Cowboys offseason countdown: 99 facts until the regular season (Day 39)
We are at day 39 of our 99 day countdown until the regular season. Here is your daily fact associated with number 39.
In one of the more remarkable comebacks in Dallas Cowboys history, the team managed to come away with a win when they were down 39-37 with no timeouts left late in a game against the Atlanta Falcons.
The Dallas Cowboys were on the brink of a winless start to the 2020 season, experiencing what was one of their most disastrous first quarters in team history during the Week 2 game against the Atlanta Falcons. They committed four fumbles on offense, three of which occurred within the first 10 plays. The defense allowed two touchdown passes, one of which was due to blown coverage for a 42-yard score. Additionally, special teams contributed to the struggles with a failed fake punt, a questionable decision to return a kickoff from deep in the end zone, and a penalty on a return. As a result, the Cowboys found themselves trailing 20-0 as they entered the second quarter.
Somehow, Dak Prescott and the Cowboys were able to make a comeback. Dak threw for 450 yards, scored three rushing touchdowns and one passing touchdown in a full-on offensive effort, while the defense worked hard to keep the game competitive and hold back Matt Ryan.
As the fourth quarter commenced, the Falcons held a 15-point advantage. However, Dak achieved an unprecedented feat, becoming the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for over 400 yards while also rushing for three touchdowns in a single game. The third touchdown brought Dallas within two points, but only 1:49 remained on the clock. This set the stage for what news reports, social media, and weekly highlight reels would eternally refer to as “the watermelon” kick.
Greg Zuerlein executed an unconventional on-side kick, causing the ball to spin towards the Falcons. Oddly the Falcons let the ball spin for 10 yards and special teams ace C.J. Goodwin managed to secure possession. Following this, CeeDee Lamb made a crucial 24-yard reception, positioning the Cowboys within field goal range. With only seconds remaining on the clock, Zuerlein successfully kicked a 46-yard field goal, resulting in a 40-39 victory for the Cowboys.