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Dallas Cowboys vs Minnesota Vikings: Standouts, Notes, and Observations

By Reid Hanson

Dec 1, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) throws in front of Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Tom Johnson (92) during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 1, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) throws in front of Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Tom Johnson (92) during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Dallas Cowboys extended their winning streak to eleven games and did so in unique fashion. Here are Thursday’s standouts, notes and observations.

I was curious to see how the Dallas Cowboys would rush the passer Thursday night. After struggling to apply pressure all season, the Cowboys have recently opted to only rush three players and dedicate an extra player to the coverage, rather than the pressure. The Vikings have been decimated with injuries on the offensive line this season and the Cowboys responded by switching up the game plan once more. From the first series on, the Cowboys were intent on applying pressure, rushing four, even blitzing.

It was nice to see the aggressiveness in the defense once again, but the blitzing didn’t consistently work out great for the Cowboys. Dallas, notoriously ineffective in their blitzes, blitzed early and often on Thursday. They didn’t collect the sacks with the blitz but they did “rush” the passer into quick decisions of varying success. Rushing four players using games/stunts/ twists remains the most effective method.

It was clear both DE DeMarcus Lawrence and DT

Maliek Collins

played their best games of the season.

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  • I’ve noted Orlando Scandrick’s epic ineffectiveness blitzing in the past. When called to blitz, Scandy rarely makes an effort to fight through blocks and essentially gives up when met with a blocker. On Thursday, though, he did fight a block trying to get to the Minnesota backfield. Unfortunately he was called for a questionable penalty and negated an Anthony Hitchens interception.
  • After fumbling the ball on the Cowboys’ second possession, Ezekiel Elliott notably altered the way he held onto the ball, using two hands high on the chest.  Holding the ball like this limits Zeke’s agility and general wiggle but does a much better job at securing the ball. Ideally #21 would find a happy medium, holding the ball with more security while still feeling confident enough to loosen the other hand to allow more dynamic plays.
  • Staying on the Zeke topic – this wasn’t one of his better games. He missed lanes and opportunities that he usually does not. In the words of Joseph Randle, “he left a lot of meat on the bone.”
    • The Vikings defense was smart and studied. They knew Dak Prescott’s admiration for misdirection and did not fall victim, even baiting the Cowboys into at-the-line audibles. A smart and talented defense that prepared the Cowboys for playoff football.
    • Dez Bryant’s deep ball catch that set up the Cowboys only first half TD was perhaps his best of the season. After fooling the best safety in the NFL, Harrison Smith, on a hook and go, Dez pulled in a very tough ball extending and controlling the ball to the ground. Dez prefers to face the ball and catch it with a diamond rather than over the shoulder in a basket. It was good to see Dak find him in stride and get an over-the-shoulder catch for Dallas’ biggest outside playmaker.
    • As discussed in the Sport DFW predictions, much of the Cowboys’ success would come down to Prescott’s ability to hit his hot route when facing the A-Gap blitz. He had a great opportunity to connect with Cole Beasley deep in his own territory on 1st and 24 in the 3rd quarter. Sadly, Beasley wasn’t prepared and let a good opportunity slip by.

    Next: Dak Prescott Makes Case For NFL MVP

    • It was good to see Barry Church back in the lineup but he didn’t exactly have his best game. He was a step behind most of the night and could have been exposed if the Vikings would have noticed. Instead, the Vikings seemed hell-bent on targeting rookie CB, Anthony Brown, and to a lesser extent, Orlando Scandrick. Luckily for the Cowboys that cornerback duo played a rock-solid game. The two only gave up a combined six receptions for 32 yards off of 10 targets.
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