The Dallas Cowboys suffered a devastating 27-21 defeat at the hands of the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, November 3rd, 2024, a loss further compounded by a hamstring injury to quarterback Dak Prescott. This upset win propels the Falcons to a 6-3 record and solidifies their position atop the NFC South, while the Cowboys fall to a disappointing 3-5, their season hanging precariously in the balance.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, filled with dramatic momentum swings and crucial injuries. While the Cowboys managed to keep the game close in the first half, trailing only 14-10 at halftime, turnovers and a series of questionable coaching decisions ultimately proved their undoing. Two costly turnovers led directly to Falcons touchdowns, and Dallas struggled to find offensive rhythm in the second half until the final two minutes. A late touchdown pass from backup quarterback Cooper Rush to Jalen Tolbert, followed by a successful two-point conversion to CeeDee Lamb, narrowed the gap, but a failed onside kick attempt sealed the Cowboys’ fate.
Prescott’s injury, sustained in the fourth quarter, casts a long shadow over the Cowboys’ already troubled season. While he had a relatively clean game before exiting, completing 18 of 24 passes for 133 yards and one touchdown with no interceptions, the loss of their starting quarterback is a significant blow. Adding to the Cowboys’ woes, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb also battled a shoulder injury throughout the game, bravely returning to the field for the crucial two-point conversion despite his obvious discomfort.
On the other side of the field, Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins continued his stellar season, throwing for 222 yards and three touchdowns, connecting with three different receivers for scores. Running back Tyler Allgeier added a rushing touchdown, further showcasing the Falcons’ balanced offensive attack. While star running back Bijan Robinson didn’t find the end zone, he contributed significantly with 86 rushing yards, highlighting the Falcons’ potent ground game.
The Cowboys’ struggles extended beyond Prescott’s injury. Their run game, already the worst in the league, continued to sputter, putting immense pressure on the passing game. The defense also struggled to contain the Falcons’ multifaceted offense, particularly their potent running back duo. A failed fake punt attempt deep in their own territory early in the second half further underscored the Cowboys’ strategic missteps.
This loss puts immense pressure on Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy, whose contract is expiring at the end of the season. Several questionable decisions throughout the game, including the ill-fated fake punt and a failed fourth-down conversion attempt, are likely to fuel speculation about his future with the team.
The Falcons, meanwhile, appear to be hitting their stride. Their balanced offense, led by Cousins’ steady hand and a revitalized run game, poses a significant threat to any opponent. Their defense, while still prone to giving up yards, made key plays when it mattered most, including three sacks on Prescott. This victory over a struggling yet still dangerous Cowboys team solidifies their status as a legitimate contender in the NFC.
Looking ahead, the Cowboys face a daunting task in their upcoming matchup against their NFC East rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles. With Prescott’s status uncertain and their season on the brink, they will need a Herculean effort to turn things around. The Falcons, on the other hand, will look to continue their winning ways against the New Orleans Saints, aiming for a season sweep of their divisional rivals and further cementing their position at the top of the NFC South. This Week 9 upset not only highlights the Falcons’ surprising rise but also underscores the Cowboys’ deepening struggles, leaving both teams at critical junctures in their respective seasons.
