Blogging The Boys - Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Football Team, 2020 NFL Week 12Dallas Cowboys, all the time...since 2005.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47663/Picture_4.png2020-12-02T12:30:00-06:00http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/rss/stream/214832992020-12-02T12:30:00-06:002020-12-02T12:30:00-06:00The Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Day game was the most-watched NFL game so far this season
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<figcaption>Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p><em>America’s Team.</em></p> <p id="bdQU4f">If you were unaware, the <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a> game that takes place on Thanksgiving Day is generally one of the most-viewed NFL games of the year. It is not difficult to understand why. Football is synonymous with Thanksgiving for many people and the fact that the Cowboys play in the afternoon, the money slot, is a marriage of the greatest possible variables for Jerry Jones and those that care about the brand value of the team. This is America’s Team, after all.</p>
<p id="cTd2qC">While the Cowboys are a bit of a wreck this season, they are still the Dallas Cowboys. They are obviously far less exciting and have lost a lot of their star power due to injuries, but again, they are the Dallas Cowboys.</p>
<h3 id="xlyzDM">The Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Day game was the most-watched NFL game so far this season</h3>
<p id="PsYgzi">The America’s Team magic waved its wand last Thursday afternoon even against a subpar squad in the <a href="https://www.hogshaven.com/">Washington Football Team</a>. For what it’s worth, it’s not like Washington hails from a small market, the NFC East is a goldmine in this respect, but the Thanksgiving factor is huge.</p>
<p id="aEsMWb">Wouldn’t you know it. The Dallas Cowboys game on Thanksgiving, the one where they were obliterated, was the most-watched NFL game this season. At least we are first in something.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Thursday's Thanksgiving matchup on <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLonFOX?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NFLONFOX</a> delivers the top telecast of any kind since Super Bowl LIV on FOX. <a href="https://t.co/wP0jJEACXT">pic.twitter.com/wP0jJEACXT</a></p>— FOX Sports PR (@FOXSportsPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/FOXSportsPR/status/1333821142033985539?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2020</a>
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<p id="Ds8a0u">You can also see that this was the most-streamed Thanksgiving Day game in FOX Sports history, obviously streaming is a popular avenue for consumption by people these days. That number was up 55% over last year which really speaks to that idea.</p>
<p id="HNAlnK">If you were unaware FOX and CBS actually alternate Thanksgiving Day games every year between the Cowboys and <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a>. This year’s wound up on FOX obviously which is why you can see that there was a 12% increase in viewership as last year this broadcast had the lower-quality team on turkey day.</p>
<p id="aUMiMz">The Dallas Cowboys are a money-maker. Some things never change.</p>
https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2020/12/2/21795025/the-dallas-cowboys-thanksgiving-day-game-was-the-most-watched-nfl-game-so-far-this-seasonRJ Ochoa2020-12-01T08:00:00-06:002020-12-01T08:00:00-06:00After further review: Lack of gap discipline dooms the Cowboys run defense against Washington
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<figcaption>Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Let’s see what we can find out after re-watching the tape.</p> <p id="IZDwok">For the first time since 2012 (RG3 and Alfred Morris’ rookie season), Washington has swept the <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a>. In recent years, it’s been the Cowboys doing the sweeping as they have won both games in three of the previous four seasons. And it may have even been all four had L.P. Ladoucer not been called for that bogus snap infraction that nullified a game-tying field goal in 2018.</p>
<p id="UNjXhe">The Cowboys are struggling this season as they sit with a 3-8 record, and they’ve had particular fits with Washington as their divisional foes have blown them out by 22 and now 25 points this season. One of the big reasons the Cowboys have had problems with Washington is in the running game as rookie Antonio Gibson has looked like an All-Pro-caliber player in both games. </p>
<p id="Y82oOa">Why are the Cowboys so bad at stopping the run against this team? This question leads this week film study piece as we search for what we can learn after further review.</p>
<h3 id="PPEZ0P"><strong>Blockers are getting to the second level</strong></h3>
<p id="Bu2Cuq">Washington deserves a lot of credit for their blocking schemes, and it’s given the Cowboys defense problems for two straight games as Washington has rushed for 392 yards in their two meetings this season. Their offensive line is very good at sliding off of defensive linemen and positioning themselves into the second level. Their tight ends do a fantastic job picking off would be tacklers, allowing their running backs to move freely in space.</p>
<p id="AGara8">On this first play, the Cowboys have defenders looming in each of the gaps, but as blockers pick them up in the second level, Peyton Barber is able to run through a wide open space. He goes untouched for 10 yards before he meets Donovan Wilson, who spent all day cleaning up this mess.</p>
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<h3 id="QFl0xK"><strong>Poor gap discipline</strong></h3>
<p id="2qixYL">While props goes to Washington for their blocking, the Cowboys did themselves no favors by leaving their opponents clear running lanes. Several times in this game, the ball carriers ran away from where the defense was positioned as gaps were left unattended. It’s hard to know how much of this is attributed to poor defensive scheming or just bad reaction by the Cowboys defenders. What does seem clear is that the Dallas linebackers are very quick to commit to the gap, and if they guess wrong, they’re in big trouble because there isn’t a teammate showing up to help.</p>
