Dallas Cowboys Top Washington Redskins for Their 10th Straight Win

ESPN First Take HD - Which Team In NFC Can Beat Dallas Cowboys?
Photo The rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott scored in the Dallas Cowboys 10th consecutive win. Credit Michael Ainsworth/Associated Press

Dak Prescott accounted for two touchdowns, his fellow rookie Ezekiel Elliott ran for two more, and the Dallas Cowboys extended their franchise regular-season record with a 10th straight victory, beating the Washington Redskins, 31-26, on Thursday.

Prescott tied Don Merediths 50-year-old club record for quarterbacks with his fifth rushing touchdown, and the N.F.L.-leading Cowboys won despite 449 yards passing and three touchdowns from Kirk Cousins, the first Redskins quarterback to post two 400-yard games in a season.

Dallas Coach Jason Garrett praised Prescotts play.

Over and over and over again, at critical moments, he came up with a big play, whether it was a third down, down in the red zone, again and again and again he just played winning football for us, Garrett said.

The Redskins, the defending division champions, were swept by their N.F.C. East rival Dallas and fell three and a half games behind the Cowboys with five games left after their seventh Thanksgiving loss to them in eight tries.

The 21-year-old Elliott, the N.F.L.s rushing leader, had 97 yards, giving him 1,199 for the season.

The Cowboys eight-game streak of at least 400 yards on offense ended, as they finished with 353. But Dallas answered with touchdowns when the Redskins pulled within a score on Cousinss 5-yard pass to Jordan Reed and again on his 67-yard throw to DeSean Jackson, who had 118 yards receiving.

After Cousinss second scoring toss to Reed, an 8-yarder with 1 minute 53 seconds remaining, Dustin Hopkinss onside kick went out of bounds and the Cowboys ran out the clock.

Reed had 10 catches for 95 yards after missing most of the first half with an injury to his left shoulder, sustained when he leapt for a pass over his head in the end zone.

Cousins, who was 41 of 53, finished 8 yards shy of his career high.

Prescott was 17 of 24 for 195 yards and one touchdown. He had eight carries for 39 yards, including a career-long 18-yarder.

LIONS 16, VIKINGS 13 Matt Prater kicked a 40-yard field goal as time expired after Darius Slays interception with 30 seconds left, lifting host Detroit over Minnesota and into sole possession of first place in the N.F.C. North.

The Lions have won six of seven, including two against the Vikings this month, despite having trailed in the fourth quarter of every game this season.

They extended their N.F.L. record of having their first 11 games decided by 7 points or fewer.

Minnesota has lost five of six, plummeting out of first place after surging to the top of the division by winning its first five games.

The Vikings could have played for overtime on their last drive, but Coach Mike Zimmer allowed Sam Bradford to throw. Slay made him regret it, setting up Praters winning kick.

Prater made a game-tying 58-yard field goal at the end of regulation earlier this month at Minnesota, and Detroit won in overtime.

If the two teams finish the regular season tied atop the division, Detroit would win the tiebreaker.

STEELERS 28, COLTS 7 Ben Roethlisberger threw touchdown passes of 25, 33 and 22 yards to Antonio Brown, connecting in the first, second and fourth quarters, as Pittsburgh won at Indianapolis.

Leveon Bell opened the scoring for the Steelers with a 5-yard run, and Roethlisberger and Brown hooked up for their first touchdown with about a minute left in the opening quarter, giving Pittsburgh a 14-0 lead.

Donte Moncrief scored the Colts only touchdown about three minutes later, on a 5-yard pass from Scott Tolzien, who started in place of the injured Andrew Luck.

Tolzien was 22 of 36 for 205 yards, with two interceptions.

Roethlisberger was 14 of 20 for 221 yards, as the Steelers took over first place in the A.F.C. North.

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Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/24/sports/late-interception-sets-up-lions-kick-to-beat-the-vikings.html

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Nine questions for the Seahawks as they take on the Dallas Cowboys Thursday night

Ezekiel Elliott: Healthy & Ready To Go? | Dallas Cowboys

Here is one quick question for each position group heading into the Seahawks third preseason game Thursday night at 7 p.m. against Dallas at CenturyLink Field.

