NFL: Dallas Cowboys Put on a 4th Quarter Show
FRISCO, TX — They say December is where things get real in the NFL, and the importance of each game leading into playoffs is very clear! The Dallas Cowboys are known for securing the Divisional Champs title, yet ‘choking’ in a first game exit in the playoffs. Although many are feeling this is not the same Dallas team we’ve seen the past few years, as their defense is the best in the league, and their offense is putting up big numbers on the scoreboard. Second in the (arguably most competitive division) NFC East to the unstoppable Philadelphia Eagles with 11-1, Dallas holds a 9-3 record.
Last night’s game at the AT&T Stadium certainly had Dallas fans nervous for the first three quarters with 19-21 against the Indianapolis Colts a 4-7-1 team. Why was the score so close? With several flags thrown, a pick from Dak, blown coverage from cornerback Diggs, things looked very grim for the boys. But let’s just say…good things take time. Well in this case good things take 15 minutes, as Dallas came back with 33 unanswered points ALL in the 4th quarter! In Week 13, Dallas finished up 54 - Indianapolis Colts 19. Cowboys entered the fourth quarter with a mere two-point lead over the Colts but came out of it in the end with a 35-point victory, which has many scratching their heads in confusion. The nation watched the Colts get obliterated in just 15 minutes. When did the momentum pick up? From a sack fumble, to two back to back interceptions, it just got worse for the Colts. Here’s key breakdown of how the game resulted in a Dallas W.
1. The Dallas run game. The Colts defense had running back Ezekiel Elliot looking like 2018 Zeke! Safe to say the RB was eating, more like feasting last night. The Cowboys generated a season-high +0.32 expected points added (EPA) per rush on the night. Tony Pollard with 91 rushing yards, and Zeke finishing with 77. Along with RB Malik Davis, with 29 rushing yards, the running backs accumulated 197 YDS, and 4 TDS.
Photo: Dallas Cowboys IG
2. Two words, DaRon Bland! In his third career start, the cornerback was certainly the star of the show. Bland picked off two passes back-to-back and allowed just nine yards on 34 coverage snaps for the game. Nothing bland about it..
3. Dallas rookie tackle Tyler Smith made a statement. Smith did not allow a single pressure for the game on first review, which would be his second such game in his rookie campaign.
4. The Colts offensive line had major issues all game long. The Cowboys defense took full advantage of that. Colts’ six offensive linemen lost at least three reps for the game. Five of the six earned a poor pass-blocking grade below 60.0 on first review. Yikes.
Photo: Dallas Cowboys IG
5. Malik Hooker was the Colts' first-round draft pick (15th overall) in 2017. Now in his prime he's making impact plays for the ... Cowboys and even secured Player of the Game title following his incredible performance against his old team.
Photo: Dallas Cowboys IG
…You know we have to say it. How about them Cowboys?
Cowboys take on the Houston Texans next in Week 14.
