Updated

Updated · DallasCowboys.com · Nov 6

DallasCowboys.com Staff Picks Cowboys to Beat Colts in Week 9, 4 of 5 Back Dallas

Updated

Updated · DallasCowboys.com · Nov 6

DallasCowboys.com Staff Picks Cowboys to Beat Colts in Week 9, 4 of 5 Back Dallas

Q: How did the Cowboys manage to secure a late victory despite committing a staggering 14 penalties against the Colts?

Dallas survived the 14 penalties because it was still the better team in the game’s biggest moments and overwhelmed Indianapolis statistically. Even with 153 penalty yards and two lost fumbles, the Cowboys outgained the Colts 508-271 and controlled possession for more than 35 minutes. Dak Prescott threw for 335 yards and two touchdowns, CeeDee Lamb had 10 catches for 195 yards and a score, and Javonte Williams ran for 101 yards. That production kept creating scoring chances even after Dallas repeatedly stalled itself. The decisive sequence came after Indianapolis took a 23-20 lead with 1:37 left. Prescott answered with a four-play, 65-yard drive in just 29 seconds, highlighted by a 46-yard completion to Ryan Flournoy that set up Williams’ 1-yard go-ahead touchdown with 1:08 remaining. That late drive allowed Dallas to overcome all the earlier mistakes. The defense also made the key plays needed to offset the sloppiness. Dallas held Jonathan Taylor to 46 rushing yards, forced two turnovers, got a crucial strip of Taylor by Quinnen Williams in the fourth quarter, and sealed the game when rookie Caleb Downs intercepted Daniel Jones with 35 seconds left. So while the penalties nearly cost them, Dallas won because its offense produced explosive plays, its defense delivered timely takeaways, and Prescott finished the game when the Cowboys finally needed one clean drive most.

3 articles · Updated · DallasCowboys.com · Nov 6

Four of five DallasCowboys.com staffers picked Dallas to beat Indianapolis on Sunday, with projected scores ranging from 35-19 to 40-20; one forecast a 28-27 Colts upset.
The split centers on consistency: Dallas has struggled to put together four complete quarters, but some staffers expect a rebound after last week's fourth-quarter collapse.
Indianapolis enters at 2-6 on a four-game skid after firing its GM and trading away key pieces, yet Jonathan Taylor and the secondary were flagged as real threats.
Dallas' defense — 32nd against the run, according to the staff analysis — remains the key variable, though several writers said improved health could help it finally stabilize.
The game also carries historical baggage: the Cowboys are making their first trip to Indianapolis in eight years and have not scored at Lucas Oil Stadium in 16 years.