Quarterback Cooper Rush completed 24 of 37 passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns, while running back Rico Dowdle rushed for 86 yards on 19 carries in the Cowboys’ victory.
The win was especially significant for Dallas, who hadn’t secured a victory since their October 6th triumph over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Head coach Mike McCarthy expressed satisfaction with the performance, telling the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, “It was a great team win.
This is how division games should go. It’s rewarding to see our guys stay committed and keep pushing through. The messaging has been strong.”
McCarthy acknowledged the team’s resilience, saying, “No one’s flinching with everything going on around us. It feels good to get the win—it’s been a while.” He also praised Rush, who earned his first win of the season in place of the injured Dak Prescott. “Cooper did an excellent job managing the game,” McCarthy said.
“The running game set up some easy throws for him, and he was very decisive and clean. Even though penalties took away a few passing plays, he handled it well. This was his best performance so far.”
The Cowboys will quickly turn their attention to their next game against the New York Giants on Thanksgiving Day at AT&T Stadium.
As for McCarthy’s future with the team, he doesn’t have a contract for next season, though team owner Jerry Jones has downplayed any potential in-season coaching changes, recalling past regrets with midseason firings.
“I’ve made changes in the past, like with Chan Gailey in 1998, and I’ve always regretted it,” Jones said postgame. “I’ve made a change during the season with Wade Phillips in 2010, and I regretted that too.
That’s the mindset I’m in.” McCarthy’s situation will be a topic of interest as the offseason approaches, and the Cowboys’ decision on his future remains to be seen.
