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ARLINGTON, TX -- For the second week in a row, the Dallas Cowboys found themselves in a must-win situation, and this time a victory was not enough. Their 47-16 win over the Washington Redskins required an accompanying loss by the Philadelphia Eagles to the New York Giants in order to back into the playoffs by way of winning the NFC East, but it was not to be.
The Eagles defeated the Giants in a convincing 34-17 win, ending the season for two rivals at the same time.
For what it's worth, however, the Cowboys did go out on a positive note -- dismantling the hated Redskins at AT&T Stadium. The takeaway-deficient defense managed an interception and a fumble recovery, courtesy of Jaylon Smith and newly-signed linebacker Malcolm Smith, respectively. They truly imposed their will in the second half, and Michael Gallup exploded for three touchdowns on the afternoon to aid in the slapjob.
In the end, it wasn't enough to save their season, but it's one last hoorah for head coach Jason Garrett -- who will likely not return in 2020.
Why the Cowboys won
The defense showed up in a big way early and even though the offense couldn't match serve from the outset -- landing only two field goals on the two aforementioned takeaways -- the Cowboys taking the lead early forced the hand of the Redskins offense, who couldn't match suit. By the time the third quarter was over, the Redskins defense was gassed and Dak Prescott linked with Cooper to blow the top off of the scoreboard. The Cowboys haven't lost a game all season wherein they scored at least 30 points, and they'll take that streak into the offseason.
Why the Redskins lost
There was seemingly nothing Washington could do to extend drives against Dallas, at one point going one for nine on third-down conversion attempts. That led to early outs often for Case Keenum and Co., and pressure up front forced the veteran quarterback into back situations time and again. On the other side of the ball, the extensive time spent on the field stole all of the wind from a Redskins defense that initially had the Cowboys offense completely out of sorts. With the fatigue came big plays allowed, and it was over from there.
Turning Point
Three words on behalf of Amari Cooper, who set the Cowboys up to extend their lead early with this stellar 48-yard catch: You got Mossed.
Play of the Game
There were many highlights from the Cowboys in this victory, but Gallup had such a day that he deserves not one, but two votes for Play of the Game -- because both of these catches should be a felony charge.
Exhibit A, Your Honor:
And... exhibit B:
Tough Love is Needed in Dallas
"That nauseating pain [the Cowboys are] going to feel when they win this game and find out it didn't matter? NECESSARY. Let it burn deep into your soul. This isn't the Giants fault. It's yours. Sit with it for the next several months. AND FIX IT." - Me via Twitter
What's next
As a wise cartoon pig once said -- that's all folks.
The season has come to an end for both teams, but now the work of locating a new head coach begins for both clubs, along with sweeping changes within the two rival organizations.
