Game Overview: A Clash of Titans
The Cincinnati Bengals faced off against the Dallas Cowboys in a high-stakes NFL showdown at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The game, held on December 10, 2024, ended with the Bengals securing a 27-20 victory 34.
Final Score & Key Team Stats
| Stat | Bengals | Cowboys |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 433 | 322 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 2 |
| Time of Possession | 33:11 | 26:49 |
| 1st Downs | 23 | 17 |
| Red Zone Efficiency | 2/4 | 2/4 |
The Bengals dominated in passing yards (359 vs. 166) while the Cowboys had the edge in rushing (156 vs. 74).
Quarterback Showdown: Burrow Outduels Prescott
Joe Burrow (Bengals)
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Passing: 33/44, 359 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT
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Rating: 112.
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Key Moment: A 21-yard TD pass to Ja’Marr Chase in the 4th quarter sealed the win.
Burrow showcased elite pocket presence, connecting frequently with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. His 75% completion rate and 7.8 yards per pass highlight his efficiency.
Dak Prescott (Cowboys)
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Passing: 16/31, 166 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
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Rushing: 28 yards
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Key Moment: A late interception by Logan Wilson stalled a potential game-tying drive.
Prescott faced relentless pressure from the Bengals’ defensive line, getting sacked three times.
Top Performers: Offensive Standouts
Wide Receivers
Ja’Marr Chase (Bengals)
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Receptions: 9
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Yards: 124
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Touchdowns: 2
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Highlight: A toe-tap TD catch in the corner of the end zone.
CeeDee Lamb (Cowboys)
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Receptions: 10
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Yards: 118
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Touchdowns: 1
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YAC (Yards After Catch): 42.
Running Backs
Joe Mixon (Bengals)
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Rushing: 18 carries, 78 yards (4.3 avg)
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Receiving: 4 catches, 30 yards.
Tony Pollard (Cowboys)
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Rushing: 19 carries, 89 yards (4.7 avg), 1 TD
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Highlight: A 30-yard burst setting up a score.
Defensive Leaders: Game-Changing Plays
Trey Hendrickson (Bengals DE)
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Sacks: 2.5
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QB Hits: 4
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Forced Fumble: 1 (shifted momentum in the 3rd quarter)
Micah Parsons (Cowboys LB)
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Sacks: 2
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Tackles for Loss: 3
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QB Pressures: 6
Logan Wilson (Bengals LB)
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Tackles: 11 (8 solo)
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Interception: 1 (red-zone stop).
Special Teams Impact
Evan McPherson (Bengals Kicker)
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Field Goals: 2/2 (long of 47 yards)
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Extra Points: 3/3.
Brandon Aubrey (Cowboys Kicker)
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Field Goals: 2/2
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Extra Points: 2/2.
Key Turning Points
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Hendrickson’s Strip-Sack (3rd Quarter) – Led to a Bengals TD.
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Burrow-to-Chase Game-Winning TD (4th Quarter) – A 21-yard strike over double coverage.
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Wilson’s Red-Zone Interception – Stopped a Cowboys scoring drive.
Fantasy Football Takeaways
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Must-Start: Burrow, Chase, Lamb
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Sleeper Picks: Logan Wilson (IDP), Trey Hendrickson (IDP)
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Disappointments: Ezekiel Elliott (45 rushing yards, 0 TDs).
Coaching Strategies: How Zac Taylor and Mike McCarthy Shaped the Game
The Bengals vs Cowboys matchup wasn’t just a battle of players—it was a chess match between two sharp offensive minds. Zac Taylor (Bengals) and Mike McCarthy (Cowboys) employed contrasting strategies that influenced the game’s outcome.
Taylor’s aggressive downfield passing attack kept the Cowboys’ secondary on their heels, particularly targeting Trevon Diggs in single coverage. The Bengals’ no-huddle offense in the second half prevented Dallas from making key defensive substitutions, leading to Burrow’s late-game heroics.
On the other side, McCarthy relied heavily on play-action and screen passes to counter Cincinnati’s pass rush. However, the lack of a consistent run game in critical moments forced Prescott into difficult third-and-long situations. The Cowboys’ inability to adjust to Trey Hendrickson’s edge pressure proved costly, as Dallas struggled to sustain drives in the second half.
Injury Impact: How Key Absences Affected the Game
Injuries played a significant role in shaping the Bengals vs Cowboys showdown. The Cowboys were without left tackle Tyron Smith, which allowed Hendrickson to exploit backup Josh Ball for multiple sacks. Additionally, the absence of cornerback Jourdan Lewis forced Dallas to rely on rookie DaRon Bland, who was repeatedly targeted by Burrow.
For the Bengals, the return of safety Jessie Bates III proved crucial, as his red-zone interception in the third quarter shifted momentum. However, Cincinnati did miss defensive tackle D.J. Reader, as the Cowboys found success running up the middle with Tony Pollard.
These injuries highlight how depth and adaptability can make or break a team in high-stakes matchups. Had Dallas been at full strength, the game’s outcome might have been different.
Conclusion: What This Game Means for Both Teams
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Bengals: Proved they’re Super Bowl contenders with Burrow healthy and Chase dominating.
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Cowboys: Need better O-line play and secondary adjustments to compete with elite teams.
This Bengals vs Cowboys clash was a masterclass in quarterback play, defensive pressure, and clutch performances. For fans and analysts, the player stats tell the story of a game decided by small margins and elite talent.
