The CantmIre Post

The Dallas Cowboys kept their NFC East - and No. 1 seed - hopes alive with their big victory over the Titans in Tennessee on Thursday night. The Cowboys trailed by seven points late in the fourth quarter before pulling away for a 41-38 win to improve to 7-6 on the season.

In this tutorial, we’ll take a look at how the Cowboys were able to come back from behind and secure the crucial victory over Tennessee that keeps their playoff hopes alive.

Step 1: The Cowboys Defense Comes Up Big

The Cowboys defense came up with some huge plays when it mattered most against Tennessee. In the fourth quarter, linebacker Leighton Vander Esch forced a fumble that was recovered by Jaylon Smith, allowing Dallas to keep possession of the ball and mount a comeback. Later in the quarter, safety Xavier Woods made an interception of Marcus Mariota's pass that set up a touchdown drive that put Dallas ahead for good.

Step 2: Amari Cooper Shines in Return to Action

Receiver Amari Cooper had been out since Week 12 due to injury but returned to action against Tennessee and had an immediate impact on offense. Cooper caught eight passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns, including one in the fourth quarter that put Dallas ahead 34-38 with just over two minutes remaining in the game. His performance was instrumental in helping Dallas stay alive in their pursuit of an NFC East title and playoff berth.

Step 3: Dak Prescott Makes Key Plays Down the Stretch
Running back Ezekiel Elliott had a monster game for Dallas with 189 rushing yards and two touchdowns, but quarterback Dak Prescott also played an important role down the stretch for his team as well. With less than two minutes remaining in regulation, Prescott completed key passes on consecutive plays that allowed Dallas to move into field goal range and set up Brett Maher’s game-winning kick as time expired.

Step 4: Cowboys Keep Playoff Hopes Alive

Thanks to some big plays from its defense, clutch playmaking from Cooper, Elliott, and Prescott down the stretch, and Maher’s timely field goal kick at the end of regulation, Dallas was able to pull out a 41-38 win over Tennessee--a much needed victory if they are going to make it into postseason play. With just three games remaining on their schedule they will need more performances like this one if they hope to stay alive in their pursuit of an NFC East title and No. 1 seed in playoffs.