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The Dallas Cowboys improbably defeated the Washington Commanders in Week 12 of 2024. John breaks down how it happened, with Micah Parsons, CeeDee Lamb, and the special teams.
Even during lost seasons, it's always a source of pride for teams to beat their divisional rivals, even if it leads to lower picks in next season's NFL Draft. For coaches who are fighting to keep their jobs and players battling for roster positions, these games are still important.
So, how did the Cowboys pull off this stunner?
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Micah Parsons Carried The Defense
It can't be understated how massive defensive end Micah Parsons is for this defense. He recorded two sacks and two tackles for loss and helped put a ton of pressure on opposing quarterback Jayden Daniels. Parsons' ability to quickly get into the backfield was crucial for their win.
that Micah Parsons getoff pic.twitter.com/m2tXNf2A9E
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) November 25, 2024
He disrupted play after play, interrupting the rhythm of the offense, and sometimes stopping opposing drives on his own. He was even able to beat double teams. It's critically important for double-team blocks to work, as the offense is devoting more resources to stop one guy that it could use elsewhere.
Micah Parsons with the sack.
pic.twitter.com/HTrtknYDv8— Alex Esquivel (@esquivelalex22) November 24, 2024
Without No. 11, Washington likely would have scored more, and it was only an eight-point victory for Big D. It owes this game to its superstar. The Cowboys were without Trevon Diggs (knee), their best cornerback. Typically, the best way to make up for that is to get pressure.
CeeDee Lamb Was Reliable As Ever
While he only had 10 catches for 67 yards, some plays didn't show up on fantasy football stat trackers that Lamb made that saved the game. He made an excellent adjustment on a target as the ball was coming toward him to work back to the pass and prevent the defense from snagging it for a turnover on one play.
#Cowboys CeeDee Lamb had just 10 receptions for 67 yards, but don’t let that fool you. He made two game-changing plays that would otherwise go unnoticed.
- Coming back for the ball mid-route to prevent an interception
- Forcing the fumble after an interception#DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/0xM4v40WLt— Brandon Loree (@Brandoniswrite) November 25, 2024
He also made a ridiculous defensive play to force a fumble after quarterback Cooper Rush threw a pick. The ball was immediately snagged by a Dallas player.
Special Teams Saves The Day
It was a horrendous day for the Commanders' special teams, but an incredible day for the Cowboys'. Return specialist KaVontae Turpin finished the game with four kick returns for 179 yards and a touchdown, including a 99-yard KO return TD that swung the tide of the game.
99 YARDS TO THE 🏡@KaVontaeTurpin was gone!!
📺: #DALvsWAS on FOX
📲: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/LvklCbYJ1e pic.twitter.com/4ckMWDEDPL— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) November 24, 2024
This ridiculous play put them up by two scores, and they wouldn't surrender their lead for the rest of the game. Juanyeh Thomas, a safety for the team, returned an onside kick attempt for a touchdown, though the game would've been over if he had recovered it anyway.
Juanyeh Thomas. 🤯🤯🤯
A #CowboysNation treasure.
— ✭ Lacy ✭ (@FBCowboysQueen) November 24, 2024
In reality, the biggest factor ended up being the special teams for Washington's failures. Kicker Austin Seibert missed a field goal and an extra-point attempt. The Commanders likely win if he hits them. They'd at least send the game to overtime if he hadn't missed the extra point.
I will not let the world forget what Austin Seibert ripped away from all of us pic.twitter.com/DJvRdCk4lm
— Cornelius Davidson (@CorneliusDGNTV) November 26, 2024
Still, it's important to credit Dallas for keeping itself in the game. Anything can happen in the NFL. But if you want to win, you first have to put yourself in a position to have a chance, and that's exactly what it did. Sometimes that and never interrupting your enemy when they're making a mistake can help you pull off surprising victories.
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