Cowboys Snap Five-Game Skid, Keep Season Alive with Wild Win over Washington
ARLINGTON, Texas – The Dallas Cowboys snapped their five-game losing streak in dramatic fashion on Sunday, defeating the Washington Commanders 26-21 in a wild and entertaining contest at AT&T Stadium.
A Tale of Two Halves
The first half was all Washington, as the Commanders jumped out to a 21-7 lead at the break. Quarterback Carson Wentz threw for 135 yards and two touchdowns in the opening 30 minutes, connecting with Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel for scores. The Cowboys, meanwhile, struggled to find their footing offensively, with quarterback Dak Prescott throwing an early interception.
The second half was a different story, as the Cowboys stormed back with 19 unanswered points. Prescott found his rhythm, connecting with Michael Gallup for a 16-yard touchdown and CeeDee Lamb for a 35-yard score. Running back Ezekiel Elliott also contributed with a one-yard touchdown plunge.
Defensive Dominance
The Cowboys’ defense stepped up in the second half, limiting the Commanders to just 36 yards of offense and forcing two turnovers. Linebacker Micah Parsons was a force, recording two sacks and a forced fumble. Safety Jayron Kearse also made a key interception in the fourth quarter.
Prescott’s Redemption
Prescott, who had been under fire for his recent struggles, played a key role in the Cowboys’ comeback. He finished the game with 243 passing yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. His 14-yard scramble on third-and-10 in the fourth quarter set up Elliott’s game-winning touchdown.
Impact on the Season
The win keeps the Cowboys’ playoff hopes alive. At 8-6, they remain in contention for a Wild Card berth. The Commanders, meanwhile, drop to 7-7 and their playoff chances are fading.
Key Statistics
- Carson Wentz: 23/37, 230 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
- Dak Prescott: 21/30, 243 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
- Ezekiel Elliott: 18 carries, 70 yards, 1 TD
- Terry McLaurin: 7 catches, 75 yards, 1 TD
- CeeDee Lamb: 6 catches, 94 yards, 1 TD
Postgame Quotes
Cowboys Head Coach Mike McCarthy: “This was a huge win for us. Our guys showed a lot of resilience and determination. We played with a lot of heart and fought until the end.”
Cowboys Quarterback Dak Prescott: “We knew we had to come out and play with a sense of urgency. We made some adjustments at halftime and our defense stepped up in the second half. I’m proud of the way we fought back.”
Commanders Head Coach Ron Rivera: “We played a good first half, but we didn’t make the plays we needed to make in the second half. We have to learn from this and move forward.”
Conclusion
The Cowboys’ win over the Commanders was a much-needed boost for their playoff hopes. Prescott played well and the defense made key plays in the second half. The Cowboys will look to build on this momentum when they host the Philadelphia Eagles next week.