Cowboys beat Colts despite 153 penalty yards and missed field goal
Dallas secured a 27-23 win over Indianapolis on Sunday, but the victory came with record-breaking disciplinary issues and a career-low performance from kicker Brandon Aubrey.
By Andrew Kovalenko ·
The Dallas Cowboys defeated the Indianapolis Colts 27-23 on Sunday, avoiding a third loss in a month that would have buried them in the NFC East standings. Despite the win, the team recorded 153 yards in penalties, contributing to their league-leading total of 667 yards. The victory keeps Dallas at 4-5, but the sloppy performance raises questions about their readiness for the playoffs in head coach Brian Schottenheimer’s second season.
A 46-yard pass from Dak Prescott to Ryan Flournoy set up the game-winning sequence late in the fourth quarter. Following the completion, Javonte Williams scored on a touchdown run to break a 23-20 deficit with 1:53 remaining. It marked Prescott’s 28th career game-winning drive, a figure that ranks fifth among quarterbacks with 11 or more seasons of experience.
Disciplinary issues plagued the offense throughout the contest. The unit drew the first seven penalties of the game, including three holding calls. CeeDee Lamb was flagged for offensive pass interference on two separate occasions, both of which wiped out first-down catches. Lamb still finished with 195 receiving yards on 10 catches, the second-most of his career.
Kicker Brandon Aubrey missed a 50-yard field goal attempt when the score was tied at 20 with 3:12 left in the game. The miss dropped his career field goal percentage to 77%, a new personal low in his four years with the team. The attempt was complicated by a low snap from Trent Sieg that bounced before holder Bryan Anger could secure the ball.
The defense provided its best statistical showing of the season, capping the game with an interception by rookie first-round pick Caleb Downs. Defensive tackle Quinnen Williams led the team with seven tackles and recorded three tackles for loss, tying his career high for the second time this season. Williams currently leads the NFL with 14 tackles for loss.
Inactive linebacker DeMarvion Overshown received an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty after running onto the field in street clothes to celebrate a fumble recovery. The call cost Dallas valuable field position while they attempted to protect their lead. Overshown has missed six of the team’s first nine games due to a hamstring injury and a new back issue, appearing in uniform for only 22 of the 60 regular-season games since his draft in 2023.
The Cowboys host the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday in their next matchup. The 49ers currently lead the NFC West with a 7-1 record. Injuries to wide receiver George Pickens, cornerback Joey Porter Jr., and tight end Jake Ferguson leave the roster thin as the team prepares for the visit. Prescott noted that the team cannot afford to make so many mistakes, especially on offense, as they look to stabilize their standing in the conference.
