Dallas Cowboys vs. Cincinnati Bengals Highlights

The Dallas Cowboys came up short against the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday night in a game that could have gone either way. A special teams error late in the game sealed Dallas’ fate, leaving the team with a 5-8 record and dwindling playoff hopes. While the Cowboys fought hard, showing flashes of brilliance on both sides of the ball, the Bengals' offensive consistency and a crucial mistake ultimately decided the game.
Here’s a detailed quarter-by-quarter breakdown of the game.

1st Quarter: A Strong Opening

Dallas began the game on a positive note, winning the toss and deferring—a strategic decision that immediately paid off. The Cowboys' defense started strong, forcing the Bengals into a quick three-and-out. With momentum on their side, the Dallas offense took over and orchestrated a methodical 60-yard drive over nine plays, capped by a gutsy 4th-and-1 touchdown pass from Cooper Rush to CeeDee Lamb.
However, Cincinnati quickly showed why they remain a dangerous team, despite their record. Joe Burrow led the Bengals on an impressive 75-yard drive spanning 11 plays, culminating in a perfectly executed touchdown pass to Ja’Marr Chase. The Dallas defense had little chance to stop the play, which was nearly impossible to defend.
As the first quarter drew to a close, the Cowboys positioned themselves to retake the lead, thanks to another big play by CeeDee Lamb. The quarter ended with the score tied, leaving fans excited for what was shaping up to be a competitive game.

2nd Quarter: Turnovers and Missed Opportunities

The second quarter started on a sour note for Dallas. Cooper Rush, looking for Lamb on a slant route, saw his pass tipped in traffic. Geno Stone of the Bengals came away with the interception, giving Cincinnati a golden opportunity to build momentum.
Cincinnati advanced to midfield with relative ease, seemingly poised to capitalize on the turnover. However, Dallas’ defense responded. After the Bengals faced a third down near midfield, the Cowboys accepted a penalty that extended the drive—a decision that nearly backfired when Cincinnati gained enough yardage to set up a manageable fourth down. But on the ensuing play, Micah Parsons applied pressure, and DeMarvion Overshown delivered a critical stop, forcing a turnover on downs.
Seizing the opportunity, Dallas moved the ball effectively, with Rico Dowdle rushing for 34 yards across three carries. Ezekiel Elliott also contributed, but the drive stalled in the red zone. The Cowboys settled for a 35-yard Brandon Aubrey field goal, taking a slim lead.
Cincinnati responded with their usual offensive firepower. Despite consistent pressure from the Cowboys’ pass rush, Joe Burrow found ways to evade defenders and connect with his receivers, even in challenging third-down situations. Eventually, Chase Brown broke through for a touchdown after a lengthy drive, giving the Bengals their first lead of the night.
Dallas’ next drive sputtered, marked by a false start penalty on Jake Ferguson and a sack on Cooper Rush. The Bengals quickly regained possession and added a field goal to extend their lead. With time winding down in the half, the Cowboys had an opportunity for a quick score, holding three timeouts. However, a lackluster three-and-out ended any chance of a “double-dip,” and the Bengals entered halftime with the momentum firmly on their side.

3rd Quarter: A Renewed Spark

The Cowboys started the second half with possession, thanks to their earlier decision to defer. They made the most of it, executing a balanced drive that featured contributions from Rico Dowdle and KaVontae Turpin. The highlight came when Cooper Rush found Brandin Cooks for a touchdown, marking their second connection in as many weeks.
Dallas briefly regained the lead, but Cincinnati continued to move the ball efficiently. Joe Burrow orchestrated another strong drive but made a rare mistake when he overthrew his target, allowing Malik Hooker to snag an interception. It was the defensive spark the Cowboys desperately needed.
Capitalizing on the turnover, Dallas moved the ball enough to get into Brandon Aubrey’s range. As the quarter ended, Aubrey’s 47-yard field goal gave Dallas a slim advantage heading into the final period.

4th Quarter: A Late Collapse