<p id="fsx96f">On this next play, both Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch push forward into the gap. All Antonio Gibson has to do is cut to his left as there is a huge hole in the B gap. Unfortunately for the Cowboys, there is no help and Gibson runs into the end zone untouched.</p>
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<p id="9vIYCE">Sometimes it’s clear that the player is at fault as their ball pursuit is terrible. On this play, Vander Esch goes unblocked, but he loses sight of where the ball carrier is going and starts off in the wrong direction. Barber just bounces around the cluster of bodies to wide open spaces.</p>
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<p id="hRzzRB">Here is another play where the Cowboys leave a huge hole. Both Sean Lee and Jourdan Lewis do a good job staying disciplined to their gap as they slide the feet patiently watching the play develop. Only at the last second do they push forward to close down the lane, only to have Gibson bounce to his right where no Cowboys defender can be found.</p>
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<h3 id="lmFx2r"><strong>Motion takes defenders out of the play</strong></h3>
<p id="qYikF4">To aid in creating open space, Washington ran a lot of motion to move defenders around. The threat of J.D. McKissic caused defensive backs to follow him in motion, removing them from any chance of making a play. It was a well-executed decoy as Cowboys defenders were left wondering aimlessly in no-man’s land.</p>
<p id="yPfNDI">On this play, Lewis follows McKissic in motion and Xavier Woods moves the same direction as he’s attempts to stay with tight end Logan Thomas. Darian Thompson was coming on a blitz, and by the time Gibson got the ball, the Cowboys defensive backs are already too far out of position to make the play.</p>
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<p id="Xlbfs8">It should be noted that while Wilson racked up a lot of tackles that day, he was a liability in run support. His change of direction was bumbling, and he doesn’t posses the long speed to make up for his mistakes. Re-watch those last two videos and you’ll see that Wilson is totally in position to make the play, but moves like he’s running in molasses. He’s had a great season since moving into the starters role, but he definitely has some limitations in his game.</p>
<h3 id="sNBXD1"><strong>Just not fast enough</strong></h3>
<p id="HNm3P4">The Cowboys safeties in general aren’t making enough plays. Both Woods and Wilson love to lay the smack on their opponents, but they need clear shots to make that happen. If they get into a footrace with anyone, there’s a good chance they’re going to lose.</p>
<p id="mI1Rpq">On this play, Woods easily is in position to make the play on Gibson, but the rookie running back turns on the jets and somehow beats him to the corner of the end zone.</p>
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<h3 id="E65BVi"><strong>Tackling makes all the difference</strong></h3>
<p id="L7j2vx">While the Cowboys defense was late to the party, Washington swarmed to the ball every chance they got. They did a really good job fighting through blocks and wrapping up. Late in the second quarter, the Cowboys moved the ball in the red zone and had a shot to tie the game at 17. They came up short and had to settle for a field goal, but how it came to that was aggravating. Twice over the span of three plays, they hit Michael Gallup on a quick pass hoping to get him space to run, but each time they came up empty. The Cowboys receivers couldn’t secure their blocks and Washington’s defense closed fast. This just came down to one team executing better than the other.</p>
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<h3 id="ctwxDC"><strong>A missed opportunity</strong></h3>
<p id="W2mvRJ">The Cowboys decision to attempt a fake punt was risky to say the least, and while Washington has sniffed out where the play was supposed to go, it was still surprising that Cedrick Wilson didn’t try to throw the ball to C.J. Goodwin. As we look closer at this play, you can see that if he connects with Goodwin there, this play has a chance to go to the house and we wouldn’t be talking about what a terrible decision that was.</p>
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<h3 id="5s0crJ"><strong>Give Pollard his props</strong></h3>
<p id="jqDKMR">The Cowboys second-year running back Tony Pollard was essentially nonexistent in this one, but we wanted to highlight a few plays that deserve praise. For starters, he did a great job picking up the blitz from the outside, not once, but twice that enabled Andy Dalton enough time to find Amari Cooper. Both plays were 25+ yard gains.</p>
<p id="tpNyyn">And let’s not forget his relentless 3rd-and-1 run where it looked like he was going to be bottled up at the line of scrimmage, only to bounce outside to fight for the first-down yardage. Well done, 20.</p>
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https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2020/12/1/21725628/after-further-review-lack-of-gap-discipline-dooms-the-cowboys-run-defense-against-washingtonDan Rogers2020-11-29T13:00:00-06:002020-11-29T13:00:00-06:002020 Cowboys rookie report: CeeDee Lamb’s drop looms large
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<figcaption>Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The rookie receiver continued to struggle against the Football Team.</p> <p id="OqN93B">The common refrain during this terrible Cowboys season has been “Well, at least this rookie class looks good.” Even with standout rookies Trevon Diggs and Tyler Biadasz finding themselves on the injured reserve, CeeDee Lamb made an incredible touchdown catch against the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a> while Neville Gallimore continues to help this run defense improve. </p>
<p id="62Cste">But all that progress, especially for Lamb, came to a screeching halt on Thursday in what finished as a 41-16 loss to the <a href="https://www.hogshaven.com/">Washington Football Team</a>. Very few things went right for the Cowboys in the end, and their rookies looked less than impressive. </p>
