SportsTop Story

Cowboys’ Special Teams Error Leads to Bengals Victory 27-20

Bengals vs Cowboys/ Joe Burrow/ Ja’Marr Chase/ blocked punt/ NFL Week 14/ ARLINGTON/ Texas/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase led the Cincinnati Bengals to a thrilling 27-20 win over the Dallas Cowboys. A critical special teams blunder by Dallas gave Cincinnati a late opportunity, which Burrow capitalized on with a game-winning 40-yard touchdown to Chase. The Bengals snapped a three-game losing streak, while the Cowboys’ playoff hopes dimmed further.

Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown is helped off the field after being injured during the second half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson)

Bengals vs. Cowboys: Quick Looks

  • Game Decider: Joe Burrow’s 40-yard TD pass to Ja’Marr Chase sealed the win.
  • Critical Error: Dallas mishandled a blocked punt, allowing Cincinnati possession late in the game.
  • Stats: Burrow threw for 369 yards and 3 touchdowns, Chase caught 14 passes for 177 yards and 2 TDs.
  • Cowboys’ Woes: Amani Oruwariye’s error and injuries to key players deepened Dallas’ struggles.
  • Injury Updates: Bengals’ Joe Bachie (groin) and Cowboys’ DeMarvion Overshown (knee) were sidelined.

Cowboys’ Special Teams Error Leads to Bengals Victory 27-20

Deep Look

The Cincinnati Bengals overcame a three-game losing streak with a dramatic 27-20 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night in Arlington, Texas. Quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase delivered a masterclass performance, highlighted by a pivotal late-game touchdown following a costly Cowboys special teams error.

As the game stood tied in the final two minutes, the Cowboys blocked a Bengals punt, seemingly positioning themselves for a game-winning drive. However, Dallas defensive back Amani Oruwariye attempted to recover the loose ball instead of leaving it for a turnover by rule. The decision backfired as he fumbled, and Cincinnati’s Maema Njongmeta recovered at their 43-yard line.

Just three plays later, Burrow connected with Chase for a stunning 40-yard touchdown. Chase evaded defender DaRon Bland and sprinted untouched to the end zone, giving Cincinnati a 27-20 lead with just over a minute left.

Burrow, who has consistently posted impressive numbers despite the team’s struggles, finished the game with 369 yards passing and three touchdowns. This marked his fourth consecutive game with 300+ passing yards and three touchdowns. Chase, the league leader in receiving yards and touchdowns, was equally dominant with 14 catches for 177 yards and two scores.

“Me and Joe were on the same page,” Chase said about the game-winning play. “He threw to my inside shoulder, and I turned upfield after the catch.”

Cowboys’ Struggles

For the Dallas Cowboys, the loss was a bitter reminder of a 1993 Thanksgiving Day game against Miami, where a similar special teams blunder cost them the win. Oruwariye’s misstep echoed that painful memory. Head coach Mike McCarthy acknowledged the mistake but framed it as a learning moment for the player, who had just returned from injured reserve.

Adding to the Cowboys’ frustrations were injuries to key players, including linebacker DeMarvion Overshown, who left with a serious knee injury. Dallas also lost rookie center Cooper Beebe to a concussion, further depleting their offensive line.

Despite Cooper Rush’s two touchdown passes and Rico Dowdle’s career-high 131 rushing yards, the Cowboys struggled to capitalize on opportunities. The loss all but extinguished their already slim playoff hopes.

“We understand that we dug ourselves a hole,” McCarthy said. “We had to have this one tonight. This is a very disappointing loss.”

Injury Report

Both teams saw injuries during the game. For the Bengals, linebacker Joe Bachie exited with a groin injury in the fourth quarter. On the Cowboys’ side, rookie center Cooper Beebe was ruled out at halftime with a concussion, and DeMarvion Overshown’s right knee injury was deemed severe.

Quarterback Joe Burrow was seen limping after the game but downplayed the issue, attributing it to a minor knee bruise. “It’s nothing crazy,” Burrow reassured.

More on Sports

Previous Article
Suspect in UnitedHealthcare CEO Killing is Charged with Murder in NY
Next Article
Marine Veteran Daniel Penny Acquitted in NYC Subway Chokehold Death

How useful was this article?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this article.

Latest News

Menu