3 stars from Cowboys 27-20 Thanksgiving win vs Giants
For a while, the Dallas Cowboys were stumbling out of the gate, much like their game versus the Washington Commanders. Due to self-inflicted mistakes and untimely drops by CeeDee Lamb, the offense staggered through the first half without much to show for it on the scoreboard. The Dallas offense looked sluggish and every bit like a short-handed team that had just played a football game four days ago. Their opponent, the New York Giants, were playing their third quarterback of the season and have had a subpar defense, so the Cowboys struggling for as long as they did and having difficulty finding their footing offensively, managed to keep New York close. Luckily, Dallasā defense kept New York at bay until the offense found traction in the second half.
The Cowboys took command of the game in the second half, racing to a 17-point lead midway through the third quarter. Dallas survived the last-minute surge by the Giants to secure their second consecutive division victory. The win gives the Cowboys a 5-7 record to keep their slim playoff hopes alive and an 11-day break before their next game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Here are the players that stuffed the Giantsā offense and feasted with their opportunities on Thanksgiving.
Rico Dowdle
With the passing game floundering, the Cowboysā offense needed something it could hang its hat on until Cooper Rush started to find a rhythm with his receivers. Rico Dowdle stepped up to give Dallas a consistent running attack they had been missing for most of the season. With the ball in his hands, Dowdle ran with excellent vision, was decisive in cuts, and provided Dallas with explosive runs they had not had this season.
After the Cowboys were backed up on 2nd-and-21 after a penalty by Chuma Edoga, Dowdle ran for 22 yards to practically save the Cowboysā offensive series, ultimately leading to points. That run was Dallasā first run of 20+ yards this season. In all, Dowdle ran 22 times for 112 yards, his first 100-yard rushing game of his career and the first the Cowboys have had in 26 games. He left defenders in his wake as he broke several tackles. Hereās a closer look at how effectively he bulldozed the Giants defenders.
Dowdle has run for almost 200 yards on 4.8 yards per attempt in his last two games. If Dallas thinks they can do the unthinkable and stay in the playoff chase, itāll take more games like this to alleviate the pressure on Rush and Dallasā defense. Rico Dowdle is unquestionably the feature runner of the team, and he needs to be given a number of carries becoming of that title moving forward.
DeMarvion Overshown
DeMarvion Overshown is the type of linebacker you would create in Madden. Heās 6ā3ā with arms that could reach down the long way of a table during Thanksgiving dinner, and he has the speed to get downhill instantly. He is quickly becoming one of the premier players on the defense. The second-year linebacker is exciting to watch and flashes multiple times a game. His explosive burst gives the illusion that he can be everywhere at once.
Not only is he very fast, but heās also cerebral. Overshown can diagnose runs and shoot gaps, thanks to his understanding of Mike Zimmerās defense.
Against the Giants, he was Johnny on the spot on multiple occasions. First, he got the Cowboys on the board with a play highlighting his unique athleticism.
Overshown did a great job of throwing off the timing of the running back trying to get out of the backfield for the screen. Then he knocked the pass in the air and alertly intercepted it before running it in for the score – the total package all in one play. He was also at the right place and time when he later recovered a fumble. He was tied for second on the team in tackles with nine. His good instincts and timing gave the Cowboys the upper hand.
Micah Parsons
Micah Parsons is a game changer. Having him back healthy positively alters Dallasā chances of being able to win a few games down the stretch. He didnāt give Giants quarterback Drew Lock a chance to breathe as Parsons was in hot pursuit of Lock all afternoon. Parsons has remained steadfast in saying that despite so many injuries and disappointment, the Cowboys are not tanking and coming to compete. Parsons showed that yesterday and has been playing on fire since his return.
Against the Giants, Parsons recorded 1.5 sacks and hit Lock four other times. His presence also opened the door for others to make plays as the Giants offensive line paid extra attention to Parsons, especially the interior defensive line. Mazi Smith had one of his better games, and so did Osa Odighizuwa.
When Parsons collapses the pocket like this, it kills drives for opposing offenses. According to PFF, the Cowboys pressured the Giants on 52.4% of plays, and Parsons led the charge. Currently, Parsons is red-hot as he prepares for Dallasā next game against the Cincinnati Bengals and quarterback Joe Burrow. Parsons is ready to show why the lion will be King of the Jungle against Cincinnati.
