The Vikings defense came to play on Thursday night but their offense did not, losing to the Cowboys 17-15. Dallas accumulated just 264 yards of offense in the win.
Minnesota’s offense missed one opportunity after another, allowing the Cowboys to take control of the game.
Perhaps the biggest turning point came when Kyle Rudolph missed this pass from Sam Bradford, which would have put the Vikings in front late in the 3rd quarter.
Wow.
📱💻: https://t.co/WnjN3VuYXk
đź“ş: NBC + NFLN #TNF #DALvsMIN pic.twitter.com/aJDABHMPen— NFL (@NFL) December 2, 2016
Wide receiver Charles Johnson also dropped a pass that would have resulted in a big play.
The final missed opportunity came when the Vikings were able to score a touchdown in the game’s final minute but failed to convert a two-point conversation, cementing the win for Dallas.
It was a sluggish start for both teams, with nearly as many penalties (9) as points (10) in the first half. Minnesota even finished the first half with more first downs and passing yards then the Cowboys.
The Vikings led 3-0 after the first quarter but later in the half, Cowboys rookie quarterback Dak Prescott hit All-Pro wide receiver Dez Bryant for a 56 yard catch that set up a Cowboys touchdown.
.@DezBryant shakes a defender out of his shoes & @dak finds him! Wow. 🙌
📱💻: https://t.co/hl1ZZudssB #TNF #DALvsMIN https://t.co/OM7r6JIPt0
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) December 2, 2016
As the first half wound down, Sam Bradford took a nasty hit and had to leave the game with backup quarterback Shaun Hill finishing the half.
Sam Bradford currently in 'big bastard hit me in the ribs with his helmet' protocol… #TNF #DALvsMIN pic.twitter.com/7DzcBhvm2e
— Sportsbet.com.au (@sportsbetcomau) December 2, 2016
The Vikings defense continued to smother the Cowboys offense, limiting Dallas to just 24 yards in the 3rd quarter.
Later, defensive end Brian Robison’s strip sack set up another Kai Forbath field goal and the Vikings were in front 9-6.
After Danielle Hunter’s 2nd sack of the game, Minnesota’s offense was ready to take the field and pad their lead. But return man Adam Thielen fumbled the football, setting up a Cowboys touchdown on the next play.
With the loss the Vikings are 6-6 on the season and play the Jacksonville Jaguars on Dec. 11.
