Kicker Brett Maher nailed a 42-yard field goal on the final play of the game to get the Cowboys past the Falcons 22-19 in Atlanta. The dirty birds were able to stage a comeback after being down by 10, but a well executed final drive killed any hope the Falcons had left.
Atlanta tied the game with just under two minutes in the match after Matt Ryan hooked up with Julio Jones for the teams’ only touchdown. With under two minutes to play and the game tied at 19 points, at home, with momentum, the Dallas Cowboys executed what looked like the picture-perfect two-minute drill. Quarterback Dak Prescott drove his offense 51-yards in 10 plays to set up Bret Maher’s game-winner.
“We do that two-minute in different situations each and every week. That’s just preparation in practice paying off right there,” said an elated Dak Prescott. “Getting it through to Mike [Michael Gallup] was huge and getting some yards after that catch was big to set up the game-winning field goal.”
Dak Prescott commanded his offense with four straight plays in the Shotgun formation. Without a single defensive stop, Atlanta was looking tired and desperate. With four timeouts in the final 30 or seconds, the defense did the best they could as running back Ezekiel Elliott pounded the ball on the ground for precious yards.
Neither quarterback had a bad game. Atlanta’s Matt Ryan threw 24 of 34 totaling 291-yards while Dallas’ Dak Prescott went 22 of 32 for 208-yards. Both Cowboy touchdowns were rushes (Prescott, Elliott).
“We’ve got to get back to work,” said Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan after the game. “We’ve got a quick turnaround this week and are playing Thursday night (against New Orleans).”
The Cowboys (5-5) will return home to host Washington this Thanksgiving Day. The Falcons (4-6) will travel to New Orleans to take on the division-leading Saints.
-Jon J.
Photo: Hakim Wright