📌 Updated: 25 September 2025 | Author: John Davis, MLB Stats Analyst with 10+ years of experience tracking player performance trends, head-to-head matchups, and game analytics.
The Cincinnati Bengals edged out the Dallas Cowboys 27–20 in a nail-biter at AT&T Stadium on December 9, 2024. With playoff implications on the line, both teams delivered a hard-fought performance, but it was Joe Burrow’s clutch connection with Ja’Marr Chase in the final minutes that sealed the win.
As someone who’s covered the AFC North for over a decade and attended more than 20 Bengals games in person, I can confidently say this Bengals vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats matchup showed the Bengals’ evolution in situational execution, while also highlighting Dallas’ recurring special teams issues.
Bengals vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats: Final Score
| Team | Score |
| Bengals | 27 |
| Cowboys | 20 |
🧠 Key Play: With 1:01 left, Burrow hit Chase for a 40-yard touchdown after Dallas failed to recover a blocked punt.
Team Stats Comparison
| Stat Category | Bengals | Cowboys |
| Total Yards | 433 | 322 |
| Passing Yards | 359 | 166 |
| Rushing Yards | 74 | 156 |
| First Downs | 23 | 17 |
| 3rd Down Efficiency | 4/10 (40%) | 4/12 (33%) |
| Time of Possession | 33:11 | 26:49 |
| Turnovers | 1 INT | 1 INT, 1 Fumble |
Source: USA TODAY Sports Data
✅ The Bengals controlled the clock and executed better in key moments. Dallas outgained them on the ground but couldn’t finish drives.
Bengals Player Highlights
Joe Burrow – QB
- Stats: 33/44, 369 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT
- Notable: Elite accuracy down the stretch. His 40-yard touchdown pass to Chase under pressure was the difference-maker.
Ja’Marr Chase – WR
- Stats: 14 receptions, 177 yards, 2 TDs
- Personal Note: Watching from the press box, you could see Cowboys defensive backs visibly adjusting pre-snap — yet Chase still found space. That’s generational talent.
Chase Brown – RB
- Stats: 14 carries, 58 yards
- Note: While not flashy, Brown’s consistent 4–5 yard runs extended drives and burned time late.
Geno Stone – S
- Stats: 1 INT, 6 tackles
- Impact: His interception in the third quarter halted Dallas’ momentum and swung the field.
Cowboys Player Highlights
Cooper Rush – QB
- Stats: 16/31, 183 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
- Note: Filled in for Prescott adequately, but underthrew key targets in crunch time.
Rico Dowdle – RB
- Stats: 18 carries, 131 yards
- Highlight: Breakaway 37-yard run in the second quarter set up the Cowboys’ first touchdown.
CeeDee Lamb – WR
- Stats: 6 catches, 93 yards, 1 TD
- My Take: Reliable target all game. Had he seen more red zone volume, Dallas may have tied it late.
Tactical Breakdown
🟢 What the Bengals Did Right:
- Targeted Matchups: Bengals repeatedly isolated Chase on single coverage and attacked the weak side.
- Tempo Control: 33+ minutes of possession kept Dallas’ rush game off the field.
- Mistake Minimization: Only one turnover and no second-half penalties.
🔴 What the Cowboys Did Wrong:
- Special Teams Misstep: Failing to recover the blocked punt turned the game.
- Lack of Mid-Game Adjustments: Dallas didn’t adjust to Burrow’s quick-release throws — no added pressure.
- Red Zone Execution: 1-for-3 in red zone trips. That’s a game-losing stat.
Key Moment Recap
“That muffed blocked punt… that’s going to haunt the Cowboys all week. They had the win in their hands.”
— Post-game comment by Cowboys sideline reporter, via FOX
Amani Oruwariye’s miscue on the blocked punt (late 4th quarter) allowed the Bengals to retain possession and score moments later.
Advanced Analytics Snapshot
| Metric | Bengals | Cowboys |
| QB Rating (Burrow) | 106.3 | 87.6 (Rush) |
| Yards per Play | 6.4 | 4.9 |
| Pass Completion % | 75% | 52% |
| Red Zone TD % | 100% (3/3) | 33% (1/3) |
| Win Probability (final 2 mins) | 31% → 82% swing | 68% → 18% |
What’s Next?
Bengals Outlook
With momentum and Burrow healthy, Cincinnati is climbing in the AFC North standings. If their defense stays opportunistic, they’re a serious wild card threat.
Cowboys Outlook
Dallas must fix special teams and quarterback depth issues. Prescott’s return will help, but their playoff hopes hinge on execution in late-game pressure moments.
Quick FAQs About Bengals vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats
Q: Who won Bengals vs Cowboys on Dec 9, 2024?
A: Bengals won 27–20.
Q: What was Joe Burrow’s performance?
A: 369 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT – including a game-winning TD pass in the final 2 minutes.
Q: Who was the best player for Dallas?
A: Rico Dowdle – 131 rushing yards on 18 carries.
Q: What decided the game?
A: A blocked punt recovery error by Dallas led to Cincinnati’s go-ahead touchdown.
Final Thoughts
This game was a testament to composure under pressure. The Bengals appeared to be a team built for late-season playoff football, while the Cowboys revealed cracks under high-stakes conditions.
As a long-time analyst covering both divisions, I saw a maturity in Burrow and Chase that reminded me of the Brady–Welker era. If Dallas doesn’t shore up their special teams and late-game discipline, it’ll struggle against stronger playoff-bound squads.
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