<h1 id="p1y6EK"><strong>CeeDee Lamb, WR</strong></h1>
<p id="FwZx8m">The last time the Cowboys played the Football Team, CeeDee Lamb had what will likely always be the worst game of his career. Lamb had zero catches on five targets, most of them being drops. While Thanksgiving wasn’t quite that bad, Lamb had yet another bad game against Washington. </p>
<p id="XqHu7d">He finished with five catches for a measly 21 yards, but the most memorable part of Lamb’s Thanksgiving debut centered around the catch he didn’t make. Right after Jaylon Smith’s almost-pick-six, the Cowboys ran two plays that lost yardage - including a trick play where Lamb was supposed to throw a touchdown to Andy Dalton, but he took a sack instead - Dalton’s last chance at a touchdown was a pass to Lamb. </p>
<p id="9xmvys">The pass was good with it hitting Lamb on his hands, but the rookie failed to complete the catch. If he had secured the ball, the touchdown and presumed extra point would have tied things up. Instead they settled for a field goal, which kept Dallas down one score. Aside from that play, Lamb failed to make an impact in any other way, with his longest catch of the day going for just nine yards. Maybe it’s just a coincidence, but Lamb has had his two worst games of his young career against the same team. He’ll need to rebound in a big way, as Dallas faces a really good defense in the Ravens next week. </p>
<h1 id="DgDcEj"><strong>Trevon Diggs, CB</strong></h1>
<p id="1dWiIV">As mentioned, Trevon Diggs is on the injured reserve. With the constantly rotating cast of cornerbacks right now, including Rashard Robinson making his first career start on Thursday, the Cowboys really miss their rookie. </p>
<h1 id="PDAZyh"><strong>Neville Gallimore, DT</strong></h1>
<p id="fsycRC">Neville Gallimore is really establishing himself on this defensive line. His 35 defensive snaps were the second most among interior linemen, behind only Antwaun Woods. And while Gallimore only had one tackle, he headlined another overall positive performance from this improving run defense. </p>
<p id="vTXqBW">Heading into the fourth quarter against Washington, running back Antonio Gibson had just 47 rushing yards, a really positive result. It wasn’t until the failed fake punt that Gibson exploded for 68 fourth-quarter yards, which coincided with the entire defense seemingly losing their steam. Still, Gallimore’s emergence is a very positive development for this defense. </p>
<h1 id="acD2jQ"><strong>Reggie Robinson III, DB</strong></h1>
<p id="amR6cB">The Cowboys are razor-thin in the secondary right now, but that didn’t stop the Cowboys coaching staff from once again including Reggie Robinson on the inactive list. </p>
<h1 id="08FTGY"><strong>Tyler Biadasz, C</strong></h1>
<p id="ufAxtx">Like Diggs, Tyler Biadasz is on the injured reserve. But unlike Diggs, Biadasz is expected to return this season. While Joe Looney hasn’t been bad, the Cowboys are certainly looking forward to the rookie’s return. </p>
<h1 id="uQPESs"><strong>Bradlee Anae, EDGE</strong></h1>
<p id="3SqwmE">As frustrating as the decision to keep Robinson off the field has been, the reluctance to play Bradlee Anae has been arguably more confusing. However, Anae at least has better players ahead of him on the depth chart, which kept him inactive once again. </p>
<h1 id="ks3ei9"><strong>Ben DiNucci, QB</strong></h1>
<p id="3yhNwf">Garrett Gilbert is the new backup quarterback in Dallas, which means no more dressing out for The Nooch. He was inactive on Thursday. </p>
<h1 id="pkTbdw"><strong>Terence Steele, OT</strong></h1>
<p id="TREoNa">The Cowboys can’t keep Terence Steele off the field, though not for lack of trying. Zack Martin once again started at right tackle, but he got injured early in the game and Steele was brought back in. He continued to play exactly the way he has all year: making a good effort, but in way over his head. The most explosive play of the game, Montez Sweat’s pick six, came courtesy of Steele’s complete ignorance of Sweat’s existence: </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">First interception AND touchdown for Montez Sweat and what a time to do it, huh<br><br>(via <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NFL</a>) <a href="https://t.co/OwRxKgzwDF">pic.twitter.com/OwRxKgzwDF</a></p>— Sunday Night Football (@SNFonNBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/SNFonNBC/status/1332122419570610176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2020</a>
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<p id="nAXuE7">With both Cam Erving and Martin expected to be out for at least a few weeks, that means Steele will likely be starting once again whenever the Cowboys square off against the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a>. In other words, start praying for Andy Dalton right now. </p>
<h1 id="yJnkYZ"><strong>Francis Bernard, LB</strong></h1>
<p id="xK63Zs">Francis Bernard has come a long way this year, going from an undrafted rookie who started the year on the practice squad to becoming a core special teamer. That continued this week, with Bernard tying for the third-most special teams snaps on Thursday. </p>
<h1 id="DmGxYL"><strong>Sean McKeon, TE</strong></h1>
<p id="JdDYAJ">Sean McKeon’s role is clear, and nothing changed on Thursday. His four offensive snaps came on goal line situations as the third tight end, and he also added 12 special teams snaps. </p>
<h1 id="YDi0iQ"><strong>Rico Dowdle, RB</strong></h1>
<p id="74M8ab">Rico Dowdle is another undrafted rookie who’s carved out a nice special teams role, and his 15 snaps on Thursday continued that trend. </p>
<h1 id="LzLDa6"><strong>Ron’Dell Carter, DL</strong></h1>
<p id="aUaOYH">No surprise here, as Ron’Dell Carter was inactive for the second time in as many games on the Cowboys’ 53-man roster. </p>
https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2020/11/29/21724284/2020-cowboys-rookie-report-ceedee-lambs-drop-looms-large-neville-gallimore-terence-steeleDavid Howman2020-11-29T10:00:00-06:002020-11-29T10:00:00-06:00Five plays that shaped the Cowboys’ heartbreaking loss to the Football Team
