With the Dallas Cowboys coming fresh off the bye week and the Minnesota Vikings playing on a short week, this NFC showdown was one for the ages. No one expected a close offensive shootout as the Dallas Cowboys edged out the Minnesota Vikings 31-28.
Heading into Week 11, HC Mike McCarthy decided to move Zack Martin to right tackle and started 2019 3rd round pick Connor McGovern to right guard. The small change could be immediately noticed as QB Andy Dalton and the Cowboys offense looked as calm as ever since QB Dak Prescott was injured. The Dallas running game was established early in the game as the running back duo of Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard combined for 163 yards rushing yards in their best game of the season.
The highlight of the day came from rookie WR Ceedee Lamb who had a miraculous touchdown catch early in the second quarter, and it was refreshing for Cowboys fans to finally see the flashy wide receiver core get used properly once again. The Dallas offense looked explosive once again and it all started with the offensive line. If it wasn’t for the offensive line change, this game would have not been as entertaining as it was.
Now defensively, in the first half, the Cowboys defense was physical, quick, and produced two turnovers that eventually converted into nine points thanks to the offense. The great defensive play in the second half quickly disappeared as the Vikings found their footing offensively after a forgettable first half. DC Mike Nolan had no answer for the Vikings’ play action and both WR Adam Thielen and WR Justin Jefferson had a field day against the Cowboys’ secondary.
While the Cowboys defense was leaky in the second half, they got two huge stops to give them a chance to win the game. That’s what your defense should do: bend, and don’t break. The Cowboys did exactly that and it finally played in their favor.
The Cowboys now firmly put themselves back in the middle of the battle of the NFC East. With this win, every team in the NFC East has three wins heading into Week 12. Now, things could get very interesting this Thursday as the Cowboys face the Washington Football Team to compete for first place in the division. Two weeks ago, many were set to board the tank train, but now there is no reason to believe the Cowboys cannot win the division. For now, the Cowboys will enjoy the feeling of winning that they haven’t felt since Week 5.
For more NFL coverage, click here.
