The Dallas Cowboys defeated the Washington Commanders 45-10 in a glorious Thanksgiving beatdown. Records were set, turkeys were enjoyed, and the Cowboys were victorious. CB Daron Bland stole the show with his record-sealing 5th interception touchdown, gifting the Cowboys a new record. While every Cowboys fan is very thankful for Bland’s history book appearance, other stars shined bright. Here are the top Cowboys from Thanksgiving’s 45-10 matchup that aren’t named Daron Bland.
Turkeys In the Kettle: The Top Dallas Cowboys from Thanksgiving’s 45-10 Performance (That Aren’t Named Daron Bland)
Dak “Turkey Leg” Prescott
DaRon Bland wasn’t the only one who set a record on Thursday.
Get a pen and paper NFL fans, it’s time to officially take notice. Dak Prescott is playing better Quarterback than 90% of NFL Quarterbacks. It’s usually right around this time of year when the trolls and haters come out. It’s awfully quiet in here, isn’t it? Prescott’s four-touchdown performance against Washington showed poise, concentration, and a record-tying feat. Prescott’s Thanksgiving Day performance was his 10th career game with 4+ touchdowns. This ties Tony Romo for the most in Cowboys franchise history. Prescott completed passes to 10 different receivers, four of which found the end zone. His continued performances with multiple TDs and zero interceptions are cause for an MVP bid.
It’s time that we start a dialogue. Dak Prescott hasn’t been the sole reason the Cowboys have been winning, but he’s Dallas’ most impressive performer at the moment. Prescott has helped CeeDee Lamb break an NFL record, and that’s just the beginning. Prescott faces the Seattle Seahawks next Thursday. The matchups against Coby Bryant and (a recently benched) Tariq Woolen will be tougher than Thanksgiving’s. Just make sure you don’t discount Dak’s ability to pick them apart.
The Running Backs
Ohh, but Dallas misses Zeke! But Tony Pollard isn’t scoring touchdowns anymore! Oh, but…
Shut up. Enough.
Dallas’ Tony Pollard and Rico Dowdle sliced through Washington’s defense like a hot knife through butter. Pollard rushed for 24 yards and a touchdown. Dowdle rushed for 11 yards and received a 15-yard touchdown. No, it’s not a billion yards, and they only played heavy in the red zone. The numbers don’t look astronomical on paper. It’s not just about numbers, guys. The Cowboys’ run game had a significant impact on the Thanksgiving matchup.
Dowdle and Pollard’s impact swung the momentum in Dallas’ direction multiple times. After Pollard’s rushing score, the momentum swung so hard it didn’t stop. Each running back got involved on the ground and through the air. Dallas kept Washington under their thumb due to Dak Prescott’s field vision and the running backs’ reliability. It’s time we give credit where it’s due.
Next week, Pollard & Dowdle will face Seattle’s downward-trending defense. 49ers RB Christian McCaffery is lightyears ahead of Dallas’ running backs, but his performance was a glimpse of hope. Look for Dallas’ running backs to capitalize on red zone visits next week.
CB Stephon Gilmore
Bland’s Island didn’t get many non-Cowboys visitors on Thanksgiving. Throwing his way to begin with is a mistake. Don’t expect to find any success on the other side of the field, however. Just because Trevon Diggs isn’t in right now doesn’t mean Dallas would make it easy.
Gilmore’s only blemish was that of Curtis Samuel. Despite his efficient performance, no other Washington WR went over 52 yards. That’s fairly impressive at age 33 against the NFL’s #1 passing team. Gilmore held “Scary Terry” McLaurin to just 50 yards in an offense where he is the prime beneficiary of Howell’s arm. Gilmore broke up a would-be 39-yard touchdown to McLaurin. He was beaten on the play too, McLaurin had a step on him. However, Gilmore didn’t give up, turned his head at the right time, and played zone coverage technique by the book.
Teams are going to keep testing Gilmore following Bland’s record-setting 5th pick-six. Unfortunately for them, Gilmore is still in his prime. He continues to get better with time like a fine wine. Gilmore, Dallas’ Running Backs, and Dak Prescott remained Dallas’ biggest contributors. Daron Bland may have stolen the show, but don’t forget about these other game-carrying Cowboys. Look for a similar defensive performance against a struggling Seahawks team next week.
Main Photo: [Tim Leitman] – USA Today Sports