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<figcaption>Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The final score was deceiving, but the Cowboys loss still stung.</p> <p id="q4Kygy">When the Cowboys took the field for their Thanksgiving matchup against the <a href="https://www.hogshaven.com/">Washington Football Team</a>, emotions were running very high after the tragic passing of strength and conditioning coordinator Markus Paul just the day before. The team ended up playing with a lot of heart and effort, which was highlighted by Mike McCarthy’s post-game comments: </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy on team's game Thursday vs. Washington, one day after strength and conditioning coordinator Markus Paul passed: "I had no idea how we were going to play. That's a feeling you never have as a coach."</p>— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/GehlkenNFL/status/1332381975840165891?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2020</a>
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<p id="BxZkeY">But in the end, Dallas ended up losing the game by a final score of 41-16. That’s a bit misleading, as Washington managed to run up the score in the fourth quarter. The Cowboys trailed 20-16 near the 12-minute mark in the final quarter, and even after a touchdown run from Antonio Gibson, they were only down 11 points. But the Football Team ripped off a 14-point swing in a span of seven seconds to make this look like a blowout. </p>
<p id="9T1nVp">While the game was a lot closer than the final score indicates, it was a return to the norm for these 2020 Cowboys after two impressive performances their previous two weeks. It was largely compounded by the loss of both left tackle Cam Erving and newly-minted right tackle Zack Martin in the first quarter. However, these five plays were also pivotal to the Cowboys’ loss. </p>
<p id="vnzai9"><strong>Ezekiel Elliott’s fumble problem rears its ugly head again</strong></p>
<p id="X7gg0n">After fumbling five times - and losing four of them - through the first six games of the season, Ezekiel Elliott had gone four straight games without turning it over. That streak of clean football coincidentally started against Washington, and it ended against them as well. </p>
<p id="oshJ7V">The Cowboys had managed to get a field goal right before halftime and took a 17-13 deficit into the locker room, knowing they’d get the ball to start the second half. Determined to drive down the field and score, Dallas had a golden opportunity to take the lead. Then Zeke made an unforced error on the second play of the third quarter: </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jonathan Allen's best play came on the Zeke fumble where he cleanly sheds the center and recovers the fumble <a href="https://t.co/cPfe4yGwqU">pic.twitter.com/cPfe4yGwqU</a></p>— Nick Akridge (@PFF_NickAkridge) <a href="https://twitter.com/PFF_NickAkridge/status/1332335273418625031?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2020</a>
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<p id="iwrNVq">Nobody touches the ball or Elliott’s arm, the ball just falls out of his clutch as he’s going to the ground. Many of his other fumbles this year have come with contact, but this one is just egregious. It set the Football Team up with just 33 yards to go for a touchdown, while robbing Dallas of their opportunity to take the lead. Luckily enough, the Cowboys defense held firm and only surrendered a field goal. </p>
<p id="hB1Hp3"><strong>Jaylon Smith is gifted an interception, but Terry McLaurin’s clutch tackle hurts Cowboys</strong></p>
<p id="J9VuHX">Speaking of the defense doing good things, they were holding their own for most of this game. Despite being decimated in the secondary, this unit limited Alex Smith to under 150 passing yards and Antonio Gibson had only 47 rushing yards at the start of the fourth quarter. </p>
<p id="OdepE2">The defense also got another takeaway, marking their seventh in the last four games. This takeaway came courtesy of a bunch of Smith’s: Aldon Smith applied the pressure, hitting Alex Smith as he threw the ball, and that caused the ball to fall into Jaylon Smith’s arms. Jaylon, who caught the ball at the Washington 47, did his best to score a touchdown. But Terry McLaurin chased him down for the tackle. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">PICK! <a href="https://twitter.com/thejaylonsmith?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@thejaylonsmith</a> is going the other way!<br><br> : <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WASvsDAL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WASvsDAL</a> on FOX<br> : NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: <a href="https://t.co/t8ECNxwRaz">https://t.co/t8ECNxwRaz</a> <a href="https://t.co/mTq0EiUwyE">pic.twitter.com/mTq0EiUwyE</a></p>— NFL (@NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1332111485955309568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2020</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/TheTerry_25?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheTerry_25</a> ran him down <br><br> : <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WASvsDAL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WASvsDAL</a> on FOX<br> : NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: <a href="https://t.co/t8ECNxwRaz">https://t.co/t8ECNxwRaz</a> <a href="https://t.co/nXBnzt6kKX">pic.twitter.com/nXBnzt6kKX</a></p>— NFL (@NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1332112603137470466?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2020</a>
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<p id="ygb5a3">That tackle ended up being arguably bigger than the interception itself. McLaurin tackled Smith at the four-yard line, which set the Cowboys up with great field position. Dallas ended up having to settle for a field goal (more on that in a bit), which prevented them from tying the game. If it wasn’t for McLaurin’s hustle play, Smith would’ve scored the touchdown himself. </p>
<p id="CSyvEo"><strong>CeeDee Lamb drops the game-tying touchdown</strong></p>
<p id="yguyIP">The Cowboys started their offensive possession already with first and goal, and with the positive play they had seen from Andy Dalton thus far, a touchdown should’ve been automatic. A stuffed run by Ezekiel Elliott and a blown up trick play resulted in a net loss of six yards, bringing up third and goal from ten yards out. </p>
