Bengals vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats

The NFL is a numbers game, and when the Cincinnati Bengals faced off against the Dallas Cowboys on December 9, 2024, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, the stats told a thrilling story. This Week 14 Monday Night Football clash ended with the Bengals edging out the Cowboys 27-20, keeping their slim playoff hopes alive while snapping a three-game losing streak. Let’s break down the player stats, key performances, and what made this game a standout, all in a way that’s easy to read and understand for fans of all ages. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just love a good game, this article will give you the full scoop on the Bengals vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats.

Game Overview: A Nail-Biter in Arlington

The Bengals vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats both entered the game with 5-8 records, desperate for a win to stay in the playoff hunt. The game was a back-and-forth battle, with both teams showcasing offensive firepower and defensive grit. A bizarre special teams play in the final minutes—where Dallas blocked a punt but fumbled the recovery—handed Cincinnati a golden opportunity. Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase capitalized with a game-winning 40-yard touchdown pass, sealing the 27-20 victory. The stats from this game highlight standout performances, critical moments, and a few surprises that shaped the outcome.

Key Team Stats: Bengals vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats

Before diving into individual player stats, let’s look at the big picture. According to ESPN, the Bengals outgained the Cowboys in total yards, racking up 433 compared to Dallas’ 322. Cincinnati also dominated possession time (33:11 vs. 26:49) and had more first downs (23 vs. 17). However, the Cowboys had a slight edge in turnovers, forcing one interception from Burrow while giving up two themselves. These numbers set the stage for the individual brilliance—and struggles—that defined the game.

Bengals’ Offensive Dominance

• Total Yards: 433

• Passing Yards: 369

• Rushing Yards: 64

• First Downs: 23

• Turnovers: 1

• Possession Time: 33:11

Cowboys’ Gritty Effort

• Total Yards: 322

• Passing Yards: 183

• Rushing Yards: 139

• First Downs: 17

• Turnovers: 2

• Possession Time: 26:49

Now, let’s zoom in on the players who made this game unforgettable.

Bengals’ Standout Performers

Joe Burrow: The Maestro at Quarterback

Joe Burrow was the heartbeat of the Bengals’ offense, delivering a performance that reminded everyone why he’s one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks. He completed 33 of 44 passes (75% completion rate) for 369 yards, throwing three touchdowns and one interception. His passer rating of 112.8 was a testament to his precision and poise under pressure. Burrow’s ability to spread the ball around and connect with his playmakers, especially in clutch moments, was pivotal. The game-winning 40-yard touchdown pass to Ja’Marr Chase with just 1:01 left showcased his ability to stay calm when it mattered most.

• Passing Yards: 369

• Completions/Attempts: 33/44

• Touchdowns: 3

• Interceptions: 1

• Passer Rating: 112.8

Burrow faced constant pressure from Dallas’ defense, taking hits that forced him to wear a compression sleeve on his left leg. Despite this, he orchestrated key drives, including an 11-play, 70-yard march in the first quarter and the decisive three-play, 57-yard drive in the final minutes. His chemistry with his receivers, particularly Chase, was on full display.

Ja’Marr Chase: The NFL’s Receiving King

Ja’Marr Chase was unstoppable, hauling in 14 receptions for 177 yards and two touchdowns. His performance solidified his status as the NFL leader in receiving yards (1,319) and touchdowns (15) for the 2024 season. Chase’s ability to make big plays was evident from the start, with a 5-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter and the game-clinching 40-yard score in the fourth. According to Next Gen Stats, Chase’s 122 yards on out-breaking routes were the most in a single game over the last seven seasons, highlighting his explosiveness and route-running savvy.

• Receptions: 14

• Receiving Yards: 177

• Touchdowns: 2

• Targets: 18

Chase’s 43-yard reception in the first quarter, where he ran 73.5 yards across the field to evade defenders, was a highlight-reel moment. His ability to break tackles and turn short passes into big gains kept the Bengals’ offense humming.

