Nov 1, 2020; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Ben DiNucci (7) is hit by Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham (55) and fumbles the football during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
The Philadelphia Eagles somehow managed to turn a strip sack on Ben DiNucci into the touchdown return.
Winning the NFC East was always going to be a challenge for the Dallas Cowboys without Dak Prescott starting under center. That became more painfully obvious after the team had to start third-string quarterback Ben DiNucci on Sunday night against the Philadelphia Eagles. While the Eagles were only down 15-9 in the fourth-quarter, the wheels fell off quickly.
On third down and six with over five minutes left in regulation, DiNucci was sacked by linebacker T.J Edwards and the ball flew out of his hands. After the ball bounced around the turf, safety Rodney McLeod managed to scoop it up and run to the end zone uncontested for the easy touchdown, giving Philadelphia a 21-9 lead.
DiNucci goes down
There was a bit of confusion, as it appeared as though defensive end Vinny Curry had possession of the ball while lying flat on his back. The refs never blew the play dead and that allowed McLeod to take advantage, scoop up the ball and take it to the house. After an official scoring review, the play stood as called.
While DiNucci showed he holds onto the ball for far too long, we can’t blame him for that on this play. The rookie literally had no time to react, as his weakened offensive line imploded in the span of two seconds. The Cowboys made it a close one, but the Eagles broke away late.
It’s okay, Ben, Carson Wentz feels your pain.