Malik Davis exploded for over 100 rushing yards, a surprise star who powered the Cowboys' Christmas victory.
The Dallas Cowboys' 30-23 win over the Washington Commanders on Christmas Day didn't have too many feel-good stories, but one guy who is the centerpiece of such a tale is Malik Davis.
With Javonte Williams dealing with a shoulder/neck injury that kept him limited this week in practice, Dallas' leading rusher wasn't seen in the second half.
So ...
Davis got his chance and my word, he took it.
Having been a bit part player this season as Javonte's backup, Davis has had his moments, with 20 yards in a game here and 40 in a game there.
But against the Commanders, Malik wasn't a bit-part player.
He was the leading performer.
With a total of 103 yards from 20 carries, with an average of five yards per carry, Davis was a shining light for the Cowboys.
"When he first got his opportunity and he's went in and he's continued to just build off of that, honestly,” Prescott said. “This game right here was another example of that. His number was called, and he went out there and was physical.
"He didn't know it, but I checked the stats late in the game and saw he had 90 yards, and I told him, go get 10 more and finish this game. You can get that 100. Glad he went and got it, and he's deserving of it."
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Davis was "on the couch'' for part of this season before being signed by Dallas and then stuck onto the practice squad. But since he's been given a chance and integrated into coach Brian Schottenheimer's system, he's been everything the franchise has wanted.
His burst has been noticeable, with a 43-yard touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs on Thanksgiving, and he had a 21-yard run against Washington.
Seen as a good foil for Williams, Davis might have played his way back onto Dallas' roster in 2026.
"He's a hell of a player, he's only going to get better," Prescott added. "It's the way that he approaches the game. It's his mindset in life, and we're thankful to have him.”
With Williams, the bruising runner who is slated for free agency but targeted to return, and Davis showing lightning-quick feet, we could have another edition of the "Dine and Dash duo" for the Cowboys.
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After Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard, now it might be Williams and Davis headlining the running back room.
Given that Week 18 is a meaningless game, with Williams banged up, expect a lot more of Malik against the New York Giants. ... with maybe another feel-good story in the offing.