The Dallas Cowboys are somehow still alive. In one of the wildest finishes of the season, Dallas defeated Oakland 20-17 on Sunday night that kept their slim playoff hopes alive while essentially ending those of the Raiders. It wasn’t the prettiest win, but now the Cowboys have a chance to find themselves in the postseason if they win out and get some help.
With that, let’s take a look back at the events that unfolded at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.
Momentum Swings Favor Cowboys
The thickness of an index card. The fumble at the goal line. Scoring plays called back. No matter how you break it down, the Cowboys got the benefit of a few breaks to help them come out the win.
The Raiders had a kickoff return for a touchdown taken off due to a penalty, another score off the board due to offensive pass interference and a fourth down conversion by the slimmest of margins go their way. No matter how you look at it, the Cowboys survived and live to fight another day for their playoff hopes.
Garrett’s Gambles Pay Off
A lot of people will point to Garrett going for it that led to the “index card” measurement, but the other big gamble that paid off was the fake punt from Chris Jones that helped jump start the Cowboys offense.
That play kept a Cowboys drive alive that led to a Dak Prescott touchdown run that put Dallas back in front in the third quarter. If the Cowboys do end up making the postseason, that will be one of the plays they point to that saved their season as well.
Jeff Heath Saves The Day
The Cowboys defense struggled in the second half, especially the secondary trying to cover Michael Crabtree. But Jeff Heath also came up with some timely plays on the Raiders final drive. He broke up a pass that would have gone for a go-ahead score and forced a Derek Carr fumble that went out of the end zone that sealed the victory for the Cowboys.
As was the case with Chris Jones, that forced fumble will be looked upon as one of the biggest during the Cowboys run if they’re able to make it back.
What’s Next?
Zeke is back. After scuffling through the first three games of his suspension without their star running back, Dallas has been able to find a way to win their last three games and keep their playoff homes alive.
With Seattle reeling from a blowout loss at home and the Eagles now without Carson Wentz, a path to the postseason looks clearer than it did a month ago. The question is: Will it be enough?
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