2017 (finished 9-7, 2nd in NFC East)
Week 7: Cowboys 40, 49ers 10
In the midst of a tug-of-war with the league over a six-game suspension, Ezekiel Elliott was granted a temporary restraining order (his second of the season) just in time to allow him to suit up and take out his frustrations on the winless 49ers in their own stadium. He blasted San Francisco’s defense for 219 scrimmage yards- including 147 on the ground- and three touchdowns in a good old-fashioned blowout.
This game was also notable for the appearance of Jeff Heath as the team’s emergency kicker after Dan Bailey left in the first half with a groin injury. The safety handled kickoffs admirably and even went 2-of-3 on extra points. Dez Bryant also tied Bob Hayes for a franchise-leading 71st touchdown catch during the rout.
2018 (finished 10-6, 1st in NFC East)
Week 13: Cowboys 13, New Orleans 10
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Defense ruled the night in Arlington as the Cowboys shut down Drew Brees and the league’s highest-scoring offense, ending the Saints’ 10-game winning streak before a primetime TV audience.
After an up-and-down start to their own season, the win was Dallas’s fourth straight and suddenly left them tied for the division lead at 7-5; they would go on to win three of their final four games. The casual football fan already knew Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott were stars; this upset win catapulted Jaylon Smith, Leighton Vander Esch, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Jourdan Lewis into the spotlight.
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