Dallas Cowboys make odd history in win over Minnesota Vikings

The Dallas Cowboys have miraculously found ways to win week after week, despite facing constant adversity due to injury.

Sunday’s 20-16 victory over the Minnesota Vikings was no exception.

With Dak Prescott sidelined, Dallas leaned on Cooper Rush– who had not thrown a NFL pass since 2017– and the backup quarterback delivered.

In the fourth quarter, the former Central Michigan signal caller connected with Amari Cooper for a touchdown, which proved to be the game-winner, while making odd history along the way.

The Cooper-Rush-to-Amari-Cooper touchdown is the first in NFL history where the passer’s first name and receiver’s last name are an exact match according to NFL Research.

Incredibly, the Cowboys are also the only team to throw a touchdown pass where the quarterback’s last name and the receiver’s first name, were the exact same name. 

As NFL research noted on Sunday, former Cowboys quarterback Andy Dalton connected with tight end Dalton Schultz on a touchdown just one season ago. The opponent? Also the Minnesota Vikings.

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Almost nobody predicted Rush to fill-in and play as well as he did.

The Cowboys backup quarterback closed out Sunday’s win completing 24 of 40 passes for 325 yards, two touchdowns, and just one interception against a highly-talented Vikings defense.

Still, all eyes are on Prescott as the Cowboys prepare to host the Denver Broncos on Sunday.

After the Vikings victory, Prescott was asked about his health and provided an update on his status.

“I had a plan all week, trying to progress and get myself out there,” the Dallas Cowboys starting quarterback shared post-game. “We made a call at the end, of having a chance to come out with a win, without me playing, and be able to get healthy and not have something re-injure and linger past this week.”

While nothing is official, the former Mississippi State passer sounded confident that he would have a good chance to take the field vs. Denver.

“For sure,” Prescott said. “I was getting prepared to play this game. I’m a guy that takes it day-by-day, moment-at-moment, and right now, I’m going to celebrate this win with the guys and worry about rehabbing … tomorrow.”

The sixth-year pro has thrown for 1,813 yards and 16 touchdowns, which was tied for third-most in the NFL at the end of Week 6.

If the Dallas Cowboys are going to make a significant playoff push, they will surely ride behind their Pro-Bowl quarterback. As it stands, Dallas all but has the NFC East locked down, so the decision-makers don’t have to rush Prescott if he isn’t fully healthy.