLINGTON, Texas – The Dallas Cowboys beat divisional rival Washington Redskins 31-23 and now hold first place in the NFC East. Many people discarded the Cowboys earlier in the season with a 3-5 record, and now the team is 6-5 coming off a three-game winning streak with first place in the division, keeping their playoff hopes alive. The team has faced adversity and scrutiny from many but remained resilient and has come out on top…. literally.
The Cowboys’ offense had a solid opening drive, resulting in a 16-yard touchdown run by Ezekiel Elliott. The offense staled until late in the third quarter when it unleashed its full potential. Amari Cooper got separation from Quinton Dunbar and connected with Dak Prescott on a 40-yard TD pass. Several plays later, DeMarcus Lawrence had an interception and 13-yard return, that put the Cowboys’ offense right back on the field with a chance to extend the lead. It capitalized on the opportunity with Dak Prescott’s 90-yard TD pass to Cooper once again.
Cooper has changed the dynamic of the Cowboys’ offense and how opposing defenses prepare for their offense. He is a deep threat that can get open and become available to Prescott on routes. Since the Cowboys signed Cooper, they have won three straight games. He has been an instant playmaker since he stepped on the field wearing a star and has opened up the Cowboys’ struggling passing game. He led the team in receiving yards tonight and finished with eight receptions for 180 yards, an average of 22.5 yards after the catch, and two touchdowns. His 180 receiving yards are the most by a Cowboys’ receiver on Thanksgiving Day, and the most by a Dallas receiver since Dez Bryant accumulated 224 against the Saints in 2012. Cooper’s 90-yard TD reception set a career long and is the longest by an NFL receiver in 2018.
Prescott completed 22 of 31 pass attempts for a season-high 289 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions for a 121.6 QB rating. He rushed six times for 18 yards and a TD. Prescott’s 90-yard touchdown pass to Amari Cooper was the longest pass of his career. This game marked his third straight game with a rushing TD. He handled the ball well and reacted well under pressure. Cooper has no doubt helped Prescott become more comfortable in the pocket just with his presence on the field and ability to become available on routes from man-to-man separation. He has helped boost Prescott’s confidence, as well as Elliott with his explosiveness in the ground game and the offensive line’s ability to open holes for him and help establish the run. The pieces are beginning to align for this Cowboys’ offense to correlate with their high-ranked defense.
The defense played well with three interceptions, the first time since 2016 against Tampa Bay. D-Law had one to set up the 90-yard TD pass, and Anthony Brown and Xavier Woods also had interceptions in the game to switch the momentum and put the Cowboys’ offense back on the field with a chance to score. Jaylon Smith and Anthony Brown both recorded a sack, as well as Lawrence and Tyrone Crawford getting to McCoy with a combined sack. The Redskins were able to score and kick a field goal in the fourth quarter, but it was not enough to seal the win for Washington. They could not stop Dallas once the momentum shifted in the third. This was a huge win by the Cowboys and they will need the same performance on both sides of the football against the Saints! Do not count them out!
