The Cowboys hadn't seen a 100-yard rushing performance since Tony Pollard's 122-yard game against the Cardinals on September 24, 2023. On Thursday, Rico Dowdle finally ended the 25-game drought, rushing for 112 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries to lead the Cowboys to a 27-20 victory over the Giants.
This win marked Dallas' second consecutive victory, improving their record to 5-7. Meanwhile, the Giants' struggles continued, suffering their seventh straight loss and falling to 2-10. This marks the ninth time in 11 seasons that New York has endured double-digit losses.
Injuries, penalties, and turnovers dashed the Giants' hopes for an upset. They lost defensive tackles Dexter Lawrence (elbow) and Rakeem Nunez-Roches (stinger). Additionally, they committed 13 penalties for 98 yards and coughed up two crucial turnovers, leading to two of the Cowboys' three touchdowns.
Drew Lock's 8-yard touchdown run with 2:18 remaining brought the Giants within seven points, but they never regained possession. On a crucial third-and-2 at their own 38-yard line just after the two-minute warning, Cooper Rush connected with Brandin Cooks for a 3-yard gain, allowing Dallas to run out the clock.
The Cowboys' defense dominated, sacking Lock six times, with Micah Parsons contributing 1.5 sacks. Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown made a game-changing impact, returning a tipped interception 23 yards for a touchdown and recovering a Lock fumble forced by Eric Kendricks.
Dallas outgained the Giants 317-247. Cooper Rush completed 21-of-36 passes for 195 yards and a touchdown. KaVontae Turpin led the receivers with four catches for 53 yards, while Brandin Cooks, returning from injury, added three catches for 16 yards and a score. Star receiver CeeDee Lamb appeared to aggravate a shoulder injury and spent the end of the game on the sideline.
On the Giants' side, Lock completed 21-of-32 passes for 178 yards and rushed for 57 yards. Rookie Malik Nabers had eight receptions for 69 yards in an otherwise frustrating day for New York's offense.