Minnesota Vikings vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats: Complete NFL Game Analysis, Key Performances, and Team Comparison
The Minnesota Vikings vs Dallas Cowboys match player stats provide a detailed look at one of the NFL’s interesting NFC matchups. Both teams have a long football history, talented players, and competitive playing styles. Their meetings often attract attention because of quarterback performances, rushing yards, passing efficiency, defensive pressure, and important moments that influence the final score.
For fans searching for Minnesota Vikings vs Dallas Cowboys match player stats, the most useful information includes individual performances, team statistics, offensive production, defensive contributions, and previous head-to-head results. This article examines their most recent completed regular-season meeting on November 20, 2022, while also discussing the teams’ playing styles and important statistical trends. The historical figures are specific to that game and should not be confused with current-season statistics.
Quick Facts: Minnesota Vikings vs Dallas Cowboys
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Matchup | Minnesota Vikings vs Dallas Cowboys |
| Sport | American Football |
| League | National Football League (NFL) |
| Conference | National Football Conference (NFC) |
| Vikings Division | NFC North |
| Cowboys Division | NFC East |
| Teams’ Home Cities | Minneapolis, Minnesota; Arlington, Texas |
| Vikings Home Stadium | U.S. Bank Stadium |
| Cowboys Home Stadium | AT&T Stadium |
| Match Date Analyzed | November 20, 2022 |
| Match Venue | U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis |
| Final Score | Dallas Cowboys 40, Minnesota Vikings 3 |
| Winning Team | Dallas Cowboys |
| Cowboys Quarterback | Dak Prescott |
| Vikings Quarterback | Kirk Cousins |
| Cowboys Leading Rusher | Tony Pollard |
| Vikings Leading Receiver | T.J. Hockenson |
| Competition Type | NFL Regular Season |
Minnesota Vikings vs Dallas Cowboys Match Overview
The November 20, 2022, meeting between the Minnesota Vikings and Dallas Cowboys produced one of the most convincing performances of that NFL season. Dallas entered the contest with a strong defensive unit and an offense capable of creating explosive plays. Minnesota arrived with an impressive 8–1 record, making the game an important test for both teams.
Dallas dominated from the opening quarter and secured a 40–3 victory. The Cowboys controlled possession, generated pressure on quarterback Kirk Cousins, and consistently moved the football through both rushing and passing plays. Minnesota struggled to establish offensive rhythm and could not recover from the early deficit.
Minnesota Vikings vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats
The individual statistics from this meeting show how Dallas achieved such a comfortable victory. Quarterback Dak Prescott played efficiently, while running backs Tony Pollard and Ezekiel Elliott contributed important offensive production. Minnesota’s offense faced significant pressure, limiting its passing and rushing opportunities.
Quarterback Passing Statistics
| Player | Team | Completions/Attempts | Passing Yards | TD | INT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dak Prescott | Dallas Cowboys | 22/25 | 276 | 2 | 0 |
| Kirk Cousins | Minnesota Vikings | 12/23 | 105 | 0 | 0 |
| Cooper Rush | Dallas Cowboys | 4/5 | 31 | 0 | 0 |
| Nick Mullens | Minnesota Vikings | 5/7 | 54 | 0 | 0 |
Dak Prescott delivered an excellent performance, completing 88% of his passes while throwing two touchdowns without an interception. His accuracy allowed Dallas to maintain control and extend drives. Kirk Cousins experienced a difficult afternoon because Dallas repeatedly pressured him, preventing Minnesota from developing a consistent passing attack.
Rushing Statistics
| Player | Team | Carries | Rushing Yards | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tony Pollard | Dallas Cowboys | 15 | 80 | 0 |
| Ezekiel Elliott | Dallas Cowboys | 15 | 42 | 2 |
| Dalvin Cook | Minnesota Vikings | 11 | 72 | 0 |
Tony Pollard provided speed and explosive rushing ability, while Ezekiel Elliott handled important scoring opportunities near the goal line. Pollard averaged more than five yards per carry, helping Dallas stay ahead of the chains. Dalvin Cook produced a respectable rushing average for Minnesota, but the Vikings fell behind so quickly that they could not continue relying on their running game.
Receiving Statistics
| Player | Team | Receptions | Receiving Yards | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tony Pollard | Dallas Cowboys | 6 | 109 | 2 |
| CeeDee Lamb | Dallas Cowboys | 5 | 45 | 0 |
| T.J. Hockenson | Minnesota Vikings | 5 | 34 | 0 |
| Justin Jefferson | Minnesota Vikings | 3 | 33 | 0 |
Tony Pollard was the standout receiving player, recording 109 yards and two touchdowns. His ability to create big plays after catching the football made him particularly difficult to defend. Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson, normally one of the team’s most dangerous offensive weapons, was limited to 33 receiving yards as the Cowboys disrupted the Vikings’ passing game.
