For all that’s been said about the Dallas Cowboys’ offense recently, they played like they had something personal to prove. From the opening whistle, they dominated a Washington Football Team that didn’t put up a fight; besides the fighting amongst themselves.
This was a statement Dallas needed to make. It was loud and clear with a 56-14 thrashing of Washington on Sunday Night Football. Over the last month or so, questions have been asked about the Dallas Cowboys offense, and by proxy, Dak Prescott. I think it’s safe to say they got their swagger back.
With having already clinched the NFC East before they took the field, the Cowboys were merciless until the closing minutes. While the offense will draw most of the headlines after this win, the defense was equally as impressive – and has been for most of the season.
Dallas is now 11-4 and only one game behind the Green Bay Packers for a first-round bye in the playoffs. You could argue the Dallas Cowboys are the hottest team in the NFL after going 4-0 in December. Let’s further review this impressive win and trace this Murder by the Numbers.
8.46 – Yards Per attempt by Dak Prescott
You read that right. Almost 9 yards per pass attempt. Dak Prescott was on fire against Washington. You could also give some of that praise to Kellen Moore, who has been under the same scrutiny as Dak Prescott these last few weeks.
Moore and Dak Prescott made sure to get everybody involved in the offense. I don’t mean that to be hyperbolic, either. Prescott completed a pass to nine different receivers, including a 1-yard touchdown pass to offensive tackle, Terence Steele. Prescott became the first player in NFL history to throw a touchdown pass to a wide receiver, an offensive lineman, a tight end, and a running back in the same game.
This wasn’t a performance predicated on safe, short throws either. Prescott had 10 completions of 10 yards or more in the first half alone; a great sign for the Dallas Cowboys offense that has been missing explosive plays in the passing game. For his shortened night, Prescott threw for 330 yards and 4 touchdowns. Most importantly, Prescott had zero turnovers. He played practically a perfect game, while also using his mobility to escape the pocket for big plays downfield. Overall, it was a great outing for Dak Prescott.
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11 – Targets to Amari Cooper
Speaking of getting players involved, Amari Cooper made it known this week that he felt that he could be an integral part of getting the Dallas Cowboys offense back on track. It turns out he was right, playing his best game since Halloween night in Minnesota.
Cooper turned 11 targets into 7 receptions, 85 yards, and 1 touchdown. The final output may not seem so significant on a night where the team scored 56 points, but it does matter in the grand scheme.
Amari Cooper is Dallas Cowboys most versatile receiver. The manner in which he has the long speed to take the top off defenses, he can play in the slot, and is also a top-5 route runner in the NFL. Cooper being a key cog in the passing game allows Dak Prescott to have an advantage against any coverage whether it be man or zone. Based on Cooper’s salary, he’ll be dissected more than necessary, but games like this help quiet those conversations.
11 (again) – Trevon Diggs Records Franchise tying 11th interception
On Washington’s first offensive play of the game, Tayor Heinicke threw a deep pass down the field that was intercepted by Trevon Diggs. Diggs stayed on top of Terry McLaurin’s go route and made the interception despite McLaurin’s efforts to jar the ball loose.
It’s becoming almost mundane at this point; just as are the critics that say Diggs allows as many plays as he makes. While according to the NBC broadcast, Diggs does allow the most yards by a cornerback, but it’s pretty hard to downplay the impact of his takeaways for the Dallas Cowboys. It’s even more difficult to downplay the effectiveness of his coverage against Terry McLaurin.
After holding McLaurin to zero yards and catches in their first meeting, Diggs was equally up to the task again on Sunday. Diggs’ trail technique was excellent and he all but eliminated Terry McLaurin in coverage. You certainly make the case that Diggs is the Defensive Player of the Year, and at bare minimum, an All-Pro. With two games left and the NFL record for interceptions in a season within reach, we might be watching history in the making.
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+2 – Dallas Cowboys Turnover Differential
The subheader is probably an oversimplification and underselling how well the defense played against Washington. Yet, it says a lot about the Dallas Cowboys offense and defense. With two turnovers and a turnover-free game from the offense, the Dallas Cowboys are now +14 in turnover differential. That is tied for the 2nd best margin in the NFL.
A large part of that has to come from a rejuvenated pass rush since the return of Randy Gregory and Demarcus Lawrence. The much-maligned, albeit unfairly Lawrence made an excellent play to deflect a Taylor Heinicke pass to himself for a 40-yard interception return for a touchdown.
Meanwhile, Randy Gregory continued making himself a close acquaintance of Taylor Heinicke; living in the Washington backfield. I’d also be remiss if I didn’t mention the other breakout star of this defense, Micah Parsons who recorded his 13th sack of the season.
It’s been discussed at length and rightfully so, but the trio of Parsons, Lawrence, and Gregory have been a nightmare for opposing offenses the last three weeks. The way defensive coordinator Dan Quinn can deploy these three has led to errant throws, sacks, and most importantly, turnovers. If they can stay healthy, the Dallas Cowboys are going to be very dangerous in the postseason.
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