Cowboys Lose At Atlanta
The November 3, 2024, matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and Atlanta Falcons ended in a 27-21 victory for the Falcons, marking a significant moment in both teams’ seasons. This game, held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, showcased the Falcons’ resilience and the ongoing struggles of the Cowboys.
Game Overview
The Falcons, led by quarterback Kirk Cousins, improved their record to 6-3 with this win. Cousins had an impressive performance, completing 19 of 24 passes for 222 yards and throwing three touchdown passes. His scoring strikes included a 9-yard pass to Drake London, a 36-yard connection with Darnell Mooney, and an 11-yard touchdown to Ray-Ray McCloud. This marked Cousins’ third game of the season with three touchdown passes, solidifying his role as a key player for Atlanta in his debut season with the team.
In contrast, the Cowboys fell to 3-5 and suffered their third consecutive loss. The game was particularly challenging for Dallas as starting quarterback Dak Prescott was sidelined with a hamstring injury early in the contest. Backup Cooper Rush stepped in and managed to complete 18 of 24 passes for 133 yards and one touchdown but was unable to lead a comeback after falling behind.
Key Moments
The first quarter saw both teams exchanging field goals and touchdowns, with the Falcons taking an early lead. After Dallas opened the scoring with a field goal, Atlanta responded with a touchdown from Cousins to London. The Cowboys managed to tie the game in the second quarter but could not maintain momentum as Atlanta scored again before halftime.
A pivotal moment came late in the game when Dallas attempted to rally. Rush orchestrated an impressive 86-yard drive that culminated in a touchdown pass to Jalen Tolbert and a successful two-point conversion attempt. However, despite their efforts, the Cowboys could not recover an onside kick attempt that would have given them another chance to score.
Injuries and Impact
Injuries played a significant role in shaping the game’s outcome. Alongside Prescott’s absence, Dallas lost wide receiver CeeDee Lamb briefly due to a shoulder injury but he returned later in the game. The Cowboys also dealt with other injuries on defense, including key players Micah Parsons and DaRon Bland who were inactive for this matchup.
For Atlanta, London left the game after suffering an injury during the first quarter but was effectively replaced by Mooney and McCloud, who both had strong performances. Bijan Robinson also contributed significantly on the ground with 86 rushing yards on 19 carries.
Coaching Decisions
The coaching decisions made during the game drew scrutiny, particularly from Dallas head coach Mike McCarthy. Notable missteps included a failed fake punt and an unsuccessful fourth-down attempt that resulted in lost possession at critical moments in the game. These decisions have intensified discussions about McCarthy’s future as head coach amid growing frustration from fans and analysts alike regarding the team’s performance this season.
Conclusion
The victory allowed the Falcons to maintain their lead in the NFC South while deepening concerns for the Cowboys as they face increasing pressure ahead of their next game against division rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles. The outcome of this match not only highlights Atlanta’s potential playoff aspirations but also raises questions about Dallas’s ability to turn their season around amidst mounting losses and injuries.