Dallas Cowboys Offensive Performance
Dallas produced a balanced offensive performance by combining accurate quarterback play with effective rushing and receiving contributions. Dak Prescott consistently found open targets and avoided costly turnovers. The Cowboys also used their running backs in different situations, making it difficult for Minnesota to predict whether Dallas would run or pass.
One of the biggest advantages for Dallas was its ability to turn scoring opportunities into touchdowns. Ezekiel Elliott scored twice on the ground, while Tony Pollard added two receiving touchdowns. This balance helped the Cowboys build a commanding lead without depending entirely on one offensive player.
Minnesota Vikings Offensive Performance
Minnesota struggled throughout the contest despite entering with one of the NFL’s strongest records. Kirk Cousins faced constant defensive pressure, and the Vikings could not establish enough successful drives to remain competitive. Their offensive line had difficulty protecting the quarterback, allowing Dallas to disrupt passing plays before receivers could get open.
Dalvin Cook showed positive signs with 72 rushing yards, but Minnesota’s early deficit reduced opportunities to use him consistently. Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson also had limited production. The Vikings finished with only three points, showing how effectively Dallas controlled the game.
Complete Team Statistics Comparison
Team statistics help explain why the result was so one-sided. Dallas controlled the football for more than 37 minutes and gained considerably more total yards. Minnesota managed only 183 net yards, making it difficult to sustain drives or create scoring chances.
| Statistic | Dallas Cowboys | Minnesota Vikings |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 40 | 3 |
| Total Net Yards | 458 | 183 |
| Passing Yards (Net) | 307 | 110 |
| Rushing Yards | 151 | 73 |
| Passing Touchdowns | 2 | 0 |
| Rushing Touchdowns | 2 | 0 |
| Sacks Allowed | 0 | 7 |
| Turnovers Lost | 0 | 1 |
| Penalties | 6 | 7 |
| Penalty Yards | 39 | 59 |
| Time of Possession | 37:24 | 22:36 |
These numbers show the difference between the two teams. Dallas gained 275 more net yards and protected its quarterback throughout the contest. Minnesota allowed seven sacks, which significantly reduced its offensive effectiveness. The Cowboys also avoided turnovers, giving their offense more opportunities to maintain possession and score points.
Quarter-by-Quarter Match Analysis
Points Scored by Quarter
Dallas Cowboys vs Minnesota Vikings, November 20, 2022
Dallas Cowboys
Minnesota Vikings
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First Quarter
Dallas opened the scoring with a Brett Maher field goal. Minnesota answered through Greg Joseph, temporarily tying the game at 3–3. However, Ezekiel Elliott scored a one-yard rushing touchdown late in the quarter, giving Dallas a 10–3 advantage.
Second Quarter
The Cowboys increased their lead with another Maher field goal. Tony Pollard then caught a 30-yard touchdown pass from Dak Prescott. Maher added a remarkable 60-yard field goal before halftime, sending Dallas into the break with a 23–3 lead.
Third Quarter
Dallas continued its offensive dominance after halftime. Pollard scored on a 68-yard touchdown reception, creating one of the game’s biggest highlights. Elliott later added his second rushing touchdown, increasing the score to 37–3.
Fourth Quarter
The final quarter was relatively quiet because Dallas already controlled the contest. Maher converted another field goal, this time from 50 yards, to complete the 40–3 victory. Minnesota could not produce a touchdown in the closing minutes.
Defensive Player Stats and Key Contributions
The Cowboys’ defense played a major role in the victory. Dallas recorded seven sacks and consistently disrupted Minnesota’s offensive plans. Micah Parsons was particularly effective, using his speed and strength to pressure Kirk Cousins and force difficult passing situations.
| Defensive Player | Team | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Micah Parsons | Dallas | 2 sacks and a forced fumble |
| Dorance Armstrong | Dallas | Sack production and a fumble recovery |
| DeMarcus Lawrence | Dallas | Pass-rushing pressure |
| Leighton Vander Esch | Dallas | Linebacker support and tackling |
| Harrison Smith | Minnesota | Secondary defensive responsibilities |
| Eric Kendricks | Minnesota | Linebacker coverage and run defense |
Minnesota’s defense faced a difficult challenge because Dallas maintained balance between rushing and passing. Even when the Vikings limited individual plays, the Cowboys regularly converted scoring opportunities. The difference in quarterback protection was especially important, as Prescott avoided sacks while Cousins was repeatedly brought down behind the line of scrimmage.
Top Players Who Influenced the Match
Tony Pollard
Tony Pollard was arguably the most influential offensive player. He finished with 189 yards from scrimmage, combining 80 rushing yards with 109 receiving yards. His two receiving touchdowns demonstrated his ability to contribute beyond traditional running plays.
Dak Prescott
Dak Prescott controlled the Cowboys’ passing attack with impressive accuracy. His 276 passing yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions helped Dallas maintain offensive momentum. His 139.3 passer rating reflected a highly efficient performance.
Ezekiel Elliott
Ezekiel Elliott contributed two rushing touchdowns, both from one yard. Although he finished with only 42 rushing yards, his ability to finish drives near the goal line was valuable.
