Malik Hooker snags the INT against the team that drafted him 😤
📺: #INDvsDAL on NBC
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/l6eZ8mVvcp pic.twitter.com/ot4XuCrijx— NFL (@NFL) December 5, 2022
The Cowboys had a subpar first half until a gift came from Colts quarterback Matt Ryan. Cornerback Anthony Brown made up for his struggles early in the game, pressuring Alec Pierce, which led to a tip-drill interception by safety Malik Hooker. The 26-yard return gave the Dallas offense an extremely short field at the Indianapolis 26-yard line.
With 55 seconds and three timeouts, things looked promising until a 3rd-and-9 at the Colts 13-yard line. Even with the tough yardage, quarterback Dak Prescott continued his stellar play on third down this season, finding wide receiver Michael Gallup streaking across the middle for the touchdown.
It's Gallup! @DallasCowboys extend their lead before halftime.
📺: #INDvsDAL on NBC
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/l6eZ8mVvcp pic.twitter.com/Yd9Yw1rwtC— NFL (@NFL) December 5, 2022
While the first half hasn’t been pretty, the timely takeaway and score gives the Cowboys a 21-13 lead heading into the break. Indianapolis has mustered 141 yards in the first half compared to 208 from Dallas. The Colts will receive to start the second half with an eight-point deficit.