Vikings Triumph Over Cowboys with a 34-26 Victory
The Minnesota Vikings triumphed over the Dallas Cowboys with a 34-26 victory, marking the Cowboys’ second consecutive loss. This defeat was especially detrimental as the Philadelphia Eagles had won earlier that day, heightening the urgency for the Cowboys to maintain their playoff aspirations.
Game Overview
Throughout the game, the Cowboys struggled to convert opportunities into touchdowns. In comparison, the Vikings effectively capitalized on their possessions. Dallas settled for field goals, while Minnesota found the end zone four times.
Cowboys’ Performance
Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott threw for 294 yards but did not score any touchdowns, finishing with a quarterback rating of 84.8. His standout receiver was CeeDee Lamb, who amassed 111 receiving yards. In contrast, George Pickens had a lackluster performance with just 33 yards.
Javonte Williams led the Cowboys on the ground, rushing for 91 yards at an impressive average of 6.1 yards per carry, despite missing significant first-half action due to a shoulder injury. The Cowboys outgained the Vikings in total yardage, 423 to 327, and controlled the possession time, holding the ball for 32 minutes and 36 seconds compared to Minnesota’s 27 minutes and 24 seconds.
Key Moments
- Dallas scored first with a touchdown from Williams, putting them ahead 7-0.
- The Vikings quickly responded, tying the game at 7-7 from a 20-yard touchdown pass from J.J. McCarthy to Jalen Nailor.
- Malik Davis scored another touchdown for the Cowboys, restoring their lead at 14-7.
- In the second quarter, Minnesota’s McCarthy connected with Aaron Jones and later faked out the Dallas defense for a 1-yard touchdown, tying the game at 14-14.
- The half concluded with a 37-yard field goal from Cowboys’ kicker Brandon Aubrey, leveling the score at 17-17.
Second Half Struggles
The second half began with the Cowboys kicking two field goals, taking a 23-17 lead. However, these points came at a cost, as the Vikings quickly retook control with a touchdown from C.J. Ham, making it 24-23 in their favor.
The situation worsened for the Cowboys when kicker Aubrey missed a 59-yard field goal attempt. Minnesota capitalized on this momentum, extending their lead with a touchdown, increasing their advantage to 31-23.
Final Plays
In a last-ditch effort, Aubrey scored a 41-yard field goal with only 23 seconds remaining, narrowing the gap to 34-26. However, an unsuccessful onside kick led to the Vikings recovering the ball, sealing their victory.
Looking Ahead
The Cowboys now face a daunting challenge. To keep their playoff hopes alive, they must win their remaining three games and rely on the Eagles losing all their upcoming matches. The road to the playoffs has become increasingly steep for Dallas after this disappointing loss to Minnesota.