<p id="DJKFP2">Suddenly, the Cowboys had to pass and get into the endzone to avoid squandering their excellent starting field position, and against a pass rush as productive as this you can’t afford to have too many obvious passing downs. Still, Dalton managed to find CeeDee Lamb and hit the rookie receiver right on his hands. But Lamb was unable to catch the ball, creating a fourth and goal. </p>
<p id="j7UNW0">Lamb has been incredible this year - and he had the best catch of his young career against Minnesota - but he also had his worst game against Washington earlier this season, in which he had zero catches and several drops. While he had five catches this time, they went for a total of 21 yards, which is by far his second worst performance; this dropped touchdown, which would have tied the game, was particularly terrible. </p>
<p id="51g3J7"><strong>That disastrous fake punt</strong></p>
<p id="7hEN5k">After settling for the field goal following Lamb’s critical drop, the Dallas defense forced a three-and-out to keep the deficit at 20-16. But with the fourth quarter starting, the Cowboys knew they needed to do something big. </p>
<p id="gu66Kr">So when a Dalton sack on third and short brought up a fourth and ten on Dallas’ own 24-yard line, it was the perfect time for a fake punt; after all, nobody would’ve expected it. But the particular type of fake that was called - a winding reverse to Cedrick Wilson - combined with a lack of blocking up front meant the Football Team was able to easily react to the try. </p>
<p id="73rpT3">The fake failed, and actually lost a yard. Washington responded with a touchdown run on the very next play, and you could almost see the lights go out on the defense on that play. The fake punt, as with most fake punts, was a boom-or-bust moment. If it worked, it gives the Cowboys a massive confidence boost in a close game early in the fourth quarter. Since it failed, it meant a massive swing for the Football Team. </p>
<p id="hlnLvf"><strong>Peyton Barber’s fourth down conversion leads to dagger touchdown</strong></p>
<p id="ChTshM">Even after the fake punt that led to a touchdown, the game wasn’t completely over. Down by 11 points, there was still time for the Cowboys to lead a (highly unlikely) comeback effort. And the defense was presented with an ample opportunity to jumpstart such an effort. </p>
<p id="nKvj0A">With just over five minutes left in the game, Washington decided to go for it on fourth and one at the Cowboys’ 43-yard line. If the Cowboys managed to get a stop, the offense would take over with enough time to theoretically score a short touchdown with enough time left for another scoring opportunity. </p>
<p id="eLLcip">But the Football Team handed it off to Peyton Barber, their 225-pound bruising back, and he did the dirty work to pick up two yards and a first down. By extending the drive, Washington was able to keep the ball out of the Cowboys’ hands a little bit longer. And three plays later, Gibson busted off a 37-yard touchdown run to sink the dagger into the Cowboys once and for all. </p>
https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2020/11/29/21724123/five-plays-that-shaped-the-cowboys-heartbreaking-loss-to-the-football-team-mike-mccarthyDavid Howman2020-11-28T18:30:00-06:002020-11-28T18:30:00-06:00Three stars from the Cowboys versus Football Team game
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<p>The Cowboys Thanksgiving Day’s top three performers.</p> <p id="0KMbQM">Team Tank has now fully usurped Team Win as the race towards football cessation enters its final laps, and an ominous checkered flag looms in the distance. The Cowboys’ most recent outing vs. the Washington Football Team stamped an emphatic checkmark on what’s been a particularly downtrodden season for America’s squad.</p>
<p id="7hoBMr">Despite a shocker victory in Minnesota (which can be chalked up to incidental fluke, or perhaps what beckons in future slates should this team figure out a way to get its ducks in a row), and a bewildering near-miracle against Pittsburgh, the ‘Boys succumbed once again to complete catastrophe on Thanksgiving.</p>
<p id="kVGZMc">The average person takes around 60 days to form a new habit, and for D-Town, winning ways have long been removed from redundancy as they continuously spiral downward.</p>
<p id="snH1j7">They playfully toyed with our emotions throughout the matchup’s first three quarters as they remained neck and neck with their opponent. A questionable decision to fake a punt on a 4th & 10 on their own 24-yard line, though, exposed the Cowboys team we’ve grown so accustomed to nauseatingly enduring all season.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Cowboys' fake punt was SHUT DOWN <br><br>(via <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLBrasil?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NFLBrasil</a>)<a href="https://t.co/Bcsisuxegt">pic.twitter.com/Bcsisuxegt</a></p>— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNNFL/status/1332116593992720385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2020</a>
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<p id="BiIdjB">The score line at the time of the disaster was nearly even: 20-16.</p>
<p id="uZDcFQ">The final tally makes my stomach churn: 41-16. Washington outscored Dallas’ entire game output in just 12 measly minutes.</p>
<p id="HMtZNX">And now the Cowboys find themselves in familiar territory: the NFC East’s bottoms. </p>
<p id="aTOp6S">But despite the disintegration, several competitors showed up and showed all the way out. </p>
<p id="fKvjYO">Here are your top three.</p>
<h2 id="yl2JmQ"><strong>3. Jaylon Smith</strong></h2>
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<cite>Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="x3ZAMl">#54 was absent from the field for an entire defensive series in one of the game’s early drives. Mike Nolan’s reasoning behind the choice to withhold Smith remains unclear. </p>
<p id="HwYlLv">What’s not though, is this: Smith wouldn’t be held dormant for the remainder of the tilt, and whatever he did to sour Nolan’s outlook towards his on-field value was quickly dismissed after his next few breakout plays.</p>
<p id="q59TQ1">The first could’ve forced a smile from the most vehement Smith cynic.</p>
