Cooper’s true capabilities among what was learned in Cowboys’ win over Commanders

In last week’s loss, we learned that quarterback Cooper Rush couldn’t carry the offense to a victory. Having Rush throw too much while ignoring the running game was a recipe for disaster. McCarthy learned from his mistake and the game plan against the Commanders featured more of the rushing attack.

The run-pass splits were more evenly dispersed, and Rush responded with a strong game, going 24-32, throwing for 247 yards and two scores. This was the quarterback who had played so well and won five of his first six starts with the Cowboys; he was in control and comfortable in the pocket, taking what the defense was giving him. Rush played mistake free and didn’t turn the ball over, which is the path to victory with a backup QB.

When Rush has help and manages the game, he can be a winning player. The 32 passes and 28 rushing attempts were a recipe for pulling off the upset.

Over the last five weeks, it was hard to see the fight in these Cowboys, but that wasn’t the case in the Week 12 win. McCarthy’s team showed resilience by taking the negative plays and pushing through against a good Commanders team.

Bad teams usually don’t fight, force three turnovers and sack the QB four times. Or hold one of the better offenses to just nine points through three quarters.

Teams that have given up don’t allow an opponent to narrow the gap on a double-digit lead to a one-score game late and then return a kickoff for a touchdown. Answering scores with scores is something good teams do.

Bad teams do have poor effort on 86-yard touchdown plays when all they have to do is make one or two tackles to win the game, but that didn’t stop the Cowboys from finishing off the game with a second kickoff return for a score in the fourth quarter.

The Cowboys had ample opportunity to pack in the game, and the season, in Week 12, but they didn’t. McCarthy’s team fought for him and the win, which shows they haven’t quit on their lame duck coach.

For the second week in a row, the Cowboys got a lift from KaVontae Turpin. In Week 12, the big contribution came on a play he began by botching the kickoff.

After a touchdown to make it a one score game late, the Commanders had time to get a stop and get the ball back with a chance to tie or win the game. After fumbling the kick, Turpin made a spin move and then found daylight for a 99-yard return for a touchdown and put the Cowboys up 10 points late.

Turpin also had two other big returns to give the Cowboys good field position, providing the offense with a boost. The pint-sized return man continues to make plays when the balls in his hands, and Turpin puts the special in Dallas’ special teams.

When it was announced the Cowboys would be without their two starting guards due to injury, very few people could have expected the offensive line would play so well. Yet the makeshift unit held up in a tough matchup against a Commanders defense that has a formidable pass rush.

Brock Hoffman and T.J. Bass acquitted themselves very well at starters, as did Asim Richards, who was sent in for left tackle Tyler Guyton in the second half after the rookie was called for a few penalties. Rush was only sacked once and was rarely pressured.

The Cowboys have drafted offensive linemen in the premium rounds recently, but it was a couple of undrafted free agents and a fifth-round pick that helped lead the way.