When two dallas cowboys vs bengals match player stats just fall on the scoreboard—it shines brightest on the players. The Dallas Cowboys and Cincinnati Bengals, both known for their offensive firepower and defensive grit, recently met in a head-to-head showdown that delivered more than just entertainment. It offered a rich array of performances worth analyzing. In this breakdown, we explore individual stats that shaped the game’s outcome, focusing on quarterbacks, running backs, receivers, defenders, and special teams.
Quarterback Performance
Cowboys Signal Caller
The quarterback for the Cowboys showed composure and command from the pocket. Completing 23 of 32 passes, he achieved a completion rate of nearly 72%. He threw for 294 yards, with 2 touchdown passes and no interceptions, displaying efficient ball control. His longest completion spanned 47 yards, connecting on a deep post route that swung momentum in their favor.
In addition to his passing, he scrambled 4 times, adding 26 rushing yards and converting two first downs. His ability to extend plays was a key difference-maker.
Bengals Playmaker
On the other side, the Bengals’ quarterback had a solid outing but dealt with pressure throughout. Completing 21 of 38 passes, he posted 267 passing yards and 1 touchdown. However, he threw one costly interception in the second quarter, which led to a Cowboys field goal.
Despite the turnover, he made key throws under duress. A 35-yard sideline completion in the third quarter stood out as one of the best plays of the night. He was sacked 3 times, losing 18 yards, which slightly hurt the team’s rhythm.
Running Game Breakdown
Cowboys Ground Game
The Cowboys’ running back committee delivered steady contributions. The lead back rushed for 89 yards on 18 carries, averaging 4.9 yards per attempt. He found the end zone once, punching in a 6-yard touchdown run during the second quarter.
A backup rusher added another 34 yards on 7 carries, keeping the defense honest and chewing clock in the fourth quarter. Combined, the team rushed for 138 total yards, controlling the pace of the game.
Bengals Rushing Attack
The Bengals relied heavily on their primary running back, who carried the ball 21 times for 102 yards and a touchdown. He also contributed 3 catches for 24 yards as a receiver. His highlight came on a 23-yard burst through the middle that set up their lone third-quarter touchdown.
However, the run game lacked depth behind him. Other backs combined for just 17 yards, and the lack of rotation led to visible fatigue late in the fourth.
Receiving Leaders
Dallas Receiving Corps
The Cowboys’ top wideout was unstoppable. He caught 9 passes for 127 yards, including a touchdown grab on a slant-and-go route. He gained 68 yards after catch (YAC), consistently turning short throws into big plays.
The tight end also chipped in with 5 receptions for 54 yards, showing his reliability on third downs. Two of his catches converted crucial third-and-long situations that extended scoring drives.
Bengals Pass Catchers
For Cincinnati, the leading receiver hauled in 6 passes for 92 yards. His most impactful play was a 30-yard sideline catch that kept the game within reach.
Another receiver added 4 catches for 48 yards, while the tight end caught the team’s only passing touchdown—a 12-yard fade route in the red zone.
Defensive Standouts
Cowboys Defensive Unit
The Cowboys’ linebacker corps was active all night. The leading tackler recorded 11 total stops, including 2 tackles for loss. He was everywhere, disrupting both the run and short passing game.
A defensive end tallied 2 sacks, consistently beating the left tackle off the edge. The secondary came through with 4 pass deflections, and the cornerback responsible for the interception returned it 18 yards, flipping field position.
Bengals Defensive Performance
The Bengals’ defense held its ground for most of the first half. Their top tackler finished with 10 tackles, 1 sack, and a forced fumble that was recovered by a teammate.
The defensive line pressured the quarterback frequently, recording 3 sacks as a unit. A safety nearly had a pick in the third quarter but couldn’t maintain control. The missed opportunity proved costly, as the Cowboys scored a touchdown two plays later.
Special Teams Summary
Dallas Kicking and Returns
The Cowboys’ kicker was perfect, going 2-for-2 on field goals and 3-for-3 on extra points. His longest kick came from 47 yards out, showing his range and confidence.
Kickoff returns averaged 25.3 yards, giving the offense solid field position. The punt return unit had a 12-yard return, keeping the game in their favor.
Bengals Special Teams
Cincinnati’s kicker went 1-for-1 on field goals and 2-for-2 on extra points, with his lone field goal coming from 38 yards.
Their return game struggled to gain traction. The longest kickoff return was just 21 yards, while punt returns averaged 6 yards, giving them tougher field positions to work with.
Turnovers and Penalties
The Cowboys won the turnover battle, forcing one interception and recovering a fumble. They committed just 3 penalties, totaling 24 yards, maintaining discipline throughout the match.
The Bengals, in contrast, had 2 turnovers and were flagged 6 times, giving away 52 penalty yards. One holding call negated a 15-yard gain and stalled a promising drive in the fourth quarter.
Key Moments That Shifted Momentum
- Second Quarter Pick: The Cowboys’ interception turned into 3 quick points.
- Third Quarter Sack-Fumble: A Bengals strip sack nearly turned the game but was offset by a failed red zone conversion.
- Late 4th Conversion: Dallas converted a 3rd and 12 with a 19-yard pass, allowing them to run down the clock and prevent a Bengals comeback.
Final Observations
This contest showcased individual brilliance and collective execution. The Cowboys’ offense was more efficient in both passing and rushing, while the Bengals showed flashes of power but lacked consistency.
Defensively, both sides had stars, but the Cowboys edged out due to key stops and turnovers. Special teams tilted slightly in Dallas’ favor, giving them better starting field positions.
From quarterback poise to linebacker aggression, every unit contributed. While the final result favored one team, the real value was in the numbers each player posted—numbers that told the story of a hard-fought battle between two determined teams.
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