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Cowboys Week 16 studs and duds: DaRon Bland rips victory away from Eagles

By Randy Gurzi

Dec 24, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys safety Jayron Kearse (27) and cornerback DaRon Bland (26) and cornerback Trevon Diggs (7) and safety Malik Hooker (28) celebrate after Bland recovers a Philadelphia Eagles fumble during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys safety Jayron Kearse (27) and cornerback DaRon Bland (26) and cornerback Trevon Diggs (7) and safety Malik Hooker (28) celebrate after Bland recovers a Philadelphia Eagles fumble during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Philadelphia Eagles still need just one win to secure the NFC East title, but they won’t be celebrating that victory at AT&T Stadium. The Dallas Cowboys, who could still find a way to win the division if the Eagles lose out, made sure that didn’t happen as they knocked off their rivals 40-34 on Christmas Eve.

There were several big plays, including T.Y. Hilton converting on third-and-30, that helped lead to the win. Here, we look back at some of the biggest moments and select a few studs and duds from Week 16.

Cowboys Week 16 studs and duds

Cowboys, Jayron Kearse
Cowboys, Jayron Kearse. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) /

Stud: Jayron Kearse, Safety

The Eagles had an early 10-7 but Dallas was able to slow their offense down and take the lead early in the second quarter — thanks to Jayron Kearse. On the very first snap of the second, Kearse leaped around Quez Watkins and made a remarkable interception.

His play gave the offense the ball at the Philly 47 and allowed them to take a 14-10 lead on a CeeDee Lamb touchdown reception.

Kearse wasn’t done there as he also had a fumble recovery in the second half. This time, a botched handoff left the ball on the ground and Kearse picked it up, nearly taking off for a touchdown. He was tripped up by Gardner Minshew, which was the only reason he didn’t score.

Still, the turnover led to another touchdown as the Cowboys tied it up at 27 when Prescott hit Michael Gallup for six. In all, 14 points came courtesy of Kearse taking the ball away.

Dud: Nahshon Wright, Cornerback

Overall, Nahshon Wright wasn’t awful. He recorded eight tackles, including one for a loss. He did give up a couple of third-down receptions but was an improvement over Kelvin Joseph who was recently benched.

Even with the ups and downs, he really only makes this list as a dud for one play — which was on the kickoff to begin the third quarter. KaVontae Turpin brought the ball to midfield and nearly broke it for a touchdown as he ran 56 yards on the kickoff.

Sadly, that play didn’t count thanks to a holding penalty on Wright. Dallas instead had to start at their own 14, and it was a three-and-out leading to a punt.

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