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'You Knew It'd Come Down To 1 Play!' Cowboys’ Mike McCarthy Reacts to Loss at Miami: Live Game Log

'You Knew It'd Come Down To 1 Play!' Dallas Cowboys Coach Mike McCarthy Reacts to 22-20 Loss at Miami Dolphins: Live Game Log

Timm Hamm

In this story:

The Cowboys headed back to the East Coast for a Christmas Eve matchup with the AFC East-leading Miami Dolphins on Sunday. ... kinda knowing what they might encounter, given the way the two teams are so similar in their successes .. and maybe their shortcomings.

Said Dallas coach Mike McCarthy after the nail-biting 22-20 loss: “It was a juggernaut game. It’s what we expected. ... It’s a challenge in these games because you know it’s going to come down to one play.”

Indeed it did ... and as McCarthy conceded accurately, it was Miami that made that one more play.

How did we get to the final buzzer? Follow along with our chronological look ...

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Both teams entered at 10-4 and hope to continue building momentum for the playoffs. ... and the Cowboys are doing some roster shuffling as they prep.

As CowboysSI.com reported on Saturday morning, Tyron Smith (back) will not play and is not even on the plane to Miami. Same with Johnathan Hankins (ankle).

dak tua

Zack Martin (quad) is "questionable'' but is planning on playing, as is safety Malik Hooker (ankle).

The Cowboys have made a handful of moves here as they have elevated nose tackle Carl Davis and running back Malik Davis from the practice squad. Viliami Fehoko and Matt Waletzko, who are both on Dallas’ Reserve/Designated for Return List, will not be activated for the game on Sunday.

Dallas hopes to bounce back from a 31-10 road loss in Buffalo last week where the Bills ran the ball at will as the Cowboys gave up 266 yards rushing while being held to just 195 total.

Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott - like the Cowboys - is seeing reduced numbers statistically on the road vs. at AT&T Stadium. Prescott averages 304 yards and a 74 percent completion rate at home. Away from Arlington, however, the 30-year-old averages just 216 yards per contest and a 63 percent completion rate. He's also thrown five picks on the road compared to just two at home.

The Dolphins have won 18 of their last 21 games at home where quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has racked up a .792 winning percentage - second-best among active quarterbacks with at least 20 home starts.

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Dallas already clinched a playoff berth before the Buffalo loss but still has a slight chance of winning the No. 1 overall seed in the NFC and a first-round playoff bye. 

Live game updates will appear here after kickoff...

Dallas won the toss and elected to receive rather than defer possession to the second half.

FIRST QUARTER: Cowboys 7, Dolphins 3

The kick goes into the end zone for a touchback.

Dak connects with Lamb for nine, then Pollard gets six for a first down.

Dak passes incomplete to Lamb, then Dak throws complete to Lamb for nine. On 3rd and 1 from the DAL 49, Luepke runs up the middle for one for a fresh set of downs.

PENALTY on DAL-P.Hendershot, False Start, 5 yards, enforced at 50 - No Play.

The Cowboys are the most penalized team in the NFL...

Dak passes complete to Lamb for 13, then Pollard runs for one. On 3rd and 1 from the MIA 41, Luepke runs off right guard for two and a first down.

Dak throws incomplete to Dowdle deep down the left sideline, then Dak finds Luepke for eight. On 3rd and 2 from the MIA 31, Prescott scrambles to the left for a gain of one. 

Timeout #1 by DAL at 9:22

On 4th and 1 from the MIA 30, Dak hits Ferguson in the left flat and he runs for 19 and a first down at the MIA 11.

Cooks runs off left end for nine to the MIA 2, then Pollard runs off left end for one and a first down.

FUMBLE RECOVERY DOLPHINS: On 1st and Goal from the MIA 1, Dak hands off to Luepke who fumbles at the goal line, recovered by MIA at the MIA 2.

