Dallas Cowboys (5-7) – New York Giants (2-10): 27-20
This is the 126th time the two teams have met in the NFL, but only the third time on Thanksgiving. Two years after their last meeting during this event, the scenario ended in the same way for the Giants, with a defeat, in a meeting which lacked intensity. The score is even very flattering for a New York team below all, symbolized by many errors (13 penalties).
This 10th defeat of the season could spell the end of the Brian Daboll era for the Giants. Holder, quarterback Drew Lock, sacked 6 times, has not worked miracles. Worse, he commits costly losses of balls. But he is far from being the main culprit.
Opposite, Dallas enforces logic. Although they were scared, Mike McCarthy's men still scored their second consecutive victory over another division rival. There remains a slim hope for the playoffs, but at least they have the merit of hanging on.
Indigestible, but points
This match looked boring between two teams lacking confidence. There was no shortage of that in the first half, especially in attack. Despite three quality first offensive series, the two attacks quickly returned to earth, delivering content that was not far from indigestible.
It is therefore logical that the Dallas defense takes the upper hand over the New York attack, symbolized by the interception returned for a touchdown with full determination from DeMarvion Overshown. Apart from the touchdown of Tyrone Tracy Jr. (9 races, 32 yards, TD) at the start of the match, the Giants are difficult to see on offense. For his first start of the season, Drew Lock (21/32, 178 yards, INT – 4 races, 57 yards, TD) is constantly put under pressure, and even provokes the poorly disguised annoyance of a far from being Brian Daboll. inspired on play calls.
On the other hand, it's not much better. However, Cooper Rush (21/36, 195 yards, TD) is interesting, but he is not helped. Star receiver CeeDee Lamb (2 REC, 39 yards) is unrecognizable, author of 3 loose balls. Mike McCarthy's attack therefore does not produce a touchdown, and does not capitalize on the score advantage gained thanks to their defense. Their last offensive series even ended with a loss of ball on 4th attempt, and 3 punts.
Rico Dowdle, at your service
Guess how the Giants' first offensive series of the second half begins? By a loss of ball, obviously, with Eric Kendricks stealing the ball from Drew Lock. Despite a fumble that could have been costly, Cooper Rush improved this recovered ball by throwing the ball towards the returning Brandin Cooks to take off. New York is definitely letting go, with Drew Lock still being eaten by Micah Parsons back at his best.
This second period is one-way. In a quarter, Dallas will put New York in the oven for good. The man of the match offensively for the Cowboys, the runner Rico Dowdle (22 races, 112 yards, TD), is responsible for putting an end to a suspense which ultimately did not exist. Mike McCarthy can therefore rest his executives for next week.
Drew Lock's running touchdown to reduce the score is only anecdotal for a New York team which could have another turbulent few weeks.
