DAL 40, ATL 39: Cowboys Pull Off Improbable Comeback for McCarthy’s 1st Win

After falling to an early 20-0 deficit in the first quarter, the Dallas Cowboys rallied back and pulled off a stunning 40-39 comeback victory over the Atlanta Falcons. It is Dallas’ first win of the 2020 season and Mike McCarthy’s first victory as Cowboys head coach.

Greg Zuerlein drilled a 46-yard field goal down the middle in the final seconds to give Dallas the win. His late-game heroics also included the rare successful onside kick to give the Cowboys the ball and make the final drive possible.

The Cowboys dug the early hole with three lost fumbles in the first quarter and a failed fake punt attempt, giving the Falcons good field position numerous times. The defense also struggled, sacrificing several big plays through the air and allowing four touchdowns to Matt Ryan.

However, Mike McCarthy’s team didn’t give up. The Cowboys never stopped fighting and pulled within a few possessions before halftime, then finished the job in the second half.

Dak Prescott had three short-yardage rushing touchdowns to go with 450 passing yards and another TD through the air. He had to leave the game briefly in the third quarter for a medical evaluation, leading to a brief Andy Dalton sighting, but only missed two plays before returning and scoring on a QB sneak.

With Tyron Smith inactive today and La’el Collins still on injured reserve, the Cowboys were forced to start Brandon Knight and Terence Steele at offensive tackle. The early results were not good and had everyone remembering the horrible 2017 loss to Atlanta, aka “The Chaz Green Game.”

But credit to Kellen Moore for adjusting to the blocking issues, getting the ball out of Prescott’s hands faster on later drives and using an up-tempo offense to help stifle the Falcons’ defensive attack. There was a marked difference on the Cowboys later drives in the first quarter that carried through the game and helped take them to victory.

Game Notes

Dalton Schultz’s debut as the new starting TE was a good one, leading all receivers with nine catches for 88 yards and a touchdown. Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb each had six catches for 100 and 106 receiving yards respectively.

The Cowboys only sack of the game came from Everson Griffen, his first of the year after joining Dallas just before training camp. Trysten Hill didn’t have a big day on the box score but was noticeably active with pressure and some good run stops in the second half.

Rookie CB Trevon Diggs had some tough moments guarding Julio Jones but was also close to making some big plays. Once he figures out how to catch the ball, Diggs has the makings of an interception machine.

With the Eagles and Giants already losing today, and Washington currently trailing 20-0 in their own game, Dallas should move into a tie for 1st place in the NFC East with the Football Team.

In Week 3 the Cowboys will head to Seattle. The Seahawks will be trying to go 2-0 later tonight when they face the New England Patriots.