QUARTERBACK

Can the No. 1 offense score a point tonight?

While how Trevone Boykin does remains the biggest individual quarterback story of the preseason, the more interesting one tonight with the starters expected to play at least a series into the third quarter is whether Russell Wilson and the number one offense can finish off a drive or two (or three or four). Wilson has led six drives in the preseason. They have ended in four punts, one on downs and one on an interception in the end zone. Overall, the number one offense has 177 yards on 39 carries, a not-too-sterling 4.5-yard per play average (though as is always the case with small sample size, take out one thing and it can change a bit, and in this case, remove a mistake-filled six-play one-yard drive against the Vikings and the average is 5.4 per play, which wouldnt be too far off a normal pace). Simply put, the number one offense would like to score some points tonight.

RUNNING BACKS

Which backup tailback will emerge?

Thomas Rawls and Christine Michael are set as Seattles top two tailbacks and if healthy its hard to imagine that C.J. Prosise wont be the third-down back. But after that? It seems wide open between Alex Collins, Zac Brooks and Troymaine Pope, the Cinderella Story of training camp so far. Michael may have moved to a point where the Seahawks dont need to see him as much and the Seahawks could give some of the others more looks with the first-team line tonight.

RECEIVER

Which receiver outside of the top four emerges?

Its pretty much the same story here where Doug Baldwin, Tyler Lockett, Paul Richardson and Jermaine Kearse seem set with a bevy of others still competing for the final spot or two. Kasen Williams and Kevin Smith have been out with hamstring injuries opening the door for the likes of Kenny Lawler and Antwan Goodley to impress the last couple of weeks. Lawler in particular could take a big step toward a roster spot with a good showing tonight.

TIGHT END

Will Tanner McEvoy earn a way on the roster as a tight end?

With Nick Vannett out indefinitely with a high ankle sprain and the team still easing in Jimmy Graham, the Seahawks could have just Luke Willson and Brandon Williams as tight ends for the opener (assuming Williams makes the roster and they keep four). The signing of Will Tukuafu who after a week of practice will play tonight helps offset the blocking needs of that spot some, so maybe Seattle could get away with it. But the Seahawks have also been trying McEvoy at tight end this week to help with the depth at the spot and showing he could pull that off could get the undrafted rookie free agent out of Wisconsin on the roster.

OFFENSIVE LINE Will JMarcus Webb play any left tackle?

The veteran will make his preseason debut with some snaps at right tackle. But he could also play on the left side after practicing there this week and how he does there could go a long way toward determining how the tackle spots line up.

DEFNSIVE LINE

Can the Seahawks get more of a pass rush going?

Its hard to make too much of preseason stats, but its worth noting that the Seahawks have just one sacks, that coming by Frank Clark in the third quarter last week. Seattle should get a half of Tony Romo, and likely more of Michael Bennett on the field. It was Bennett who said this week that he thinks the pass rush is the one area where the team needs to show some improvement before the preseason, so he should have more of a chance tonight to do something about it.

LINEBACKER

Is anyone making a run at Brock Coyles backup MLB job?

Coyle has been the backup to Bobby Wagner the last two years. He sat out last week with an injury, though, allowing former WSU Cougar Kache Palacio to get plenty of playing time Palacio and Steve Longa have each had some good moments in camp and games. Coyle should be back for the Dallas game and potentially facing a stiffer challenge for his spot.

SECONDARY

How will the backup cornerbacks fare against Dallas passing attack?

The Cowboys have been the most prolific offense in the NFL preseason due in large part to the play of rookie QB Dak Prescott, who has thrown for four touchdowns and has a perfect 158.3 passer rating, completing 22-of-27 overall. That should be a good test for the likes of Tharold Simon, Marcus Burley, Tye Smith and others who are still trying to secure their roster spots.

SPECIAL TEAMS

How will Nolan Frese handle long snaps?

