On Sunday the Dallas Cowboys were shut out for the first time since the 2003 season as they lost 23-o against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
It was the seventh win in eight games for the Colts, who snapped the Cowboys five-game winning streak as they held them to under 300 total yards.
The Colts defense had the answer to the Cowboys air and ground attacks as they only allowed 180 yards passing and 112 rushing. Indianapolis frustrated the Cowboys stars and held them in check all game long with a dominant defensive effort.
The Cowboys couldn’t get anything going on offense as Dak Prescott was 24 of 39 for 206 yards, but on defense, they were vastly outplayed as they gave up 178 rushing yards, the most they have allowed in a single game all season.
The Colts defense meanwhile is improving and found a way to control the line of scrimmage with an aggressive play that overpowered the Cowboys’ offensive line. On top of that, they used an effective blitz and tight pass coverage to nullify Prescott and running back Ezekiel Elliott.
Prescott could never get in a rhythm and feel comfortable enough to connect with his receivers, while they stopped the run from the start as Elliot was often tackled in the backfield.
Wide receiver Amari Cooper also suffered the effects of the Colts defensive pressure as he finished the game with 32 receiving yards, the fewest he’s had this season since joining the Cowboys.
Because of that Dallas found itself in a bind as they often faced third and long situations that limited their offensive effectiveness. It’s worth pointing out that during their five-game winning streak the Cowboys third down efficiency was 50 percent, while in this game it was only 33.3 percent. Furthermore, the Cowboys offense was 1 for 5 on fourth down.
The Cowboys next host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while the Colts host the New York Giants.
