The Dallas Cowboys fell to 3-5 on the season after a 27-21 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, marking their third consecutive defeat. Injuries and miscues plagued the team, with quarterback Dak Prescott exiting in the fourth quarter due to a hamstring injury. Although backup Cooper Rush attempted a late-game rally, the Falcons held firm, further dimming the Cowboys’ playoff hopes.
Here’s a closer look at the key winners and losers from this Week 9 matchup.
#1. Loser: Zack Martin, Guard
Dallas got off to a promising start but stalled due to errors. Zack Martin missed a critical block on a screen pass to Rico Dowdle, leading to a four-yard loss that forced Dallas to settle for a field goal. Martin’s miss erased what could have been an opening-drive touchdown, setting an ominous tone for the game.
Zack Martin being cooked may be the most depressing part about this Cowboys season tbh
— David Howman (@_DH44_) November 3, 2024
#2. Winner: DeMarvion Overshown, Linebacker
Despite the defense’s overall struggles, second-year linebacker DeMarvion Overshown stood out with three tackles for loss. Known for his high-energy play, Overshown continues to emerge as a dependable asset on defense, displaying both versatility and confidence in his second season.
#3. Loser: Terence Steele, Offensive Tackle
Terence Steele’s issues persisted, giving up a sack and starting the second half with a false start penalty. This mistake forced Dallas into a long-yardage situation that culminated in an incomplete pass on a fake punt attempt. Steele’s inconsistency, both in protection and discipline, has become a recurring concern for the Cowboys’ offensive line.
If that last sack allowed is credited to Terence Steele that’s the fourth consecutive week he’s allowed a sack.
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) November 3, 2024
#4. Winner: Carl Lawson, Defensive End
Since joining Dallas, Carl Lawson has made an immediate impact. Against the Falcons, Lawson sacked Kirk Cousins twice, forcing a fumble on one occasion. His performance provided some much-needed spark to a defense that has faced challenges in maintaining pressure without injured key players.
Carl Lawson strip sack! The Cowboys defense recovers.
📺: #DALvsATL on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/9KFLzS2z0u— NFL (@NFL) November 3, 2024
#5. Loser: KaVontae Turpin, Wide Receiver/Returner
KaVontae Turpin flashed his potential with a 16-yard punt return but stepped out of bounds before reaching open field, cutting short a possible game-changing play. Later, he dropped a critical fourth-down pass, dampening his otherwise impressive outing. While Turpin adds explosiveness, his miscues in high-stakes moments are proving costly.
Kavontae Turpin is a terrific return man.
He’s not an NFL wide receiver.
— Mike Leslie (@MikeLeslieWFAA) November 3, 2024
#6. Loser: Trevon Diggs, Cornerback
Trevon Diggs started strong, helping end Atlanta’s opening drive with a pass breakup. However, a missed tackle later allowed Kyle Pitts to gain critical yardage, ultimately setting up a Falcons touchdown. Diggs seemed off his game, and a lapse in coverage contributed to Darnell Mooney’s 36-yard touchdown. Diggs’ errors highlighted defensive vulnerabilities.
For the first time this season the Cowboys did not allow points on the opponent’s first possession.
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) November 3, 2024
#7. Winner: Rico Dowdle, Running Back
Rico Dowdle shined in the absence of Ezekiel Elliott, who was inactive. Dowdle posted 75 rushing yards on 12 carries, adding a remarkable touchdown catch. His performance proved he can lead the Cowboys’ ground game, providing hope in an otherwise challenging offensive season.
DAK TO DOWDLE. HOW DID THIS GET COMPLETED??
📺: #DALvsATL on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/gQOFAxj8r1— NFL (@NFL) November 3, 2024
#8. Loser: The Entire Coaching Staff
Head coach Mike McCarthy and his staff struggled with costly mistakes. Miscommunication and penalties plagued the team, including a questionable fake punt call and a 12-men penalty on a critical fourth down. Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer’s unit allowed scores on nearly every opening drive this season, a trend that continued with the Falcons’ quick points in the third quarter. If the Cowboys continue on this path, changes in the coaching staff may be inevitable.
Opponents have now scored on their first drive of the third quarter vs. the Cowboys in seven of eight games. Six TDs, one FG.
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) November 3, 2024
As the Cowboys face a daunting schedule ahead, including divisional matchups, addressing these recurring issues will be essential if they hope to salvage the season.
