Big Facts
Big Facts: Why scoring 20 is crucial for Cowboys
Here are the 10 most notable 'big facts' to remember ahead of Sunday's 3:25 CT kickoff on Fox.
Top Five in Primetime?
Dak Prescott is one of just five quarterbacks with a win percentage over 700 in primetime games over at least 25 starts. His 27-11 record (.710) puts him on the list with Steve Young (.767), Joe Montana (.733), and Peyton Manning (.723). Patrick Mahomes (.702) also joined this list with a win over the Saints on Monday night to make it a total of five.
Introducing Mr. 170
In his hometown of Pittsburgh, Mike McCarthy recorded his 170th head coaching win. He moves into a tie with Pete Carroll and Mike Shanahan for 15th all-time. It was just his second win against his hometown team. The other was a win over Pittsburgh in Super Bowl XLV at AT&T Stadium.
Dak to the Future
Dak Prescott threw two touchdowns in the fourth quarter comeback against the Steelers. One in the waning hours of Sunday night, and the other in the early hours of Monday morning. According to NFL research, he is the first player in history to throw a touchdown on two different days in the same game. All thanks to the 90-minute weather delay pregame.
Cardiac Cowboys
Dallas has been one of the best fourth quarter teams in football over the last two seasons. They outscored the Steelers by seven in the final frame on Sunday, improving their point differential in the fourth quarter to +19 this season. That currently ranks third in the NFL after leading the league in that category for the 2023 season (+77).
Dak Over 350…Again
Since he entered the league in 2016, Dak Prescott has eclipsed 350-passing yards and at least two touchdowns in 16 games, including this past weekend against the Steelers. Only Patrick Mahomes (21) and Tom Brady (18) have more games over that time period.
Game of Yards
Dallas outgained the Steelers by a total of 219 yards on Sunday. It marks the only 13th time in the last ten seasons where the Cowboys have outpaced their opponent by at least 200 yards. That's tied with the Ravens and Bills for the most in that timespan. The last game the Cowboys did this, was in Week 18 last season against Washington.
20-20 Vision
The Cowboys have oddly scored exactly 20 points in four of their last eight regular season games, including their last two games that each resulted in wins. Their two wins this season have equaled how many wins Dallas had with 20-points or fewer last season. One of those two games was against the Detroit Lions in Week 17.
20-plus against the Lions
Along the same lines, Dallas has scored at least 20 points against the Lions in 13 consecutive meetings. They are 10-3 in those matchups and have won six-straight against Detroit dating back to 2013. With 20 points on Sunday, it'll mark the longest active streak in the NFL, passing the Packers who have 13 straight against the Rams.
Trying to channel CeeDee Week 17 last year (Stats)
CeeDee Lamb tallied his best game as a pro with 227 receiving yards, including a 92-yard touchdown, against the Detroit Lions last season. The second-highest total allowed by the Lions since the merger, and the fourth-most in Cowboys history. Just for context, Lamb has exactly 227 receiving yards over his last three games combined and still ranks top ten in receiving this season.
Fourth Time the Charm?
With a win this week, Dan Campbell would become the sixth head coach to defeat the Cowboys after once playing for the team. Only Mike Ditka, Dan Reeves, Monte Clark, Dick Nolan, and Jack Del Rio have done so previously. Former Cowboys that have returned to coach against the franchise are a combined 14-19-1, including Campbell's 0-3 mark during his time with the Lions and Dolphins.
