The Atlanta Falcons received an early Christmas gift from the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday evening. After defeating the New York Giants, 34-7, the Falcons got to sit back and watch as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were upset by the Cowboys in prime time.
The Buccaneers dropped to 8-7, losing their division lead with two games left in the season. And just like that, Atlanta is back atop the NFC South.
While Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said he wouldn’t be watching Sunday night’s game, his players enjoyed every second. Falcons outside linebacker Arnold Ebiketie celebrated Dallas’ win by thanking Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush on Twitter.
“Cooper Rush I appreciate you my boy,” posted Ebiketie.
Cooper rush I appreciate you my boy
— Dr. Arnold Ebiketie (@A7chronic) December 23, 2024
Ebiektie, who’s been on a tear since the bye, recorded his fifth sack of the season during Sunday’s win over the Giants. The Falcons’ pass rush has come alive over the past month. After recording just 10 sacks in the first 11 games, Atlanta’s defense has racked up 16 sacks in its last four games.
“They’ve cracked the code,” Raheem Morris said about the defensive turnaround. The Falcons will need their pass rush to show up in order to defeat the Washington Commanders in Week 17.
Commanders rookie Jayden Daniels has lit up the league over his first 15 games, passing for 3,303 yards, 22 touchdowns and eight interceptions. The former LSU star is much tougher to bring down than Drew Lock or Desmond Ridder.
Sunday’s game starts at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC’s “Sunday Night Football.”