<p id="9umj7D">It even induced a glowing beam from #54 himself, who flashed a glittering ear-to-ear cheeser after an errant Alex Smith pass found his unsuspecting mitts.</p>
<p id="t0m6SI">Smith resembled a kid in a candy store as he took possession of the misplaced golden ticket. He raced back towards Dallas’ end zone like a lashed racehorse - fully aware he was reveling in one of the few opportunities he’d get to show off his running back skills as defense turned to offense. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">A recap of this play: A hit by Aldon SMITH on Alex SMITH forces a pick by Jaylon SMITH.<br><br>*Inception Horn sounds in distance*<br><br>(via <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NFL</a>) <a href="https://t.co/40mmQ4EjP6">pic.twitter.com/40mmQ4EjP6</a></p>— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLonFOX/status/1332112211590918149?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2020</a>
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<p id="GeY8Fj">Smith would charge 40+ yards in the opposite direction before being tracked down by Washington’s Terry McLaurin, and although Dallas was unable to find pay-dirt in their ensuing possession, the interception was able to net them three points, and substantial momentum heading into the final quarter.</p>
<p id="KGY8Jj">He continued to ride the hot wave after his big takeaway, scorching his way to consecutive punt-forcing tackles during Washington’s next drive.</p>
<p id="hIiehs">Smith finished with his lowest combined tackle total up to this point (5), but where he lacked in statistical production, he more than sufficed in energy and impact.</p>
<p id="rTQoSC">And the latter is far more important.</p>
<h2 id="P15uUc"><strong>2. Donovan Wilson</strong></h2>
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<cite>Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
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<p id="WBcrao">DallasCowboys.com’s mailbag series posed a particularly striking fan question to the site’s writers this past week: <a href="https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/mailbag-why-wasn-t-donovan-wilson-starting">why wasn’t Donovan Wilson starting</a> (earlier)?</p>
<p id="tj9kDn">And quite frankly, after seeing the type of damage he’s done to opposing offenses in the ‘Boys most recent outings, the question deserves ample inspection. You can't watch the Cowboys play defense without seeing Donovan Wilson somewhere near the football. </p>
<p id="rc8JPO">He’s like a bloodhound seeking out notorious criminals, and his greatest attribute by far is his potent nose for sniffing out enemy whereabouts. Wilson’s done nothing but perform since being inserted into D-Town’s starting foray in Week 5. </p>
<p id="2PaPUQ">He had his best game a week ago vs. Minnesota, squishing receivers and running backs like bugs on his way to two massive forced fumbles.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">HOWDY DONOVAN WILSON <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NFLAggies?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NFLAggies</a> <a href="https://t.co/fp850wqbxh">pic.twitter.com/fp850wqbxh</a></p>— Tim England (@tengland_150) <a href="https://twitter.com/tengland_150/status/1330645641459077124?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2020</a>
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<p id="5HnuR4">So how did he follow up that career display? </p>
<p id="kWSIqS">With more consistency, of course - and at this point, he’s one of the few Cowboy defenders we can expect to see unmistakable quality from on a week-to-week basis. Wilson continued to etch his starting spot in stone Thursday. He traced and hunted his way to 10 combined tackles - which matched his season-high, and was a disruptive force in Washington’s deceptive offensive dogma for a majority of the game.</p>
<p id="em9Hsx">Nearly every pad-crunching hit he makes resonates the ears like a sonic boom. </p>
<p id="MQPyFl">If you haven't heard of Wilson yet, just listen closely the next time Dallas brings out their defense. He’ll provide one blatant overt introduction - one that you’ll have to unequivocally associate with him, and only him.</p>
<h2 id="PtmCCi"><strong>1. Amari Cooper </strong></h2>
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<p id="3NLTic">Amari Cooper looked unguardable Thursday. As a matter of fact, looked doesn’t do him rightful justice. He <em>was</em> unguardable. And for some reason, little to no adjustments were made in coverage strategies on #19 once the message became brazenly clear that he was going to have a whirlwind field day against Washington’s shaky backline. </p>
<p id="5r0MV5">Their first mistake was leaving him in one-on-one slotting vs. former Eagles corner Ronald Darby. Darby, who spent three seasons in Philly, has had plenty of introductions to Cooper’s lethal route-running, one-cut and breakaway ability. Still though, familiarity does not signify aptitude to slow him down, and Darby was wholly at Cooper’s mercy on Thursday.</p>
<p id="nJU6BX">Coop must’ve been shorted portion-wise in his early breakfast meal, because the way he was carving through Washington’s secondary emanated of a yearning hunger for the traditional Thanksgiving turkey apportioned to the game’s annual winner. </p>
<p id="epvaE5">He torched Darby on a good old backyard fly route - no glitz, no glam - just speed, and ran right past him to bring in a 54-yard touchdown grab for his team’s first score of the day.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Andy Dalton dimes Amari Cooper for the TD <br><br>We got a game here. <br><br>(via <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NFL</a>)<a href="https://t.co/CmsEwdGG5r">pic.twitter.com/CmsEwdGG5r</a></p>— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) <a href="https://twitter.com/BleacherReport/status/1332087069624119298?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2020</a>
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<p id="JBvY2q">Kellen Moore opted for the same exact pattern near the second half’s close, this time netting a pass interference flag from Darby - who again looked depleted in his attempts to keep up. There’s no need to fix things that aren’t broken, and Cooper probably could’ve have scurried past Darby on a few more go-routes had Moore chosen to look his way.</p>
