Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys: Four things learned from Week Thirteen

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 2:29 p.m. ET

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The Dallas Cowboys are coming off of a huge victory against the Minnesota Vikings. We will explore what we have learned about Dallas coming off this win.

Dec 1, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) and Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) talk after the game at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Dallas Cowboys beat the Minnesota Vikings 17-15. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Cowboys are coming off of another huge win but this time it was different than any other they have had this season. The Minnesota Vikings are the best defense the Cowboys will likely face all season long. They were also the most desperate team Dallas has faced considering a win here would have done a lot to help the Vikings standings, not only in the NFC but in their own division.

Now Minnesota will face an uphill battle in terms of making the playoffs. While this win was ugly, it was still a big win that this unit needed especially before an emotionally charged game with the New York Giants.

#1 – What does this victory say about Dallas?

This win clearly shows that this team does not need to rely on this offense to come away with a W. The Cowboys special teams outplayed Minnesota’s and that is surprising considering the Vikings have one of the best units in the league. Cowboys linebacker Kyle Wilber’s special teams fumble recovery pretty much sealed the fate of the Vikings.

The “Triplets” did come to play as superstar wide receiver Dez Bryant found his way into the end zone as well as rookie sensation Ezekiel Elliott. Starting quarterback, Dak Prescott helped convert some tough third downs in this contest. Most importantly the defense did not crumble. Sure they allowed the Vikings to score very late in the game but the Cowboys did not allow the two point conversion which was key.

Plenty of critics have said that Dallas defenders hit Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford in the face mask during the second two point try. While this is true a Minnesota lineman jumped early and that play would not have even occurred if the penalty was called. Still Bradford flinched as he threw the ball which sent it sailing out of bounds.

The Cowboys showed tremendous grit in getting a victory in such a rough place to play.

Dec 1, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) celebrates his touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Cowboys win 17-15. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

#2 – Dez Bryant ties Michael Irvin’s career touchdown record

Bryant has been electric for the Cowboys since he has stepped on the field and may truly be in the top five in terms of best wide receivers in the league. The current number 88 scored his 65th touchdown of his career which gives him the same number as the old number 88, Cowboy legend, Michael Irvin.

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The Playmaker led the 1990’s Cowboys team to three Super Bowl victories so of course he was more than excited when he saw the contemporary version tie his record. It may have been the way Bryant got into the end zone as he caught a quick screen from 10 yards out and bulldozed his way into the corner of the end zone.

Dez also had the catch that led the Cowboys to first touchdown of the game and it happened in typical Michael Irvin fashion. Dak Prescott would throw a beautiful deep ball that landed right against Bryant’s finger tips deep down the field and was easily the best reception of the game for both teams.

The current number 88 will continue to do incredible things on the football field as he should still keep adding his name to the record books.

Dec 1, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph (82) catches a pass as Dallas Cowboys linebacker Sean Lee (50) and linebacker Damien Wilson (57) pursue him in the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Cowboys win 17-15. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

#3 – A strong defensive performance

The Cowboys know how important it is to keep their defense off the field. It was so important they spent a first round pick on league leading rusher Ezekiel Elliott and it has payed off.

This game however showed that when the chips are on the line the Cowboys have a solid defensive back bone. They hit incredibly hard and defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli puts them in great positions to succeed.

A notable hit in this game was when linebacker Sean Lee lit up a Vikings receiver with a huge hit that caused an incompletion.

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The Cowboys blitzed heavily and even managed to knock the wind out of Sam Bradford, that appears to be a great omen for this Dallas pass rush. If the defensive backs can haul in their chances at takeaways this game might have not even been close.

Cowboys safety, Byron Jones just missed coming away with the football after the Vikings ran a disastrous wild cat play. Linebacker Anthony Hitchens played his heart out as he was everywhere on defense. He should have even had an interception that was later called back but still a solid performance from this defensive unit.

Nov 27, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) congratulates wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) on his touchdown reception during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Giants won 27-13. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

#4 – The looming New York Giants

This game is looking to be the biggest of the season for Dallas. A win here would knock the Giants out of the race for the division. That would allow the Cowboys to focus on attaining a first round bye and home field advantage.

With a little help on Sunday, the Cowboys could already punch a ticket to the playoffs however they would rather focus on what they can control.

This teams methodical day by day, week by week approach has really kept them on a steady track to success. They should continue this train of thought however this will be the second repeat game for the Dallas rookies. Prescott looked infinitely better against the Washington Redskins the second time around than he did the first, and so did Zeke.

It is fair to say that the Cowboys are a different team than they were when they opened the season. On the Giants side they have rattled off a couple of wins however they struggled to beat the Cleveland Browns in Week Twelve. The Giants also have the toughest remaining schedule out of any NFC East team.

The Cowboys rookies will be looking to make up for their Week One loss against the Gmen and that may be the most dangerous motivation of all in this up and coming NFC East battle.

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