Dalvin Cook
Dalvin Cook was one of Minnesota’s few offensive bright spots. He gained 72 yards on 11 carries, averaging approximately 6.5 yards per attempt. Unfortunately for Minnesota, the large deficit prevented the Vikings from building their offense around his rushing production.
Minnesota Vikings vs Dallas Cowboys Head-to-Head History
The Minnesota Vikings and Dallas Cowboys have a long history of regular-season and playoff meetings. Their rivalry includes important postseason contests and memorable performances from players across different generations.
One of their most notable meetings occurred in the 1975 NFC Divisional Playoffs, when Dallas won 17–14 following a dramatic late touchdown pass from Roger Staubach to Drew Pearson. That play became associated with the famous Hail Mary expression in NFL history.
The teams also met in the 2009 season’s NFC Divisional Playoffs, played in January 2010. Minnesota won 34–3 behind quarterback Brett Favre, reversing the type of result seen in the Cowboys’ dominant 2022 victory.
Key Tactical Differences Between the Teams
The Cowboys succeeded by using an effective combination of passing, rushing, and defensive pressure. Dallas created favorable situations for Prescott by establishing the running game and using Pollard as a receiving option. This approach forced Minnesota to defend several offensive threats at once.
The Vikings generally depended on explosive passing opportunities involving Justin Jefferson and reliable rushing production from Dalvin Cook during the 2022 season. Against Dallas, however, defensive pressure disrupted their timing. The Cowboys prevented Minnesota from developing long drives and repeatedly forced the offense into difficult situations.
Special Teams Performance
Special teams also influenced the outcome. Dallas kicker Brett Maher converted four field goals, including successful attempts from 53, 60, and 50 yards. His long-distance accuracy helped the Cowboys increase their lead even when drives did not finish with touchdowns.
Minnesota kicker Greg Joseph scored the Vikings’ only points with a 25-yard field goal in the first quarter. Dallas also benefited from effective punting and field position. The Cowboys’ ability to score through different phases of the game contributed to their comfortable victory.
Interesting Facts About Minnesota Vikings vs Dallas Cowboys
Several details make this matchup particularly memorable. Minnesota entered the November 2022 game with eight wins and only one loss, yet Dallas delivered a 37-point victory. The result demonstrated how quickly momentum can change in professional football.
Another interesting detail is that Dallas did not allow a single quarterback sack while recording seven against Minnesota. Tony Pollard also scored twice as a receiver despite being primarily a running back. Brett Maher’s 60-yard field goal before halftime added another memorable moment to an already impressive Cowboys performance.
What the Match Player Stats Reveal
The Minnesota Vikings vs Dallas Cowboys match player stats highlight three important factors: quarterback protection, offensive balance, and defensive pressure. Dallas performed strongly in all three areas, allowing the team to control the contest from beginning to end.
Minnesota’s difficulties were not limited to one player or position. The Vikings struggled with pass protection, offensive consistency, and maintaining possession. Although Dalvin Cook produced solid rushing numbers, the offense could not turn those gains into points. Dallas showed how a complete team performance can overcome an opponent with a strong winning record.
Conclusion
The Minnesota Vikings vs Dallas Cowboys match player stats from November 20, 2022, show a commanding 40–3 victory for Dallas. Dak Prescott delivered an efficient passing performance, Tony Pollard contributed 189 total yards from scrimmage, and Ezekiel Elliott scored two rushing touchdowns. The Cowboys’ defense added seven sacks and limited Minnesota to only three points.
For football fans studying this matchup, the statistics provide a clear explanation of the result. Dallas controlled the line of scrimmage, protected its quarterback, and converted offensive opportunities into points. Minnesota struggled to respond, making this one of the most decisive meetings between the teams in recent years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who won the Minnesota Vikings vs Dallas Cowboys match in November 2022?
The Dallas Cowboys defeated the Minnesota Vikings 40–3 on November 20, 2022, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Dallas dominated offensively and defensively throughout the game.
2. Who had the best player stats in the Vikings vs Cowboys match?
Tony Pollard delivered one of the strongest performances, recording 80 rushing yards, 109 receiving yards, and two receiving touchdowns. Dak Prescott also played exceptionally well with 276 passing yards and two touchdowns.
3. How many passing yards did Dak Prescott record against the Vikings?
Dak Prescott recorded 276 passing yards, completing 22 of 25 attempts. He threw two touchdown passes without an interception and finished with a 139.3 passer rating.
4. How did Justin Jefferson perform against the Dallas Cowboys?
Justin Jefferson recorded three receptions for 33 yards in the November 2022 matchup. Dallas successfully limited his opportunities and prevented him from scoring a touchdown.
5. What was the biggest difference between the Vikings and Cowboys player stats?
The biggest differences were offensive production and quarterback protection. Dallas gained 458 net yards compared with Minnesota’s 183. The Cowboys also recorded seven defensive sacks while allowing none, giving Dallas a significant advantage throughout the game.
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