<p id="T9yn0F">Coop ended up with six catches for 112 yards on a whopping 18.67 yard per reception total, his highest of the year. It marks his third 100-yard game in 2020. </p>
<p id="cVz9Zw">There was no man that could slow him down Thursday, and if he keeps at this pace, he’ll run smoothly right into another 1,000 yard season.</p>
https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2020/11/28/21723928/three-stars-from-the-cowboys-versus-football-team-gameJustin A Morris2020-11-28T16:30:00-06:002020-11-28T16:30:00-06:00Grading the Cowboys emotional loss on Thanksgiving
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<p>The Cowboys certainly didn’t fare well on Thanksgiving Day.</p> <p id="R2uRxa">What a difference a few days makes for everyone's feelings about the <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys’</a> chances at making a playoff run. The tragic death of strength and conditioning coordinator Markus Paul weighed heavily on the hearts and minds of the Cowboys players when they took the field. He was a man that each player had a relationship with and spent a lot of time with. So it’s just horrible timing that they took on a team fighting for a divisional lead while they were grieving for a friend. With that being said, there was still a football game played so it’s time to grade the Cowboys showing against the <a href="https://www.hogshaven.com/">Washington Football Team</a> (WFT).</p>
<h3 id="VwEQf9"><strong>Overall: D</strong></h3>
<p id="liXBwr">This is a generous overall grade as this team was in an imaginable situation. They just lost a close friend and co-worker, they were playing on a Thanksgiving where they wouldn’t be able to see all of their family and friends like they have in the past, and the injury bug once again reared it’s ugly head. That would be a tall task for any team to overcome on a short week. Going up against a divisional rival with first place on the line was most likely not the top thing on their minds even if they don’t want to admit it.</p>
<p id="sSRfuk">Hopefully the extra time off with their next game being pushed back will give this team time to heal emotionally and physically.</p>
<h3 id="67v6AW"><strong>Coaching: F</strong></h3>
<p id="fcta6F">Here we are once again questioning the play-calling of head coach Mike McCarthy on another fake punt this time on fourth and 10 from their own 24-yard line. We likely are doing this a lot more because the last coaching staff wouldn’t even take the risk and would punt the football away. So while there is appreciation for McCarthy’s aggressiveness and trust in his special teams coach and players, one must realize that opposing teams have been coached to expect these things from John Fassel’s units. You also have the decision to go for it on fourth and one on their own 34-yard line and instead of running the ball or using a quarterback sneak. McCarthy and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore decided to throw the football which fell incomplete and led to Washington taking the lead and never giving it up.</p>
<p id="r60ZAn">Just more poor choices from a team that is supposed to be using analytics for the best outcomes.</p>
<h3 id="4GRLsa"><strong>Quarterback: C</strong></h3>
<p id="Xpnxc1">When you lose both of your starting tackles in the span of a few minutes, then you know it’s not going to be a good day for your quarterback. This was the case for quarterback Andy Dalton who was under pressure against this aggressive WFT front four. But that doesn’t save him from his rough performance this week going 25 of 35 for 215 yards after such a great showing last week. This week knowing that he had less time in the pocket Dalton seemed to hold on to the football to long taking three sacks and later throwing a interception that was returned for a touchdown.</p>
<h3 id="FjSTYs"><strong>Running Back: F</strong></h3>
<p id="kTmEko">When both of your running backs combine for 44 yards rushing on 14 carries and 17 yards receiving with three catches, you aren’t getting the job done. Yes, we know that Washington’s defensive line is very good but against the run they are middle of the pack at 14th in yards allowed this season. Elliott and Pollard should have been able to put up better numbers than they actually did. And if that wasn’t enough, Elliott once again put the ball on the turf and it was recovered by the opposing team.</p>
<p id="52flS9">Anyone else ready to see more Pollard at least until Elliott can figure out why he can’t hold on to the ball all of a sudden?</p>
<h3 id="E1bLS3"><strong>Wide Receiver: C</strong></h3>
<p id="xfQuc9">If we want to talk about the star of this offensive unit in the game then look no further than Amari Cooper who caught six passes for 112 yards on the day and a touchdown. While he was carrying the load, his fellow receivers weren’t able to get as much separation; Michael Gallup caught six passes for 41 yards and CeeDee Lamb caught five passes for 21 yards. Lamb also dropped a sure touchdown which might have been the turning point in the game.</p>
<h3 id="ext7Si"><strong>Tight End: C</strong></h3>
<p id="69Auva">After catching the game-winning touchdown last week, Dalton Schultz was a non-factor in the game this week. Catching five passes for 24 yards on the day, Schultz faced good coverage and the Washington pass rush was a factor in the poor performance of the passing game. Hopefully Schultz can get back on track next week.</p>
<h3 id="C2Y7yk"><strong>Offensive Line: Incomplete</strong></h3>
<p id="yeDVJ7">This offensive line has had enough injuries thrown at them this season. The football gods continue to punish this team with more injuries to Cam Erving (knee) and Zack Martin (calf), both going down with injuries early in the game and not returning. Once they were gone. the Washington defensive ends had a good day against their backups forcing Dalton out of the pocket or to rush passes. </p>
<p id="Nx0amU">With the injuries to this group it might be time to start thinking about the future draft picks.</p>
<h3 id="hMryzv"><strong>Defensive Line: C</strong></h3>