Mostert runs up the middle for six, then Tua hits Hill deep down the left side but Hill drops the ball in stride. On 3rd and 4 from the MIA 8, PENALTY on MIA, Delay of Game, 5 yards, enforced at MIA 8 - No Play. On 3rd and 9 from the MIA 3, Tua hits Waddle for 50 yards to the DAL 47. 

Mostert runs off left end for two, then Mostert runs again for five. On 3rd and 3 from the DAL 40, Tua hits Wilson for four and a first down.

Tua throws incomplete to Waddle short on the right sideline, then Mostert runs for a loss of three, tackled behind the line by Lewis. On 3rd and 13 from the DAL 39, Tua throws incomplete to Waddle.

Timeout #1 by MIA at 2:55

FIELD GOAL DOLPHINS: On 4th and 13 from the DAL 39, Sanders is good from 57 for a 3-0 lead over the Cowboys with 2:50 left in the first quarter.

The kick goes into the end zone for a touchback.

Dak completes to Lamb in stride across the 45 for a gain of 22 to the DAL 47.

Pollard runs up the middle for four.

TOUCHDOWN COWBOYS: On 2nd and 6 from the MIA 49, Dak hits Lamb in stride again darting across the middle and he breaks a couple of tackles down the left sideline for the touchdown and a 7-3 lead over the Dolphins with 1:30 left in the first quarter. The drive goes 75 yards in three plays and takes 1:20 off the clock.

The kick goes into the end zone for a touchback.

Tua misses Waddle, then hits Wilson for 18 to the MIA 43 for a first down.

Tua passes deep right to Chosen for 19 yards to the DAL 38. MIA-R.Chosen was injured during the play.

Mostert runs off right guard for two.

END OF THE FIRST QUARTER

SECOND QUARTER: Dolphins, 13, Cowboys 7

Tua hits Achane for seven, then Mostert runs up the middle for 15 and a first down at the DAL 14.

Tua passes to Ingold for five, then Mostert gets six to the DAL 3 for a first down.

Mostert runs off left guard for no gain, then Mostert runs again for a loss of two, hit by Hooker behind the line. MIA-R.Mostert was injured during the play.

On 3rd and Goal from the DAL 5, Tua passes incomplete to Waddle. MIA-J.Waddle was injured during the play.

THE RAIN BEGINS TO FALL AT HARD ROCK STADIUM.

On 4th and Goal from the DAL 5, Tua passes incomplete to Wilson. TURNOVER ON DOWNS to Dallas.

Dowdle carries off right tackle for no gain, then Dak scrambles off left end for six. PENALTY on DAL-Tyl.Smith, Offensive Holding, 3 yards, enforced at DAL 6 - No Play. On 2nd and 13 from the DAL 3, Dak runs off right guard for two. On 3rd and 11 from the DAL 7, Dak passes incomplete. PENALTY on MIA-C.Wilkins, Roughing the Passer, 15 yards, enforced at DAL 5 - No Play. 

Dak gets sacked for a loss of two, then Dak's pass to Hendershot is batted down at the line of scrimmage. On 3rd and 12 from the DAL 18, Dak scrambles up the middle for two. The Anger punt goes 61 yards to the MIA 19, returned 16 yards to the MIA 35 by Berrios.

WADDLE IS QUESTIONABLE TO RETURN with an EYE injury...

Wilson runs off right guard for six, then Tua hits Hill for 20 to the DAL 39.

Tua passes to Smuthe for six, then Achane gets stuffed for a loss of one by Parsons and Bell. On 3rd and 5 from the DAL 34, Tua passes incomplete to Achane. 

FIELD GOAL DOLPHINS: On 4th and 5 from the DAL 34, Sanders is good from 52 for a 7-6 Cowboys lead with 4:31 left in the first half. The drive goes 31 yards in six plays and takes 2:50 off the clock.

The kickoff goes 65 yards for a touchback.

PENALTY on DAL-J.Ferguson, False Start, 5 yards, enforced at DAL 25 - No Play.

Pollard runs up the middle for two, then Pollard gets six more. On 3rd and 7, Dak is sacked for a loss of one. The Anger punt goes 60 yards to the MIA 13, returned 16 yards to the MIA 29 by Berrios. 