Chase Brown: The Ground Game Spark

Running back Chase Brown complemented Burrow’s passing attack with 58 yards on 14 carries, averaging 4.1 yards per attempt. He also added a 16-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter, showcasing his versatility as a dual-threat back. Brown’s ability to break off runs, like a notable sideline scamper, gave the Bengals balance and kept Dallas’ defense honest.

• Rushing Yards: 58

• Carries: 14

• Receiving Yards: 16

• Touchdowns: 1

Supporting Cast: Tanner Hudson, Mike Gesicki, and More

Tight ends Tanner Hudson and Mike Gesicki also contributed, with Hudson catching a key pass and Gesicki hauling in multiple receptions to move the chains. Wide receiver Andrei Iosivas made a first-down catch that helped sustain drives, though a holding penalty set the Bengals back at a critical moment. Kicker Cade York was reliable, nailing a 37-yard field goal in the second quarter and a 29-yarder in the fourth to tie the game at 20-20.

Defensive Heroes: Joseph Ossai and Germaine Pratt

On defense, defensive end Joseph Ossai made his presence felt with a sack on Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush, while linebacker Germaine Pratt was stout against the run. Cornerback Marco Wilson broke up a crucial pass downfield, and linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither teamed up with cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt for a big stop. The Bengals’ defense, often criticized this season, stepped up in the fourth quarter, forcing two punts and a turnover on downs to seal the win.

• Joseph Ossai: 1 sack, 3 solo tackles

• Germaine Pratt: Key stops against the run

• Marco Wilson: 1 pass breakup

Cowboys’ Key Contributors

Cooper Rush: Steady but Not Enough

With Dak Prescott sidelined by a season-ending hamstring injury, backup quarterback Cooper Rush led the Cowboys’ offense. He completed 16 of 31 passes for 183 yards, throwing two touchdowns and one interception, finishing with a 77.8 passer rating. Rush spread the ball to eight different receivers, with an 11-yard touchdown pass to CeeDee Lamb in the first quarter and a third-quarter score to Brandin Cooks. However, his red zone interception at the Bengals’ 7-yard line in the second quarter was costly, and he struggled to find rhythm against Cincinnati’s defense in the clutch.

• Passing Yards: 183

• Completions/Attempts: 16/31

• Touchdowns: 2

• Interceptions: 1

• Passer Rating: 77.8

Rico Dowdle: A Career Day on the Ground

Running back Rico Dowdle was a bright spot for Dallas, rushing for a career-high 131 yards on 18 carries, averaging an impressive 7.3 yards per attempt. His performance was especially notable without seven-time All-Pro guard Zack Martin, who was on injured reserve. Dowdle’s big runs kept the Cowboys competitive, but their inability to sustain drives in the fourth quarter limited his impact.

• Rushing Yards: 131

• Carries: 18

• Average Yards per Carry: 7.3

CeeDee Lamb: The Go-To Receiver

Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb led the Cowboys’ passing game with six catches for 93 yards and a touchdown. His 11-yard score in the first quarter came on a fourth-down play, and his 43-yard reception was a masterclass in yards after the catch, as he zigzagged across the field for 73.5 total yards traveled. Lamb’s touchdown snapped a five-game drought, but he couldn’t find the end zone again to rally Dallas late.

• Receptions: 6

• Receiving Yards: 93

• Touchdowns: 1

Brandin Cooks: Tying the Game

Wide receiver Brandin Cooks made a clutch play in the third quarter, ripping through a defensive hold to catch a touchdown pass from Rush, tying the game at 17-17. His ability to get open in the end zone was a highlight, though the Cowboys’ passing game struggled overall.

Defensive Standouts: Marist Liufau and Malik Hooker

Linebacker Marist Liufau led the Cowboys with 1.5 sacks, including a critical takedown of Burrow that forced a fumble (recovered by the Bengals). Safety Malik Hooker intercepted Burrow in the third quarter, setting up a field goal. However, the defense couldn’t stop Chase’s game-winning touchdown, and injuries to key players like linebacker DeMarvion Overshown (right knee) and rookie center Cooper Beebe (concussion) hurt their depth.

