The Dallas Cowboys had plenty to celebrate this Thanksgiving, achieving two significant milestones: their first home victory of the season and the start of a promising winning streak. While the game against the Giants may not have been a nail-biter, Dallas firmly took control in the third quarter and never looked back. Five key plays, in particular, stood out as crucial moments that helped secure the victory.
### Rico Dowdle’s Big Run Erases a Costly Penalty
The game began with the Cowboys earning a field goal on their opening drive, but the Giants quickly responded with a touchdown to take a 7-3 lead. Dallas needed to counter, but their momentum seemed stalled when Chuma Edoga, subbing in for an injured Tyler Guyton, committed a facemask penalty, leaving the Cowboys in a daunting second-and-21 situation.
Cooper Rush made an adjustment at the line, handing the ball to Rico Dowdle on a draw play. Dowdle powered through four tackles, aided by excellent blocking, to gain 22 yards and secure a first down. Though the Cowboys ultimately settled for a field goal on the drive, Dowdle’s run was a game-changer, shifting the tide and energizing the team. This moment marked a turning point for Dowdle, who delivered an impressive performance for the rest of the game.
### Eric Kendricks Forces a Game-Changing Fumble
Heading into halftime, Dallas clung to a slim 13-10 lead, thanks to their defense. However, the Giants had momentum and the first possession of the second half, aiming to capitalize on their progress.
Their hopes were dashed when, on third-and-short, Drew Lock scrambled up the middle but was stripped of the ball by Eric Kendricks. DeMarvion Overshown recovered the fumble, giving Dallas possession and shifting the game’s momentum decisively. This defensive highlight set the tone for a dominant third quarter, during which the Cowboys created an insurmountable lead despite a late push by the Giants in the fourth quarter.
### KaVontae Turpin’s Screen Pass Sparks the Offense
Following the fumble recovery, the Cowboys’ offense began their drive at the Giants’ 38-yard line but quickly faced a third-and-10. In a pivotal moment, head coach Mike McCarthy dialed up a perfectly timed screen pass to KaVontae Turpin. With blockers clearing the path, Turpin maneuvered through the defense, picking up 30 yards and putting the Cowboys in first-and-goal position.
This play not only shifted the momentum but also changed the stakes, turning a likely field goal attempt into a golden opportunity for a touchdown. Turpin’s electrifying play ensured Dallas could extend their lead significantly, further putting the Giants on their heels.
### Cooper Rush’s Near Disaster Averted by Replay
Turpin’s heroics brought the Cowboys to the brink of the endzone, but the touchdown was not yet guaranteed. After a short run on first down, Cooper Rush attempted a play-action bootleg and decided to scramble for the endzone. As he went down just short, the ball popped out and was recovered by the Giants in the endzone, seemingly a touchback.
Fortunately for Dallas, replay showed Rush’s knee was down before the ball came loose, overturning the fumble. Avoiding this disaster allowed the Cowboys to maintain control, and Rush capitalized by connecting with Brandin Cooks for a touchdown on the very next play.
### Giants’ Pass Interference Keeps Cowboys Rolling
After taking a 20-10 lead, the Cowboys’ defense forced a quick three-and-out, returning the ball to the offense. With another touchdown in sight, Dallas faced a third-and-six deep in their territory when Cooper Rush targeted Brandin Cooks over the middle. Although the pass fell incomplete, a pass interference penalty on Tyler Nubin gave the Cowboys a fresh set of downs.
The penalty proved costly for the Giants, as Dallas marched downfield and capped the drive with a Rico Dowdle touchdown run. This score extended their lead to 27-10, effectively sealing the game.
Each of these five plays played a crucial role in the Cowboys’ Thanksgiving triumph, demonstrating their resilience and ability to capitalize on opportunities. The win not only secured another notch in the victory column but also signaled a team finding its rhythm at the right time.
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