The rookie had a high one and a low one among his snaps last week, the high one contributing to a missed field goal. The Seahawks tried linebacker Kevin Pierre-Louis at snapper one day in practice this week and tackle Bradley Sowell also said he was taking more snaps. For now, the job still appears to belong to Frese but the team will obviously want to see more consistency.

Source: http://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/nine-questions-for-the-seahawks-as-they-take-on-the-dallas-cowboys-thursday-night/

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Wilson, Akunne, Gathers Among Players Reviewed In Writers" Players to Watch

Ezekiel Elliott: In Need Of Reps In Preseason? (Dallas Cowboys)

Training camp has come and gone and now the Cowboys are back in Texas, ready for Fridays second preseason game. The Dolphins come to town for a matchup at AT&T Stadium, where the starters are expected to get a few snaps in the first quarter, unlike last week in Los Angeles against the Rams.

The staff writers of DallasCowboys.com have each selected a player from both sides of the ball to evaluate throughout the game, followed by a review of their performances afterward.

Lets check out who the staff writers will be following closely in Fridays game with the Dolphins.

Rob Phillips

Chaz Green With Charles Brown retiring just before training camp, the swing tackle job is there for the taking. Green started at left tackle and played the majority of last Saturdays preseason opener against the Rams but committed three penalties. With Cameron Bradfield placed on Reserve/Injured earlier this week, Green doesnt appear to have major competition for the primary backup spot behind starters Tyron Smith and Doug Free. But last years third-round pick admits he must improve his technique. He gets another opportunity Friday to show the coaching staff they dont need to look outside the roster for swing tackle help, as they did last year with Brown.

Derek Akunne At 5-foot-11, Akunne isnt the biggest linebacker, and hes an undrafted rookie staring at a veteran linebacker depth chart. But he was a surprise standout in Oxnard and he delivered a big hit on Rams quarterback Sean Mannion that led to a Deji Olatoye interception. Damien Wilson (eye) is back to practice, but Andrew Gachkar is currently sidelined following thumb surgery. There might be opportunity to Akunne to grab one of these depth linebacker spots if he can show enough on special teams.

David Helman

Rico Gathers - Jason Garrett said they limited Gathers" snaps against the Rams because they wanted to put him in situations where he could be successful -- in other words, they didn"t want him to have to block too much. The upshot was that he only got in on a handful of plays. Gathers featured fairly often in practice this week, so I"m pretty curious to see if it translates to this game. If he"s going to make the roster, he"s going to need some kind of opportunity to show what he can do. Jason Witten and Gavin Escobar are unlikely to play much -- if at all -- and James Hanna just had a knee scope. There are plenty of reps to be had.

Shaneil Jenkins - The new guy was the talk of camp after he managed the only sack by a Dallas defender in the preseason opener. Everyone on the team calls Jenkins "Bronco," because he came here from Denver. But now we"ve got to see if he"s got a serious chance to make the Cowboys" roster, or if he"s just helping them work through some injuries along the defensive front. The defensive line looks awfully thin heading into this game, so I expect Jenkins to get a ton of snaps. It"s on him to follow up that last good performance with another one.

Nick Eatman

Lucky Whitehead - While I still think Whitehead will make this team, especially after his electrifying kickoff return last week to open the game, his role can still be defined. In fact, if he can prove himself as a receiver, it might affect how the rest of the receiver positon shakes out. We know Lucky can run. He can return kicks and punts and hes rather quick on that jet-sweep. But he needs to keep improving as a receiver and perhaps show some coverage ability running down on kicks. Getting on the team is likely happening. But becoming a regular on game day and active every week is something Whitehead can solidify with an all-around performance.

Deji Olatoye - He made two nice plays on the ball last week and picked up an interception in the process. Going back to last year, Olatoye shows hes got a knack for timing routes and jumping routes. But considering three veteran corners are ahead of him and Anthony Brown is making a case to make the team, Olatoye might be better suited to become that versatile safety-corner combo player. Olatoye has practiced quite a bit at both positions but Ill be interested to see if he gets in the game Friday night at safety. Hes a physical hitter who certainly has the body type to play either position.

