Week 17 turned into yet another disappointment for the Dallas Cowboys as the New York Giants sealed the victory 23-19. Dallas saw a myriad of struggles in nearly every aspect of the season finale on Sunday. Ezekiel Elliott struggled to run the ball while Andy Dalton failed to find any sort of rhythm in the passing game. Mike McCarthy’s missed challenge led to Graham Gano’s 50 yard dagger in the fourth quarter. The only bright spot was the defense keeping the flailing Cowboys offense within striking distance as the game concluded.
Week 17 Recap, Dallas Loss, and Mike McCarthy’s Missed Challenge
A Must Win Game for the Cowboys
As the 2020-2021 season came to a close, Dallas did not control its own destiny. Nevertheless, there was a chance for Big D to make the playoffs and represent the NFC East. The Dallas Cowboys playoff window slammed shut as Andy Dalton scrambled out to his left and floated an ill-advised pass across the middle into the end zone. The New York Football Giants sealed this victory as Xavier McKinney intercepted Dalton’s pass. This was a heart-breaking ending to a season full of disappointment, injury, and question marks heading into the off-season.
New York Giants Defense
The Giants defense was the difference in this game. The improved defensive unit was able to stifle the run game, limiting Elliott to 42 yards on 12 carries (3.5 yards per carry). The Giants secondary was also very good on Sunday, limiting Dalton to 243 yards with no touchdowns and a season-ending interception. New York’s pass rush was relentless, sacking Dalton six times in this contest. This defensive performance was exactly what the Giants needed while Daniel Jones was slow to find his rhythm after returning from his hamstring injury.
Mike McCarthy’s Missed Challenge
Oh, so now… NOW… he doesn’t want to challenge an incompletion!? Mike McCarthy and company made a catastrophic mistake holstering the red challenge flag in the fourth quarter on Sunday. On the Giants final scoring drive, Daniel Jones completed a questionable pass to Dante Pettis. The ball appeared to hit the ground as Pettis trapped the football against the turf. The call on the field was a completed pass and it was never challenged. As a result, Graham Gano drilled a 50 yard field goal, pushing the lead to two scores: 23-19.
It’s no secret this decision, or lack thereof, won’t sit easy with Dallas fans. Cowboys nation hasn’t forgotten Dez Bryant’s catch in Green Bay, which was eventually ruled a drop. One would think Mike McCarthy would be kicking and screaming to win a challenge for Dallas, but old habits die hard. The boys in blue miss the playoffs again as the Dallas Cowboys and Mike McCarthy drop the ball in the week 17 finale.
No challenge from Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy likely just cost his team three points. Terrible mistake. Bizarre non-challenge.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) January 3, 2021
NFC East
Ironically, this game turned out to be irrelevant. Doug Pederson opted to bench a select group of starters in Sunday’s loss to Washington Football Team. Pederson and the Philadelphia Eagles sent a clear message to the NFL: they cared more about draft picks than winning in Week 17. As the Washington Football Team secured their victory, and playoff spot, Giants fans found themselves hopelessly realizing their season was over.
Congratulations to the Washington Football Team on winning the NFC East, and the New York Giants for an impressive win in MetLife stadium. Dallas now sets its sights on the upcoming NFL Draft.
The Glass is Half Full for Dallas
Dallas continues to show fight on a weekly basis. This team is not one to get blown out to finish the 2020-2021 season. The Cowboys loss also results in a top 10 draft pick with no shortage of areas to improve in 2021-2022. Most importantly, Dallas is getting healthy again.
With word of Dak Prescott’s successful ankle surgery, the Dallas Cowboys should continue to be optimistic for the future. Leighton Vander Esch looks to complete a full, healthy season in 2021 to round out one of the best linebacker groups in all of football. Between the offensive line getting healthy and Ezekiel Elliott’s second fewest carries of his career (242), the Dallas run game looks to be revitalized. A fresh Ezekiel Elliott, restored offensive line, healthy defense, a top 10 draft pick, and a mobile Dak Prescott could spell the best season in Dallas since 2016.
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