The Dallas Cowboys celebrated Thanksgiving in style with a 27-20 victory over the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium, leaning on a balanced offensive attack and timely defensive plays to secure the win.
A standout performance by a key offensive contributor added a memorable highlight to the holiday clash, further fueling Dallas’s momentum heading into the critical stretch of the season.
In front of a packed AT&T Stadium, Rico Dowdle delivered his first career 100-yard rushing game, amassing 112 yards on 22 carries and scoring his first rushing touchdown of the season.
Said McCarthy of the relatively unheralded Dowdle: “It is clear evidence of what he can do when he gets 20 carries. … You’re getting to see what we see (in practice) every day.”
Dowdle’s defining moment came late in the third quarter. With the Cowboys leading 20-10, Dowdle capped off a 70-yard drive with a four-yard rushing touchdown, extending Dallas’ lead to 27-10. His consistent production on the ground helped Dallas maintain control of the clock and overcome a late push by the Giants.
Dowdle’s milestone game marked the first time a Cowboys running back eclipsed the century mark since Tony Pollard’s performance against Arizona in September of the 2023 season. This outing also continued Dowdle’s upward trend, following a solid Week 12 effort where he recorded 86 yards on 19 carries in the win over Washington.
The Cowboys’ offense showcased balance, accumulating 317 total yards, including 122 rushing yards. Brandin Cooks also contributed with a touchdown reception, while DeMarvion Overshown shined defensively with a game-changing interception returned for a touchdown in the first half. The Cowboys held Giants quarterback Drew Lock to 131 passing yards while applying constant pressure.
The win improves Dallas to 5-7 on the season. The Cowboys will look to build on this success as they prepare to host the 4-7 Cincinnati Bengals in Week 14. The Bengals are coming off a 34-27 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers and will be aiming to rebound. The upcoming matchup presents an opportunity for Dallas to continue their momentum against a team seeking to regain its footing.