WADDLE RETURNED to the game...

Tua hits Smythe for 11, then Tua passes incomplete deep down the left side to Achane.

-TWO-MINUTE WARNING-

Tua completes to Wilson for 15.

Achane runs up the middle for nine, then Tua hits Smythe for eight and a first down.

Tua passes to Smythe for 10.

Timeout #2 by MIA at :30

Tua passes to Hill for nine to the DAL 9.

Timeout #3 by MIA at :26

Tua passes incomplete to Wilson. PENALTY on DAL-M.Parsons, Roughing the Passer, 5 yards, enforced at DAL 9 - No Play.

Timeout #2 by DAL at :21

MOSTERT has returned to the game...

TOUCHDOWN DOLPHINS: On 1st and Goal from the DAL 4, Tua hits Mostert in the end zone for the score and a 13-7 lead over the Cowboys with :17 left in the half. The drive goes 71 yards in eight plays and takes 2:06 off the clock.

The kickoff goes 41 yards to the DAL 24, muffed catch by Dowdle, recovered by Dowdle at the DAL 24.

Dak kneels to end the half.

HALFTIME

THIRD QUARTER: Dolphins, 19, Cowboys 10

The Dolphins will have the ball first to start the second half.

The kickoff goes into the end zone for a touchback.

Mostert runs up the middle for a gain of 14.

Mostert runs off left end for a gain of one, then Achane runs up the middle for no gain, stuffed by Odighizuwa at the line of scrimmage. On 3rd and 9 from the MIA 40, Tua passes incomplete to no one near the left sideline. The punt goes 58 yards to the DAL 2.

Pollard runs off right tackle for one, then Dak passes incomplete to Ferguson. On 3rd and 9 from the DAL 3, Dak throws incomplete to Ferguson. The Anger punt goes 59 yards to the MIA 38 out of bounds.

Tua completes to Hill for 17 to the DAL 43.

Wilson runs up the middle for a yard, then Tua completes to Hill for eight. On 3rd and 1 from the DAL 34, Achane loses two, stuffed by Clark and Williams. 

FIELD GOAL DOLPHINS: On 4th and 3 from the DAL 36, Saders is good from 54 for a 16-7 lead over the Cowboys. The drive goes 24 yards in five plays and takes 2:54 off the clock.

The kick goes into the end zone for a touchback.

Dak hits Cooks for six, then finds Tolbert down the right sideline for 45 to the MIA 34.

Pollard runs for three, then Dak throws to Gallup on a wideout screen for a loss of four. On 3rd and 11, Dak scrambles for 14. PENALTY on DAL, Illegal Shift, 5 yards, enforced at MIA 25 - No Play.

On 3rd and 16 Dak hits Pollard for just five.

FIELD GOAL COWBOYS: On 4th and 11 from the MIA 25, Aubrey is good from 43 for a 16-10 Dolphins lead with 5:28 left in the third quarter. The drive goes 50 yards in six plays and takes 3:31 off the clock.

The kickoff goes into the end zone for a touchback.

Tua hits Hill for 18 at the MIA 43.

Tua passes short middle to Smythe who runs 21 yards to the DAL 36.

Tua passes incomplete to Hill deep down the left sideline, then Waddle rushes off right end for two. MIA-J.Waddle was injured during the play.

On 3rd and 8 from the DAL 34, Tua hits HIll for 14 to the DAL 20 and a first down.

Achane runs up the middle for five, then Tua comletes to Hill for a loss of two. On 3rd and 7 from the DAL 17, Tua passes incomplete to Wilson. 

FIELD GOAL DOLPHINS: On 4th and 7 from the DAL 17, Sanders is good from 35 for a 19-10 Dolphins lead with 1:24 left in the third quarter. The drive goes 58 yards in nine plays and takes 4:04 off the clock. 

The kickoff goes into the end zone for a touchback.

Pollard runs up the middle for three, then Ferguson catches the Prescott pass for seven and a first down.

