Earlier this week, I talked about three plays which, in a way, ruined the 2017 Dallas Cowboys' season. We will always look back at 2017 as a disappointing and frustrating year, but there were some exciting moments along the way. Especially as the Cowboys fought for their playoff lives, week in and week out.
Here are the three best, and most impactful, plays from the 2017 season.
Dez Bryant Makes His Mark
It seems like all anyone wants to talk about with the Cowboys is the lack of chemistry between quarterback Dak Prescott and the team's highest paid receiver, Dez Bryant. They failed to consistently hook up all season long, but on this day against the New York Giants, Bryant took matters into his own hands.
After a sluggish first half offensively, the Cowboys needed a spark. Their playoff hopes were on the line, and after recognizing and calling out the blitz pre-snap, Prescott found Bryant quickly on a slant route. Then, Dez Bryant shoved away the cornerback and did the rest with his legs.
The Cowboys would go on to win this game in blowout fashion, 30-10.
Dak Prescott Provides the Spark
https://streamable.com/dti35
Back in September, and coming off a blowout loss to the Denver Broncos, the Cowboys were at risk of falling under .500 just three weeks into the season. Their offense failed to move the ball at all against the lowly Arizona Cardinals, and things were looking bleak for Dallas.
Then, on this read-option play, Dak Prescott turned the game around with his legs and his heart.
Diving head first into the end zone and flipping over defenders, Prescott scored the first touchdown of the game for the Cowboys. They would go onto win the game and get to 2-1 on the year.
I could've also chosen Dez Bryant's touchdown against Arizona, where he carried defenders into the end zone, but this Prescott touchdown is the play which started it all.
Jeff Heath Saves the Season
https://streamable.com/fmr5g
I mean, this has to be the play of the year, right?
Even though we now know the next week wouldn't go as planned, the Cowboys had to escape Oakland with a victory in order to make Ezekiel Elliott's return from suspension meaningful.
They had to beat the Raiders on the road if they wanted to have any shot to sneak into the postseason as the sixth seed. And after a pass interference penalty set Oakland up with great field position, it wasn't looking too good for the Dallas Cowboys.
Luckily for them, they employ safety Jeff Heath, who chased down Derek Carr and forced the fumble. The ball would roll out of the end zone and result in a touch-back, a first down for the Cowboys, and a key victory.
Jeff Heath's stop in Oakland is the play of the year for the 2017 Dallas Cowboys.
Do you have a play you'd like to nominate?
Do you think a certain play got snubbed? Let us know how you feel in the comment section below.
