Several factors contributed to the Cowboys’ 44-22 triumph over the Washington Commanders on Sunday evening at AT&T Stadium.
Dallas held a 20-15 advantage late in the second quarter before scoring on their next four possessions, highlighted by DaRon Bland’s 68-yard pick-six with 5:31 left in the third quarter.
The scoring spree commenced when Dak Prescott located George Pickens 24 yards along the sideline at the Commanders’ 35-yard line. On the subsequent play, Javonte Williams surged down to the two-yard line with 10 seconds left in the second quarter, and Prescott’s two-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jake Ferguson allowed the Cowboys to take a 27-15 lead, which they would maintain.
Prescott continues to perform admirably this season, concluding the game with 264 passing yards, completing 21 of 30 attempts with three touchdowns and no interceptions. Williams rushed for 116 yards on 19 carries, contributing one score. CeeDee Lamb secured five receptions for 110 yards and a touchdown, while Pickens had four targets, achieving 82 yards. Ferguson caught seven passes for 29 yards; however, his two touchdown receptions were instrumental in helping the Cowboys (3-3-1) clinch the victory.
Following linebacker Shermar James’ strip-sack of Jayden Daniels, Jadeveon Clowney recovered the fumble at the Dallas 45-yard line, as the Cowboys scored 17 consecutive points, which included Prescott’s second connection of the day with Ferguson, who caught a five-yard touchdown pass, and Bland’s 68-yard interception return for a touchdown extended the score to 41-15.
Daniels exited the game due to a hamstring injury, making way for backup quarterback Marcus Mariota, as both players faced relentless pressure throughout the match. Clowney, Donovan Ezeiruku, James, and Kenneth Murray, Jr. collectively recorded four sacks. Dallas’ defense established a commanding presence, invigorating its offense.
Mariota ignited the Commanders when he scrambled for 25 yards to the Dallas’ 28, and added a ten-yard run to the two-yard line. Two plays later, Chris Rodriguez Jr. pushed the ball into the end zone from the one-yard line. This made the score 41-22.
The absence of receivers Noah Brown, Terry McLaurin, and Debo Samuels may have impacted Washington’s offensive performance.
Despite Daniels’ injury, he completed 12 out of 22 attempts for 156 yards, achieving one touchdown without any interceptions. The Commanders (3-4) were unable to counter Dallas’ balanced offensive approach.
Brandon Aubrey successfully kicked a field goal with 12:45 left on the clock, finalizing the score at 44-22.
Prescott’s 74-yard touchdown pass to Lamb was a key part of a 17-point surge in the first quarter.
The Cowboys will face the Broncos next week while Washington takes on the Chiefs.
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