Dak completes to Ferguson again for 11 and another first down.

END OF THE THIRD QUARTER

FOURTH QUARTER: Dolphins 22, Cowboys 20

Dak carries up the middle for 22 yards.

Lamb runs off right end for five, then Dak throws incomplete on the right sideline under pressure. On 3rd and 5 from the MIA 27, Dak passes incomplete to Cooks. PENALTY on MIA-N.Needham, Illegal Contact, 5 yards, enforced at MIA 27 - No Play.

Prescott hits Tolbert for six, then Pollard runs up the middle for one. On 3rd and 3 from the MIA 15, Dak passes incomplete to Dowdle. 

FIELD GOAL COWBOYS: On 4th and 3 from the MIA 15, Aubrey is good from 33 for a 19-13 Dolphins lead with 12:31 left in the game. The drive goes 60 yards in 10 plays and takes 3:53 off the clock.

The kick goes into the end zone for a touchback.

Waddle is questionable to return with a shin injury. Mostert has played sparingly since being injured.

Achane gets seven, then Tua passes incomplete to Hill. On 3rd and 3, PENALTY on MIA-L.Cotton, False Start, 5 yards, enforced at MIA 32 - No Play. On 3rd and 8 from the MIA 32, Tua is sacked for a loss of NINE by Dorance Armstong. The Bailey punt goes 53 yards to the DAL 29, returned by Turpin two yards to the DAL 31.

Prescott hits Turpin in the left flat for three, then Dak throws incomplete to Ferguson. On 3rd and 7 from the DAL 34, Dak finds Lamb for 15 and a first down.

Prescott hits Schoonmaker for four, then Turpin carries off right end on a sweep for four. On 3rd and 2 from the MIA 43, Dak misses Lamb. On 4th and 2 from the MIA 43, Dak finds Lamb for 11 and a first down.

Dak hits Ferguson for seven, then Dowdle carries for four and a first down at the MIA 21.

Dak completes to Gallup for eight to the MIA 13, then Pollard carries for six and a 1st and Goal at the MIA 7.

Pollard carries up the middle for three, then Dak passes incomplete to Lamb. On 3rd and goal from the MIA 4, Dak passes incomplete to Hendershot. On 4th and Goal from the MIA 4, Dak passes incomplete to Turpin. PENALTY on MIA-D.Elliott, Defensive Pass Interference, 3 yards, enforced at MIA 4 - No Play. Penalty on MIA-X.Howard, Defensive Pass Interference, declined.

On 1st and Goal from the MIA 1, Prescott is sacked for a loss of seven, then Dak throws incomplete to Lamb. On 3rd and Goal from the 8, Dak passes to Lamb incomplete in the end zone, caught out of bounds. 

TOUCHDOWN COWBOYS: On 3rd and Goal from the MIA 8, Dak completes to Cook in the corner of the end zone for a 20-19 Cowboys lead with 3:27 left in the game. The drive goes 69 yards in 17 plays and takes 7:39 off the clock.

The kick goes into the end zone for a touchback.

Tua hits Achane for a gain of six. PENALTY on DAL-D.Clark, Face Mask, 15 yards, enforced at MIA 31.

Tua completes to Wilson for nine. DAL-S.Gilmore was injured during the play.  Tua completes to Hill for five and a first down.

Tua passes incomplete to Hill, then Tua finds Ingold for seven to the DAL 33.

-TWO-MINUTE WARNING-

On 3rd and 3 from the DAL 33, Tua finds Hill for 10 to the DAL 23 for a first down.

Timeout #1 by DAL at 1:53

Wilson runs off right end for eight. 

Timeout #2 by DAL at 1:47

Wilson runs off right guard for no gain.

Timeout #3 by DAL at 1:42

On 3rd and 2 Wilson gets six for a first down.

Tua kneels for a loss of one, then kneels again for a loss of one.

Timeout #2 by MIA at :02

FIELD GOAL DOLPHINS: Miami wins 22-20.

END OF GAME

Published
Timm Hamm
TIMM HAMM

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