<p id="JRouMx">On passing downs the Cowboys pass rushers were getting the job done with a sack from DeMarcus Lawrence and a multi-sack day from Randy Gregory, along with six quarterback hits, but when it came to stopping the run the defensive tackles and defensive ends just couldn’t hold up surrendering 182 yards on the ground. It’s nice to see the pass rush coming around but they really need to look at drafting a big body to anchor that defensive line. </p>
<h3 id="bgVzrf"><strong>Linebackers: D</strong></h3>
<p id="fPM04V">When your safeties have more tackles then your linebackers that is a problem, especially when the team you were facing was more successful running the ball than passing. Other than Jaylon Smith’s interception that he almost returned for a touchdown, it wasn’t a particularly good day for these two. Sean Lee did play a bit and did get a quarterback hit but again nothing else more.</p>
<h3 id="i1ThzJ"><strong>Secondary: C</strong></h3>
<p id="ohMKpz">You have to give these guys credit as they were put in tough positions just like the rest of the defense with short fields and their backs against the wall. But unlike the other levels of the defense, the secondary held their own against this Washington passing attack giving, up only one touchdown. They did o have trouble keeping receiver Terry McLaurin in check but most teams in the NFL have had that same problem since he came into the league.</p>
<h3 id="CJ93tw"><strong>Summary</strong></h3>
<p id="HW1aUC">Heavy hearts, injuries, and poor play-calling by themselves are each tough things to overcome when playing in a game, but when you’re dealing with them all at once it’s almost an impossible thing to overcome. Let’s hope they can take this time to get better inside and out and our prayers go out to the family of <a href="https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/players-coaches-reflect-on-loss-of-markus-paul">Markus Paul.</a></p>
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https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2020/11/28/21723949/grading-the-cowboys-emotional-loss-on-thanksgivingTerence Watson2020-11-28T14:00:00-06:002020-11-28T14:00:00-06:00Play of the Game: Amari Cooper shined on Thanksgiving Day
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<figcaption>Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Is Amari Cooper heating up?</p> <p id="xRA9b8">While they may have wound up losing, the biggest play of the <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a> Thanksgiving Day matchup with the <a href="https://www.hogshaven.com/">Washington Football Team</a> came early in the second quarter. </p>
<p id="o0S6Tx">On 1st and 10 the Cowboys came out with two tight ends, allowing them to run an 8-man protection and take a shot deep.</p>
<p id="Rp07FN">Amari Cooper lined up on the right side of the formation. He released outside and ran a good route against cornerback Ronald Darby. The two were neck and neck until they looked back for the ball. Cooper kept up his speed while Darby slowed down. As a result, Cooper gained separation.</p>
<p id="0VDs7j">Dallas Cowboys quarterback Andy Dalton dropped back and found Cooper streaking down the sideline. Dalton threw a great ball, hitting Cooper in stride for a 54-yard touchdown! Not to mention the fact that Tony Pollard threw a huge block.</p>
<p id="F6FRW9">This was a huge play that gave the Cowboys a 10-7 lead. It was also this week’s Cowboys Play of the Game. Unfortunately Dallas lost, but it is hopefully indicative of some brighter days being ahead. </p>
https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2020/11/28/21723941/play-of-the-game-amari-cooper-shined-on-thanksgiving-dayMatt Minich2020-11-27T17:00:00-06:002020-11-27T17:00:00-06:00Cowboys Game Ball: There is really only one candidate for it from the Thanksgiving game
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<figcaption>Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>In a miserable Cowboys game, one player came to play.</p> <p id="fX1910">Giving out a game ball after the Cowboys got embarrassed by the <a href="https://www.hogshaven.com/">Washington Football team</a>, 41-16, seems almost like a participation trophy. Yet there is something to recognizing players who still bring their A-game, even in defeat. There was one Cowboys player who was ready for action on Thursday instead of being sleepy from turkey. That player was Amari Cooper. </p>
<p id="lf6qqP">Cooper led the Cowboys with six catches for 112 yards and one touchdown. That lone touchdown was a thing of beauty as he cooked the Washington defender on a 54-yard bomb from Andy Dalton.</p>
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<p lang="in" dir="ltr">AMARIIIIII<br><br>(via <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NFL</a>) <a href="https://t.co/oz2WUpbbW2">pic.twitter.com/oz2WUpbbW2</a></p>— Blogging The Boys (@BloggingTheBoys) <a href="https://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys/status/1332087298528337929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2020</a>
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<p id="FFwhMV">Dalton targeted Cooper eight times on the day and the receiver hauled in six of them. Excluding the quarterback, Cooper was the only Cowboys player to go over 100 yards of production on the day and the next closest Cowboys player was a very distant second (Michael Gallup, 41 yards). Cooper also drew a 28-yard pass interference penalty that doesn't show up in his stats yet led to a Cowboys field goal right before halftime. Essentially, Cooper was the Cowboys only real weapon on the day.</p>
<p id="tzcjR3">This continues a strong season for the veteran receiver. He leads that Cowboys in targets (98), catches (71), receiving yards (848) and has three touchdowns on the year. He also has a healthy 72.4% catch rate and is second in yards from scrimmage (859), only trailing Ezekiel Elliott (963).</p>
<p id="MgS6IH">Cooper has been remarkably consistent this year with only two real clunker games out of the 11 played, with one of those being the Ben DiNucci Eagles game.</p>
<p id="cPgd4o">Thursday was a disaster, but Cooper continues to show his worth. </p>
https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2020/11/27/21722699/cowboys-game-ball-there-is-really-only-one-candidate-for-it-from-the-thanksgiving-gameDavid Halprin