• Marist Liufau: 1.5 sacks, 1 solo tackle

• Malik Hooker: 1 interception

Special Teams Blunder: Amani Oruwariye’s Costly Mistake

The game’s turning point came when Cowboys special teamer Nick Vigil blocked a Bengals punt, but defensive back Amani Oruwariye fumbled the recovery attempt. The Bengals’ Maema Njongmeta pounced on the loose ball at the Cincinnati 43, giving Burrow and Chase the chance to deliver the knockout blow. This gaffe echoed a infamous 1993 play by Leon Lett, haunting Cowboys fans with déjà vu.

Bengals vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats Head-to-Head Comparison: The Numbers Tell the Story

Category	Bengals	Cowboys
Total Yards	433	322
Passing Yards	369	183
Rushing Yards	64	139
First Downs	23	17
Turnovers	1	2
Possession Time	33:11	26:49
Top Passer	Joe Burrow (369 yds, 3 TD)	Cooper Rush (183 yds, 2 TD)
Top Rusher	Chase Brown (58 yds)	Rico Dowdle (131 yds)
Top Receiver	Ja’Marr Chase (177 yds, 2 TD)	CeeDee Lamb (93 yds, 1 TD)

What the Stats Mean for the Game

The Bengals’ edge in passing yards and possession time reflects their ability to control the game’s tempo and sustain drives. Burrow’s high completion percentage and Chase’s big plays exploited Dallas’ secondary, which struggled without key starters. Meanwhile, the Cowboys’ reliance on Dowdle’s ground game showed promise but couldn’t overcome their passing struggles and special teams miscue. The Bengals’ defense, despite ranking 30th in rush defense success rate, held firm in critical moments, while Dallas’ red zone woes and injuries hampered their comeback hopes.

The Bigger Picture: Playoff Implications and Rivalry Context

The Bengals’ win improved their record to 5-8, ending a five-game losing streak against the Cowboys dating back to 2004. Dallas, also 5-8, saw their faint playoff hopes dim further, especially after losing key players to injury. Historically, the Cowboys lead the all-time series 10-5, but this game showed Cincinnati’s potential to compete with elite teams when their stars align.

For Bengals fans, Burrow and Chase’s connection is a beacon of hope in a challenging season. For Cowboys fans, the loss was a painful reminder of missed opportunities, with the special teams blunder and injuries adding to a season of disappointment. Both teams face tough roads ahead, with Cincinnati heading to Tennessee and Dallas traveling to Carolina in Week 15.

Why Player Stats Matter

Stats aren’t just numbers—they tell the story of a game. Burrow’s 369 passing yards show his ability to dissect a defense. Chase’s 177 receiving yards highlight his dominance as a playmaker. Dowdle’s 131 rushing yards signal a potential star in the making. These numbers help fans understand who’s driving the action and why certain plays change the game. They also fuel debates, fantasy football decisions, and predictions for future matchups.

Fun Facts from the Game

• Simpsons Alt-Cast: The game featured a unique “Simpsons”-themed broadcast on ESPN+, with animated versions of players like Burrow (Bart Simpson) and Rush (Homer Simpson). Lisa Simpson even “scored” the game-winning touchdown

  

• Historical Echo: The Cowboys’ special teams gaffe mirrored a 1993 loss to Miami, where Leon Lett’s fumble on a blocked field goal cost Dallas the game.

• Chase’s Triple Crown Chase: Ja’Marr Chase is in the hunt for the NFL receiving triple crown (leading in receptions, yards, and touchdowns), a feat Burrow is eager to help him achieve.

Final Thoughts

The Bengals vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats on December 9, 2024, was a showcase of individual brilliance, costly mistakes, and a thrilling finish. Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase stole the show for Cincinnati, while Rico Dowdle and CeeDee Lamb kept Dallas in the fight. The stats—369 passing yards for Burrow, 177 receiving yards for Chase, 131 rushing yards for Dowdle—paint a picture of a game where every yard mattered. For fans, these numbers bring the action to life, showing why this rivalry remains a must-watch. Whether you’re cheering for the Bengals or the Cowboys, this game was a reminder that in the NFL, every play counts, and the stats tell the tale.