By The Associated Press’s Schuyler Dixon
Texas’ Arlington The Dallas Cowboys have a chance to get a little healthier with a day off, but they are aware that any unlikely comeback to playoff contention will have to be without their star quarterback, Dak Prescott.
After a five-game losing streak, the Cowboys (5-7) defeated the New York Giants 27–20 on Thanksgiving to record their second straight victory.
There are still three games left against teams with losing records, beginning on Monday night, December 9, when Cincinnati will visit. There is now hope that the reigning NFC East champs can continue their three-year postseason run.
Coach Mike McCarthy stated that the remaining portion of the schedule might be the most crucial. We will benefit greatly from relaxation and recuperation if you merely consider what we have been going through. We have arranged for our players to take a week off. Yes, I do want them to leave, recharge their batteries, and be prepared to go.
Cooper Rush currently leads the Dallas offense following Prescott’s season-ending surgery for a torn hamstring. Without perennial All-Pro right guard Zack Martin, who should be able to recover from his ankle and shoulder problems, Rush has won the last two games.
The Cowboys’ biggest question and worry is 2023 All-Pro receiver CeeDee Lamb’s damaged shoulder, which kept him out of the game against the Giants in the second half. On his Friday radio show, owner/general manager Jerry Jones stated that Lamb should have an opportunity to play because of the additional time off.
Defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence may return against the Bengals because the defense has appeared much more dynamic since standout pass rusher Micah Parsons returned from an ankle ailment. Since Week 4, Lawrence has not played.
Trevon Diggs, a 2021 All-Pro cornerback, has missed two games due to knee and groin problems. He hasn’t played with fellow starter DaRon Bland this season, who was named a 2023 All-Pro after breaking the NFL record with five interception returns for touchdowns. Bland’s foot issue kept him out of the first ten games.
The Dallas defense will be ready to take on Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow, who started this week as the NFL’s top passing offense, if it enjoys nearly perfect health this season.
“I know they’re going to be fully loaded, and I hope we’re fully loaded,” Parsons stated. I’m excited about it.
What s working
For the second straight week, the Cowboys finished with a plus-2 turnover advantage thanks to a spectacular 23-yard interception return for a touchdown by DeMarvion Overshown. Dallas was minus-11 before to it. Before this season, the Cowboys had been at least plus-10 in three straight 12-5 seasons.
The Cowboys are averaging nearly eight quarterback hits per game in the four games since Parsons’ return. In the four games he missed, that figure was little over five.
After a score against the New York Giants in the second half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, on Thursday, November 28, 2024, 23-year-old running back Rico Dowdle is surrounded by teammates. (Photo by Jerome Miron for AP)
Drew Lock of New York recorded six sacks, which tied Dallas’ season-high total from the first game against Deshaun Watson of Cleveland. Since his return, Parsons has 5 1/2 sacks.
“With Micah on the field, we’re a better football team and a better defense,” McCarthy stated. There is no doubt about that. I believe he returned; we kept him on a pitch count for a short while, and he is now moving at full pace.
What needs help
The Cowboys had to settle for field goals on their first two drives against the Giants, resulting in a 7–6 deficit. They also have the second-worst touchdown percentage on visits within the 20-yard line. If Rush’s fumble hadn’t been reversed during a replay review, they would have been down 0 for 3 early in the second half.
Stock up
With 112 yards and a touchdown on 22 runs, running back Rico Dowdle recorded his first 100-yard performance in his career. His 22-yard run in the first quarter was the first Dallas running back to carry for at least 20 yards this season. Late in the third quarter, he scored a 4-yard touchdown to put the Cowboys ahead 27–10.
Stock down
Maybe he’s more bothered by Lamb’s shoulder than he wants to acknowledge. He had at least two drops, possibly three, anyway. With Dallas ahead 13–7, the second was critical because it turned what could have been a significant gain into a fourth-and-1. To recover the ball, the Giants stuffed the dive play, which set off a series of events that resulted in a field goal for New York.
Injuries
CB The 28-year-old Josh Butler, who made his NFL debut this season and was instrumental in the team’s 34-26 victory at Washington last weekend, tore his ACL against the Giants in the first half. Juanyeh Thomas, a member of the special team, is also anticipated to miss at least a few weeks due to a knee injury. as making his season debut against the Giants, Chuma Edoga is likely to start against the Bengals as rookie linebacker Tyler Guyton reported that he has a high ankle sprain.
Following an NFL football game versus the New York Giants in Arlington, Texas, on Thursday, November 28, 2024, Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy answers questions at a press conference. (Photo by Jerome Miron for AP)
Key number
McCarthy equaled Pro Football Hall of Famer Bill Parcells for 14th place on the NFL career list with 172 regular season victories.
Next steps
In the NFL, Thursday-Monday combos are uncommon because of their significantly longer breaks. Additionally, Dallas wasn’t initially slated to play on Thursday again the week after Thanksgiving for just the second time in the previous nine seasons.
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