The Dallas Cowboys started their holiday game against the New York Giants a little slowly, much like many of us attempting to avoid a tryptophan sleep following a joyous Thanksgiving meal.
But as the game went on, the Cowboys appeared to emerge from their slumber more and more. After stumbling their way to a deficit in the first half, Dallas eventually stormed in the second half to overcome their NFC rivals 28-20.
Dak Prescott’s day had two halves, much like the Cowboys themselves. In the first two quarters, he only completed 6-of-10 passes for 116 yards, good for a passer rating of 44.8. He did not throw a touchdown and threw two interceptions. But in the second half, he would complete 15 of his 20 passes for 145 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions, capping the day with a respectable passer rating of 91.1.
For the second time this season, CeeDee Lamb exceeded the 100-yard mark in receiving yards, combining some highlight-reel receptions with his 106-yard output. Michael Gallup also had his best season game, making numerous good catches that added up to 63 receiving yards. Michael Gallup also had his best season game, making numerous good catches that added up to 63 receiving yards. Dalton Schultz, a tight end, also contributed, matching a personal best with two touchdowns on the day.
Saquon Barkley, who entered the game rated second in the NFL in terms of rushing, was restricted to just 39 yards by the Cowboys, and the Giants were only successful on 27 percent of their third-down attemptsDallas also had the advantage in possession time for the second week in a row, 34:09 to 25:51.
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The first quarter of Cowboys Vs Giants
A 57-yard field goal on the Giants’ second possession gave them the opening score. The Cowboys’ failure to convert on a fourth-and-2 at their own 40-yard line put New York in an excellent position. After a 23-yard pass completion, the Giants advanced to the 17-yard line, and Dallas then struck it fortunate when an apparent touchdown was nullified due to an illegal player downfield penalty. Eventually, the visitors had no choice but to settle for the field goal.
Prescott’s interception was the result of obvious offense confusion, but the Cowboys were immediately back in the game at their own 7-yard line after a quick three-and-out and punt. The third time proved to be the charm as Dallas’ offense picked up steam this time. Gallup caught three passes for a total of 24 yards on the final play of the first quarter, and Prescott later completed a 25-yard connection to Lamb to put the Cowboys at the Giants’ 6-yard line, poised for a field goal.
Second Quarter of Cowboys vs Giants.
The 11-play, 93-yard drive was concluded by Elliott’s burst up the middle for his sixth rushing score of the season. With his 75th total career score, Elliott tied Dez Bryant for the fourth most touchdowns in Cowboys history.
The Giants came back fast and took the lead after covering 75 yards in only nine plays, but it wasn’t sustained. Wideout Darius Slayton scored the game-winning touchdown at the Cowboys’ 1-yard line by leaping over CB Anthony Brown to catch a 44-yard pass. Two plays later, Barkley ran up the middle to give New York the lead again, 10-7.
Then another disaster happened. For the third time in the team’s previous four games, Prescott threw an interception through the middle just before the half. He tried to pass to Lamb again with 1:50 remaining in the quarter, but cornerback Darnay Holmes tipped the ball, and safety Julian Love picked it off. With the ball at their own 27, the Giants were now in possession.
Dallas appeared to return the favor when safety Donovan Wilson intercepted a ball from Daniel Jones, but the interception was overturned because Trevon Diggs was fined for making illegal contact. The Giants kept going with their drive until they reached the Cowboys’ 29-yard line. Graham Gano split the uprights from 47 yards out at that point, with the clock at zero, giving New York a 13-7 advantage going into halftime.
Third Quarter of Cow Boys Vs Giants.
After a really subpar first half, the Cowboys needed to make a statement. They did, completing the 14 plays in 7:39 and covering 75 yards to the end zone. The touchdown was scored on a 15-yard pass from Prescott to tight end Schultz in the back left corner of the end zone, despite nine of those plays being on the ground.
Similar to what the Cowboys did in the first quarter on a fourth down in their own territory, the Giants did the same thing here in the third quarter. On fourth-and-1 from his own 45-yard line, Jones’ incomplete pass to Barkley had the same result.
Dallas was the only team to capitalize on New York’s gift. That same day, Schultz scored once more, lunging into the end zone this time from six yards out. But the drive’s headliner was Lamb. The great wide receiver made a fantastic one-handed catch on the left sideline while being hindered that went for 21 yards, giving Dallas first-and-goal.
Fourth Quarter of Cow Boys Vs Giants.
Following that, the Cowboys scored their third straight touchdown to open the second half. This time, an 80-yard drive that took 10 plays and included the rookie tight ends was the highlight. Following a quick ball, Jake Ferguson turned toward the field and outran a potential defender for a noteworthy 30-yard gain. After taking the handoff and starting to move, Peyton Hendershot came in unhindered from two yards away to score the touchdown.
Schultz, Ferguson, and Sean McKeon, the team’s four tight ends, then celebrated by diving into The Salvation Army Red Kettle, while Hendershot played a quick game of whack-a-mole.
The last remaining task was to finish the clock and go home to eat the Thanksgiving leftovers. Brett Mahar missed his effort from 46 yards out to the right. After then, the Giants scored one more goal to finish the scoring, but it was already too late.
The Cowboys will now take advantage of a long weekend with second place in the division already secured and the Philadelphia Eagles still in their sights.