Cowboys vs. Redskins: Amari Cooper sparks Thanksgiving win
The Dallas Cowboys are in the midst of a three-game winning streak after pulling out a victory over the Washington Redskins on Thanksgiving.
In Week Seven, the Dallas Cowboys lost to their NFC East rivals, the divisional-leading Washington Redskins, to the tune of 20-17 in FedExField. After that disappointing loss, the Cowboys made some serious changes. The biggest move being their decision to send their future 2019 first round selection to the Oakland Raiders in a trade for wide receiver Amari Cooper.
Since Cooper’s arrival in Big D, the Cowboys have managed to pull out improbable victories over the Atlanta Falcons and the Philadelphia Eagles. But it was the loss to Washington that spark that change. And against the Redskins on Thursday, in front of a Thanksgiving Day audience, the Cowboys newest receiver proved his worth.
The two-time Pro Bowl wideout posted an incredible stat line of eight catches on nine targets for 180 yards and two scores. In his prior three games in Dallas, Cooper had only recorded a total of 14 receptions for 169 yards and one score.
Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott‘s ability to play turnover-free football was also key to getting the holiday victory. The third-year passer completed 22 of his 31 throws for 289 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. Prescott also added a rushing touchdown.
Dallas running back Ezekiel Elliott broke the century rushing mark for the sixth-time this season. Zeke posted 121 yards and a score on the ground. He also caught five passes for 22 yards.
Defensively, the Cowboys recorded a whopping three interceptions against Washington backup quarterback Colt McCoy. Defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, safety Xavier Woods and cornerback Anthony Brown all had picks. Rookie linebacker Leighton Vander Esch led the team with nine total tackles.
Linebacker Jaylon Smith and Brown both recorded sacks. Lawrence and defensive lineman Tyrone Crawford each posted half a sack.
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The 6-5 Dallas Cowboys are now tied with the Washington Redskins for the top spot in the NFC East standings. Next up for America’s Team, they’ll welcome the red hot 9-1 New Orleans Saints to AT&T Stadium next Thursday, November 29, at 7:20 p.m. CST. The primetime game will air both on FOX and the NFL Network.