The Cowboys made plays when they needed them most
The Dallas Cowboys accomplished two things this Thanksgiving: they won their first home game of the year and kicked off a winning streak. It wasn’t the most thrilling game ever, but Dallas took command in the third quarter and never let go. These five plays were especially worthy of thanks in getting to the finish line as victors.
Rico Dowdle’s big run erases huge penalty
The Cowboys got a field goal on the opening drive of the game, and the Giants responded with a touchdown to go up 7-3. Dallas needed to respond, but Chuma Edoga – who had just come in for an injured Tyler Guyton – drew a facemask penalty that backed the Cowboys up to second and 21.
After Cooper Rush made a check at the line, he ran a draw play to Rico Dowdle, who surged forward and broke about four tackles while also picking up some key blocks. By the time Dowdle went down, he had racked up 22 yards and the first down.
The Cowboys ultimately settled for a field goal, but this drive was important in getting at least some points. And it never would’ve happened without this big run from Dowdle, who seemingly hit a new level for the rest of the game after this moment.
Eric Kendricks strips Drew Lock on scramble
The Cowboys carried a narrow 13-10 lead into the halftime break, thanks largely to their defense, but the Giants got the ball to start the third quarter. They had been moving the ball right before halftime, and hoped to carry that energy over to the second half.
It didn’t happen, though. On third and short, Drew Lock dropped back and then tried to scramble up the middle of the pocket. Eric Kendricks looped back around to Lock and punched the ball out, with DeMarvion Overshown falling on it.
The defense had already made some big plays in this game, but this play set the tone for a dominant third quarter that pretty much sealed the win for Dallas despite things getting a little closer in the fourth.
KaVontae Turpin screen converts big third down
Following the fumble recovery, the Cowboys offense took over at the Giants 38-yard line. Dowdle got stuffed on first down and Rush threw an incomplete pass to quickly bring up a third and 10 on the edge of field goal range. That’s when Mike McCarthy called for a quick screen to KaVontae Turpin, who caught the ball with several blockers already out in front. Turpin weaved behind them before turning on the jets, picking up a total of 30 yards.
This play completely changed the dynamic of the game, taking it from a likely field goal attempt (which would have kept it a one-score game) to first and goal with sky high odds of scoring a touchdown and going up multiple possessions. The call was perfectly timed and executed even better.
Cooper Rush ruled down before costly fumble
While Turpin’s big screen play made a touchdown a near certainty for the Cowboys, it wasn’t a sure thing. Their next play was a run for just two yards, but still needing six for the touchdown. Rush then rolled out to his right on a play-action bootleg, but opted to run for the endzone. As he went down short of the line, the ball popped out and rolled into the endzone, where a Giants defender fell on it for a touchback.
Replay confirmed Rush’s knee was down before the ball came loose, and the Cowboys avoided disaster. Keeping their lead at just a field goal would’ve been devastating, especially as it would’ve wasted the takeaway. But they held onto the ball and Rush hit Brandin Cooks for a touchdown on the next play.
Giants pass interference extends Cowboys drive
After that touchdown, the Dallas defense forced another three-and-out to give the Cowboys the ball up 20-10 about halfway through the third quarter. Another touchdown on this drive would likely be an insurmountable lead for Dallas.
Facing a third and six at their own 36, the Cowboys tried to hit Cooks over the middle of the field, but a defender knocked it down. However, a flag went flying, and the Giants were hit with pass interference after Tyler Nubin practically tackled CeeDee Lamb away from the play. The completely unnecessary penalty gave Dallas a fresh set of downs, which they did not take for granted. The Cowboys pushed the ball down the field from there, ending with a Dowdle touchdown run to go up 27-10 and effectively seal the win.
