The performance was not extraordinary as had happened for example against the Falcons or the Eagles. Especially considering that the rival this Thursday night arrived with many injuries in irreplaceable pieces. Although the important thing was to get a victory whatever to end the streak of three falls in four games.
It was not a showy performance, but the run of three games in 12 days is now over. One issue that was quite noticeable in recent defeats was the absence of play-makers. Whether due to injury, coronavirus or shock, the offensive cast was almost never complete. Luckily for the team they managed to get them together for this TNF.
The truth is that the attack did not work as well or with consistency. The big plays were actually the difference. Those individual actions provided just the spark to win. The first unavoidable participation was that of Amari Cooper. As it was not 100%, it was logical that it should be used mainly on third chances and the goal zone.
Dak & Amari connect for a gain of 41 yards! #DallasCowboys
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????: https://t.co/LMzEctbvnL pic.twitter.com/FEVVQ8XV9i— NFL (@NFL) December 3, 2021
Cooper was essential to unleash an encounter that started very difficult. It was 3rd and 7th when Dak Prescott took advantage of a perfect wide receiver path to complete a 41-yard throw. A little later the appearance of the other return would arrive. A backward pass to CeeDee Lamb turned into a 33-yard drive after the reception.
That combination left the ball at the 1-yard line. What would follow is a Michael Gallup touchdown catch. However, describing her that way doesn’t do justice to the difficulty she had. Gallup received the ball in a corner where there was almost no room to land as if it were straightforward.
MICHAEL GALLUP. WHAT A GRAB!
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????: https://t.co/LMzEctbvnL pic.twitter.com/JjlCIjnp7x— NFL (@NFL) December 3, 2021
Although New Orleans would respond immediately. Coverage per man is something that didn’t work at all for Dallas in their two recent games, but they tried again. Unfortunately that was a relevant reason for the 24-yard touchdown that partially evened the score.
Before moving on to the explosion of exchanges that was the last quarter, a decisive play occurred. It was evident that the land route was not going to work due to the quality of the rival in that area. In fact, he didn’t do it all night. Except for one particular time where a player gave another test of his potential.
Theres goes Tony Pollard ????♂️????
Down the sideline for a 58-yard touchdown! @Tp__5
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????: https://t.co/LMzEctbvnL pic.twitter.com/a997wSA6QS— NFL (@NFL) December 3, 2021
Last week a 100-yard touchdown on a kick return showed Tony Pollard’s speed. This time he was the protagonist through a carry that was destined to lose territory. A dodged tackle turned out to be a fantastic 58-yard touchdown. Beyond the madness that would happen next, that blow would be the knockout.
On the other side of the ball there was a revitalization. Although Dan Quinn had to perform the duties of head coach, the unit was not affected at all. True, he had a hard time deciphering quarterback Taysom Hill’s ground advances, but when he was forced to pitch, he paid too much for it.
10th sack of the season for rookie @MicahhParsons11! ???? #DallasCowboys
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????: https://t.co/LMzEctbvnL pic.twitter.com/rbJmbvMoOv— NFL (@NFL) December 3, 2021
In total there would be four interceptions that the defense got. None was more important than Jayron Kearse’s. There the Saints were assured of at least one field goal reaching the two-minute break in the opening half. That could have implied an equality in ten. However, the safety made a pick with a brilliant flight.
The other three would come out of New Orleans’ desperation to get closer. An interception by Prescott had put them in good stead, but Quinn’s unit said present. A great deal of pressure from Jourdan Lewis destabilized Hill’s arm so that the ball fell into Damontae Kazee’s hands.
RUMBLE BIG FELLA RUMBLE. #DallasCowboys
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????: https://t.co/LMzEctbvnL pic.twitter.com/WKf5PhK4cd— NFL (@NFL) December 3, 2021
The next to get his gift would be none other than Trevon Diggs. Although the most curious play was made by a defensive tackle. A correct reading of Carlos Watkins allowed him to take the ball in an additional turnover. The best thing was that the DT returned it with admirable speed 29 yards to the end zone.
Dallas must be victorious by whatever means necessary. Although the final quarter saw a marked superiority, the dominance in development was not so pronounced. However, now it will be time to rethink what happened on this journey. With several days to go it should be enough to return to the previous version of the offense.
