Dallas Cowboys kicker Brett Maher (2) and his teammates celebrate his game-winning 42-yard field goal as time expired in their 22-19 victory over the host Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. Atlanta’s Julio Jones lies on the ground after trying to block the kick.ATLANTA – Brett Maher got another shot on the final play of the game. This time, he made it count.
Maher’s 42-yard field goal as time expired gave the Dallas Cowboys a 22-19 victory over the host Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, but only after the resurgent visitors squandered a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter.
A month ago, Maher clanked a 52-yard attempt off the left upright that would have forced overtime in a 20-17 loss to the Washington Redskins. Earlier in Sunday’s game, he had to shake off a missed extra-point attempt that gave the Falcons an opening to tie the score.
“I was confident,” Maher said. “Every time I step on the field, the goal is to go 1-for-1. Everyone in here is doing so much for our team. For the offense to be able to drive the ball down the field and get us in position again, and L.P. (snapper Louis-Philippe Ladouceur) and Chris (Jones, the holder) coming through like they always do, I was just happy to do my part.”
The Cowboys (5-5) have won two straight on the road and trail Washington by only one game in the NFC East after the division leaders lost 23-21 at home to the Houston Texans on Sunday. The teams meet this Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, with first place on the line.