Bryan Broaddus

Bryan Witzmann - The team is still looking for a swing tackle and Witzmann has been getting more and more work. He was more consistent than Chaz Green was against the Rams but there were still a few snaps where he wasn"t perfect technique wise. His size and movement skills make him an interesting prospect where before I didn"t think he had much of a chance to make the roster. Witzmann is still in there fighting, as others have gone by the way side. I could see him making it all the way to the final cut with a decision coming then. He is getting a fair shot and it"s worth my attention.

Damien Wilson - If there was a player that gave the defense a little juice these last few days of practice - it was Damien Wilson. His unfortunate accident robbed him of the majority of camp but he has made up some ground. As the linebacker group sits, Anthony Hitchens and Sean Lee are the starters but the SAM still appears to be up in the air. Wilson has the ability to play in all three spots but with his physical traits and ability to cover ground could be a candidate for that spot. When the defense is on the field this evening, my eyes will be focused on #57.

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Source: http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2016/08/19/wilson-akunne-gathers-among-players-reviewed-writers%25E2%2580%2599-players-watch

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Dallas Cowboys' Dez Bryant for Adrian Peterson trade scenario

Would you trade one team's disgruntled star for another team's disgruntled star?

Dallas Morning News' Bob Strum was asked if the Dallas Cowboys should trade Dez Bryant to the Minnesota Vikings for Adrian Peterson and a second-round pick, which they could use to help replace Bryant at receiver.

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Source: http://www.tulsaworld.com/sportsextra/osusportsextra/dallas-cowboys-dez-bryant-for-adrian-peterson-trade-scenario/article_7fe8f727-f778-5ad1-9634-3de1579386c0.html

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DALLAS (105.3 THE FAN) � The NFL has released the 2015 regular season ...

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DALLAS (105.3 THE FAN) The NFL hasreleased the 2015 regular season schedule.

The Dallas Cowboys will open the regular season at AT&T Stadium against the NFC East division rival New York Giants in the leagues first Sunday Night Football game of the season on Sept. 13.

Home game opponents include: (NFC East:New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins) Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Seattle Seahawks, New England Patriots, New York Jets.

The Cowboys will travel to play: (NFC East:New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins) New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Green Bay Packers, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins.

The Official 2015 Regular Season Schedule

Week 1: Sunday, Sept. 13 vs NY Giants

Week 2: Sunday, Sept. 20 @ Philadelphia

Week 3: Sunday, Sept. 27 vs Atlanta

Week 4: Sunday, Oct. 4 @ New Orleans

Week 5: Sunday, Oct. 11 vs New England

Week 6: Sunday, Oct. 18 BYE

Week 7: Sunday, Oct. 25 @ NY Giants

Week 8: Sunday, Nov. 1 vs Seattle

Week 9: Sunday, Nov. 8 vs Philadelphia

Week 10: Sunday, Nov. 15 @ Tampa Bay

Week 11: Sunday, Nov. 22 @ Miami

Week 12: Thursday, Nov. 26 vs Carolina

Week 13: Monday, Dec. 7 @ Washington

Week 14: Sunday, Dec. 13 @ Green Bay

Week 15: Saturday, Dec. 19 vs NY Jets

Week 16: Sunday, Dec. 27 @ Buffalo

Week 17: Sunday, Jan. 3vs Washington

The Cowboys 2015 preseason schedule was announced on April 9and includes two home and two away games for Dallas.

The Cowboys will open preseason out in California, not far from training camp in Oxnard, playingagainst the San Diego Chargers, during the week of August 13-17.

For the 2nd game the Cowboys stay on the left coast and travel to San Francisco to take on the 49ers the week of August 20-24.

Game 3 is against the Vikings at AT&T Stadium in the week of Aug 27-30 and game 4is also athomeagainst the Texans in the week of Sep 3-4.

*Listen to Dallas Cowboys football locally on 105.3 The Fan

(2015 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

Source: http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2015/04/21/dallas-cowboys-2015-schedule-dallas-to-face-off-against-ny-giants-for-opener/

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