The Dallas Cowboys got a much-needed win at home on Thursday night with a 38-14 win over the Washington Redskins on Thursday night. The win snaps a three-game losing streak and more importantly, moves Dallas to 6-6 on the year with two winnable games ahead on the schedule.
As Dallas gets an extra few days of rest before their next game, here are some takeaways on a good night at AT&T Stadium.
Offense Wakes Up After Slow Start
For the first quarter, the Cowboys offense had looked pretty much the same since the Ezekiel Elliott suspension. In fact, the Cowboys had four three-and-outs to start the game.
That said, once Dallas got into the end zone in the second quarter, it seemed a burden had been lifted from Dak Prescott and company. Alfred Morris had a great night (more on him later) stepped up and Dez Bryant snapped a long scoring drought with a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter.
Everyone on the offensive line was healthy for the first time in a while and it showed with a much better offensive output on Thursday night.
Defense Making Plays When Needed
Aside from the two touchdown drives from the Washington Redskins, the Cowboys defense looked had one of their best games of the season.
Up front, DeMarcus Lawrence continued his breakout season and added two more sacks to his impressive totals on the year. Anthony Hitchens also finished with 15 tackles on the night.
Finally, rookie cornerback Chidobe Awuzie had his own coming out game on Thursday night, finishing with three tackles and making a couple of good breakups in pass coverage. If he can stay healthy down the stretch, he’ll be a valuable piece in that seconday.
Role Players Step Up
The aforementioned Awuzie had a big night for Dallas but there were other Cowboys who put their own stamp on the game.
Alfred Morris had one of his best games against his former team, rushing for 127 yards and a touchdown in the victory. One of the key moments of the game also came from rookie receiver/returner Ryan Switzer, who took a punt 83 yards for a score near the end of the half and gave Dallas some much needed breathing room.
Playoff Hopes Still Alive
The Cowboys have a long road back back to get themselves back in the playoff hunt, but they took a step in the right direction. Winning the NFC East is more than likely out of the question with the Philadelphia Eagles continuing to roll, but Dallas is trying to stay alive for a wild card berth.
If Dallas can win the next two games (at New York Giants, at Oakland), it would give them a shot with Ezekiel Elliott to make a push towards the postseason. It’s a long short but certainly not out of the realm of possibility.
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