Dallas Cowboys edged Washington Commanders 30-23 after blowing an 18-point lead.
Game Start
The Cowboys began the game with Dak Prescott throwing a 7-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jake Ferguson, giving Dallas a 7-0 lead.
Washington answered with a 3-for-3 drive by veteran quarterback Josh Johnson that produced 68 yards and a touchdown, bringing the score to 7-3 in favor of the Commanders.
Johnson’s 41-yard completion to Deebo Samuel was the longest pass he has thrown since 2018.
The early exchange of scores set the tone for a high-scoring contest that would see both teams trade points throughout the afternoon.
Both teams were already eliminated from playoff contention, making the matchup primarily a rivalry showdown.
Prescott faced six sacks, three of which were delivered by Jer’Zhan Newton, yet still completed 19 of 37 passes.
This early phase of the game highlighted the efficiency of both quarterbacks, with Johnson finishing 15 of 23.
Early Cowboys Lead
Prescott’s first three possessions produced touchdowns, giving Dallas a 21-3 advantage by the end of the first quarter.
A 52-yard field goal by Brandon Aubrey extended the Cowboys’ lead to 24-3 before the second quarter began.
By the end of the first quarter, Dallas had already established a dominant position on the scoreboard.
The Cowboys’ defense held the Commanders to only three points during that span.
The early lead set the stage for a game that would see both teams trade points.
The Cowboys’ offensive line was effective in protecting Prescott throughout the early drives.
The first quarter saw Dallas capitalize on early opportunities to build a significant advantage.
Washington Response
Washington fought back in the second quarter, scoring three touchdowns that cut the Cowboys’ lead to a single touchdown at various points.
Despite these efforts, the Commanders were unable to sustain a full comeback and ultimately fell short of tying the game.
The Cowboys’ defense held firm in critical moments, preventing Washington from turning the tide.
The back-and-forth nature of the game kept fans engaged until the final minutes.
Washington’s three touchdowns were offset by the Cowboys’ ability to convert on fourth down, keeping the score in Dallas’s favor.
The Commanders’ inability to score a fourth-down conversion further highlighted Dallas’s offensive efficiency.
The game remained a showcase of both teams’ offensive and defensive capabilities.
Prescott’s Performance
Prescott finished the game with 307 passing yards and two touchdown passes, a performance that tied Tony Romo’s franchise record of 30 or more touchdown throws in four consecutive seasons.
He completed 19 of 37 passes and successfully converted all six of Dallas’s fourth-down attempts.
Prescott also shrugged off six sacks, three of which were delivered by Jer’Zhan Newton.
The Cowboys’ offensive line was instrumental in protecting Prescott, allowing him to maintain a high completion percentage.
Prescott’s efficiency on fourth down was a key factor in maintaining the Cowboys’ lead.
Prescott’s two touchdown passes were crucial to Dallas’s 30-point total.
His performance highlighted his composure under pressure throughout the game.
Johnson’s Performance
Josh Johnson, making his 10th career start and first since 2021, went 15 of 23 for 198 yards without throwing a touchdown or an interception.
Johnson’s efforts included a 41-yard pass to Deebo Samuel and a 3-for-3 performance that helped Washington close the gap.
Despite his yardage, the Commanders were unable to translate his passing into scoring plays.
Johnson’s season statistics reflected a solid but ultimately insufficient performance.
Johnson’s 198 yards contributed to Washington’s 23-point effort.
His performance highlighted the challenges Washington faced in closing the gap.
The veteran quarterback’s ability to move the ball efficiently was evident in his high completion percentage.
Field Goals
Brandon Aubrey proved to be a reliable presence in the kicking game, adding a 52-yard field goal early in the second quarter and a 51-yard field goal with 3:59 remaining to push the score to 30-20.
His kicks gave Dallas the extra points needed to keep the pressure on Washington.
The field goal attempts were executed with precision, showcasing the Cowboys’ special-teams capability.
Aubrey’s contributions were instrumental in the final margin of victory.
The two field goals added six points to Dallas’s total, complementing the team’s touchdown production.
Aubrey’s accuracy helped maintain Dallas’s lead during critical moments.
The kicker’s performance was a key factor in the Cowboys’ overall offensive strategy.
Fourth-Down Success
Dallas’s ability to convert on fourth down was unmatched, with the team successfully converting all six attempts throughout the game.
The Commanders did not record a successful fourth-down conversion, which further highlighted Dallas’s offensive efficiency.
The Cowboys’ offensive line and play-calling were praised for creating opportunities in critical situations.
The consistent success on fourth down kept the Commanders’ offense stalled at crucial moments.
Prescott’s precision passing on these drives contributed to the team’s overall scoring.
The fourth-down conversions were a decisive factor in maintaining the Cowboys’ lead.
The Cowboys’ strategy on fourth down demonstrated their focus on sustaining drives and controlling the clock.
Injury Impact
Injuries impacted both teams during the contest.
Cowboys running back Javonte Williams sustained a shoulder injury during the game, while tight end Jake Ferguson missed the second half due to a calf injury.
Washington’s Tyler Biadasz left the game with a right knee injury.
These injuries raised concerns about the teams’ depth as they approach the final games of the season.
Williams’ injury impacted the Cowboys’ running game.
Season Outlook
With both teams eliminated from playoff contention, the significance of the matchup was largely symbolic, reflecting the rivalry between the NFC East’s long-time competitors.
The Cowboys will close out their season against the New York Giants on January 3 or 4, while the Commanders will finish their season in Philadelphia on the same dates.
The outcome of this game will not affect postseason chances but will influence team morale heading into the final games of the season.
Fans can look forward to a competitive finish to the season as both franchises aim to end on a positive note.
Final Thoughts
The Cowboys’ victory, secured by a combination of effective passing, disciplined fourth-down execution, and reliable kicking, underscored their resilience after a blown lead.
Washington’s effort, while valiant, fell short as the Cowboys maintained control in critical moments.
