Cowboys’ Jourdan Lewis: ‘I can’t judge’ Amani Oruwariye for error on blocked punt | News, results, highlights, statistics and rumors

Dallas Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis defended teammate Amani Oruwariye after the latter made a special teams error that prevented the Cowboys from having a chance to take a late lead during Monday night’s loss. 27-20 against the Cincinnati Bengals.

With two minutes left in the game, Cowboys linebacker Nick Vigil fumbled a punt, but instead of allowing the ball to rest in Cincinnati territory, Oruwariye attempted to recover it. However, the ball bounced off Oruwariye and the Bengals recovered, giving them a new series of opportunities:

According to ESPN Todd ArcherLewis made it clear that he did not blame the loss on Oruwariye’s shoulders, saying: “We can’t judge him. None of us played a perfect game. You can’t judge anyone on a decision.” he can make a play. “I can’t judge him for that.”

According to Lewis, the Cowboys had their opportunities, but in the end they didn’t play good enough defense.

Burrow torched them for 369 yards and three touchdowns through the air, and there was no answer for the pursuit from the Dallas secondary, who caught 14 passes for 177 yards and two scores, including the game-winner.

That’s been a common theme for the Cowboys this season, as they rank 25th in the NFL in total defense and 31st in scoring defense.

The loss dropped Dallas to 5-8 on the season, which likely means another loss will put the Cowboys out of playoff contention.

Oruwariye’s mistake, followed by Chase’s touchdown, ruined some solid offensive performances by the Cowboys, including wide receiver CeeDee Lamb’s six receptions for 93 yards and a touchdown, and running back Rico Dowdle’s 131 yards rushing.

Quarterback Cooper Rush, who has been the starter since Dak Prescott suffered a season-ending injury, also had an admirable performance, going 16 of 31 for 183 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.

For the Bengals, Monday’s game was essentially a must-win situation as they began with eight losses on the season.

A loss to Dallas would have guaranteed Cincinnati a losing season, which almost certainly wouldn’t have been good enough for an AFC playoff berth.

The Bengals still face an uphill climb at 5-8, but Burrow, Chase, running back Chase Brown and their explosive offense came through when they needed it most.

Cincinnati also finally got the kind of big break it’s needed all year with a blocked punt that turned into another series of downs and, ultimately, a touchdown.

After a five-game losing streak and Prescott’s injury, the Cowboys appeared to be on the brink of collapse, but a two-game winning streak gave them renewed hope.

Extending the winning streak to three would have been huge, especially considering Dallas has a winnable game against the Carolina Panthers next week.

Instead, the heartbreaking loss puts Dallas in winning mode for the rest of the season, as the team will likely have to top the table against the Panthers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders.