The Dallas Cowboys discover themselves in a spot many would not have guessed they’d be in after shedding quarterback Dak Prescott to season-ending surgical procedure simply two weeks in the past.
After two straight victories, together with a 27-20 Thanksgiving Day battering of the New York Giants, Dallas (5-7) is again within the NFC playoff hunt.
Quarterback Cooper Rush is 2-2 underneath middle rather than the injured Prescott, including 192 yards and a landing cross on Thursday to his aid resume.
However it was the Cowboys protection that stole the day, logging two essential turnovers, together with a pick-six in the first half.
Dallas’ subsequent two opponents are each underneath .500 on the yr and provide the crew a chance to get again to 7-7. Nevertheless, after that, its remaining three contests are towards playoff contenders, together with two extra division opponents.
On the opposite aspect of the ball, the New York Giants (2-10) discovered the illusion of an NFL offense it as soon as possessed in years previous. However dropped passes and turnovers prevented a extra aggressive efficiency.
With the loss, the Giants grew to become the primary crew eradicated from playoff rivalry.
New York is that a lot nearer to a second consecutive high draft decide, however that could be little comfort if the season ends with yet one more regime change.
Head coach Brian Daboll and normal supervisor Joe Schoen are on a boiling scorching seat regardless of owner John Mara preaching patience.
Because the pair arrived in 2022, the franchise noticed one playoff victory that made the fanbase really feel just like the post-Eli Manning rebuild was forward of schedule. However an 8-21 document, shedding a star working again and waiving a first-round quarterback says in any other case.
If New York cannot hit a house run on its draft choice in 2025, that supposed rebuild could have taken main steps backward.
Thursday was additional proof of regression, however sooner or later, the crew wants to indicate indicators it will possibly enhance underneath the present management.
If there’s something to be glad about in East Rutherford, New Jersey, it is the truth that the Giants are nonetheless a younger group of gamers and boast one of many strongest defensive rosters within the league. Issues will flip round… finally.
