Dallas Cowboys give Christmas gift to Seahawks, lose 21-12
The Dallas Cowboys failed to make the postseason as their holiday hopes were dashed as they gifted a 21-12 victory to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.
For all intents and purposes, the Dallas Cowboys have been in the playoffs for the past few weeks. Needing to win every game on their schedule following a three-game losing streak that started back in Week 10, the Cowboys had accomplished their postseason mission so far, having secured victories in their last three contests.
With two weeks left in the regular season, the Cowboys path to the postseason was clear. Defeat the Seattle Seahawks in Arlington and the Philadelphia Eagles at home, plus hope that the Carolina Panthers beat the Atlanta Falcons in Week 17, and Dallas would win the final spot in the Wild Card round of the NFC playoffs.
But first things first. The Cowboys would have defeat a Seahawks team coming off a laughable performance in Week 15, where Seattle was blown out by the Los Angeles Rams, 42-7. And with the highly-anticipated return of running back Ezekiel Elliott in this matchup, plus coming off three straight wins, Dallas appeared to have all the momentum at home.
Instead, the Cowboys offense gifted the Seahawks a Christmas Eve victory, failing to breach the end zone even once in a 21-12 loss. In the true spirit of the season, Dallas gave Seattle a Dez Bryant fumble that led to their first touchdown. Quarterback Dak Prescott gifted a pick-six to Seattle cornerback Justin Coleman as well.
In fact, Prescott would throw two interceptions on the day. He’d finish the game completing 21 of his 34 passes for 182 yards and zero touchdowns. Dez Bryant not only fumbled the ball once, but one of his two dropped passes resulted in an interception. He finished the day recording just three catches for 44 yards.
Running back Ezekiel Elliott feel short of his lofty 200 rushing yardage goal in this matchup, putting up 97 yards on 24 carries. Zeke was still the Cowboys most effective weapon.
Kicker Dan Bailey landed four field goals in this game. But his two missed field goal attempts at the end of the contest hurt the most. The most consistent kicker in NFL history appears to have a confidence problem. But he’s also had to deal with groin and hamstring injuries this season.
Defensively, linebacker Sean Lee led the team with 14 combined tackles. Defensive ends DeMarcus Lawrence, Benson Mayowa and rookie Taco Charlton all recorded a sack in this matchup. For Lawrence, he has 14.5 total sacks for the year.
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The now 8-7 Dallas Cowboys will travel to Philly to face their NFC East rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles, in a meaningless Week 17 matchup. That game is scheduled to take place on Sunday, December 31st at 12:00 p.m. CST.