Introduction
The Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders faced off in an exciting game that saw the Cowboys dominate the field with a 38-10 victory. With a strong offensive showing and tight defense, the Cowboys put on a display that highlighted their prowess both in the air and on the ground. In contrast, the Washington Commanders struggled, showing weaknesses in both their passing and rushing game, unable to capitalize on their opportunities. Below is an in-depth analysis of the key player stats and team statistics from this matchup.
Team Stats Overview
Dallas Cowboys (12-5, 4-5 Away)
- Final Score: 38
- 1st Downs: 31
- Total Yards: 440
- Passing Yards: 309
- Rushing Yards: 131
- Penalties: 2 for 20 yards
- Turnovers: 1 (1 interception)
- Time of Possession: 33:55
Washington Commanders (4-13, 1-7 Home)
- Final Score: 10
- 1st Downs: 12
- Total Yards: 180
- Passing Yards: 130
- Rushing Yards: 50
- Penalties: 4 for 39 yards
- Turnovers: 3 (2 interceptions, 1 fumble)
- Time of Possession: 26:05
First Half Breakdown
In the opening half, the Dallas Cowboys demonstrated their offensive firepower, scoring 21 points while limiting the Commanders to only 10. The Cowboys’ defense remained firm, and their offense operated at an impressive efficiency.
Dallas Cowboys – First Half
- First Quarter: 7 points
- Second Quarter: 14 points
- Total First Half Points: 21
The Cowboys’ offense started strong, with Dak Prescott leading the charge in the air. Their rushing game also gained significant yardage, and their first-half play was balanced. Prescott was efficient, completing passes at a high rate, and the team moved the ball well on the ground.
Washington Commanders – First Half
- First Quarter: 0 points
- Second Quarter: 10 points
- Total First Half Points: 10
The Commanders struggled offensively. They found little success running the ball and were unable to find any rhythm in the passing game. Their lone touchdown in the second quarter was a result of a relatively short drive, but their offense largely stagnated throughout the first half.
Second Half Breakdown
Dallas Cowboys – Second Half
- Third Quarter: 14 points
- Fourth Quarter: 3 points
- Total Second Half Points: 17
The Cowboys continued their dominance into the second half. Their passing game remained efficient, and the rushing attack kept the defense honest. They were able to control the clock and put the game out of reach with two more touchdowns in the third quarter. They scored 3 points in the final quarter, but by then, the game was well in hand.
Washington Commanders – Second Half
- Third Quarter: 0 points
- Fourth Quarter: 0 points
- Total Second Half Points: 0
The Commanders’ offense was completely shut down in the second half. Their inability to score points after halftime demonstrated the struggles they had in both the passing and running games. Despite some attempts to move the ball, they were unable to find the end zone again.
Individual Player Stats
Dallas Cowboys
Dak Prescott (QB)
- Completions: 34
- Attempts: 40
- Passing Yards: 309
- Touchdowns: 2
- Interceptions: 1
- Passer Rating: 95.7
Prescott had an efficient day, completing 85% of his passes. Although he threw one interception, his ability to lead the offense with over 300 yards passing and two touchdowns was a standout performance. His chemistry with his receiving corps was evident, and his accuracy in the short and intermediate passing game kept the chains moving.
Tony Pollard (RB)
- Carries: 29
- Rushing Yards: 131
- Rushing Touchdowns: 1
- Yards per Carry: 4.5
Pollard had a workhorse performance, carrying the ball 29 times for 131 yards and a touchdown. His ability to grind out yards on the ground kept the offense balanced and allowed Prescott to focus on the passing game. Pollard’s steady contributions helped control the clock and wear down the Washington defense.
CeeDee Lamb (WR)
- Receptions: 8
- Receiving Yards: 97
- Touchdowns: 1
Lamb was the top target in the passing game, leading the team in receptions and yards. His touchdown reception was a key moment in the game, providing a boost to the offense. His ability to gain separation and make plays after the catch was crucial in the Cowboys’ aerial attack.
Micah Parsons (OLB)
- Tackles: 5
- Sacks: 0
- Tackles for Loss: 1
- Quarterback Hits: 2
Parsons may not have recorded a sack, but his presence was felt on every snap. He consistently pressured Washington’s quarterback and disrupted the backfield. His ability to make plays at or behind the line of scrimmage kept Washington’s offense from finding any rhythm.
Washington Commanders
Taylor Heinicke (QB)
- Completions: 20
- Attempts: 28
- Passing Yards: 130
- Touchdowns: 0
- Interceptions: 2
- Passer Rating: 49.6
Heinicke had a rough game, struggling with accuracy and decision-making. He threw two interceptions, both of which were costly in limiting the Commanders’ chances to score. His inability to stretch the field and create big plays left Washington’s offense stagnant throughout the game.
Brian Robinson Jr. (RB)
- Carries: 17
- Rushing Yards: 50
- Yards per Carry: 2.9
Robinson had a tough time running the ball against the Cowboys’ defensive front. With just 50 yards on 17 carries, he was unable to establish any sort of rhythm in the ground game. His average of 2.9 yards per carry is a testament to how the Cowboys’ defense controlled the line of scrimmage.
Terry McLaurin (WR)
- Receptions: 4
- Receiving Yards: 45
- Touchdowns: 0
McLaurin, usually one of the brightest spots for the Commanders, was held to just 45 yards on four catches. He was unable to break free from the Cowboys’ coverage and was rarely involved in the Commanders’ limited offensive output.
Montez Sweat (DE)
- Tackles: 3
- Sacks: 1
- Quarterback Hits: 1
Sweat was the most active player on the Commanders’ defense, recording a sack and pressuring Prescott on a few occasions. However, his efforts were not enough to overcome the Cowboys’ powerful offensive showing. Sweat’s individual performance highlighted some defensive success, but the unit as a whole struggled to contain the Cowboys’ attack.
Key Takeaways
Offensive Efficiency: The Cowboys were incredibly efficient on offense, especially in the first half. They scored on five of their seven red-zone opportunities and maintained a balanced attack with both the passing and rushing game.
Commanders’ Struggles: Washington’s inability to execute offensively, particularly in the second half, was a key factor in their defeat. Heinicke’s turnovers and lack of production from the running game put their defense under constant pressure.
Defensive Dominance: While the Cowboys’ offense shone, their defense was equally impressive. Parsons and the defensive line pressured Heinicke consistently, leading to two interceptions and several key stops.
Conclusion
In the end, the Dallas Cowboys’ performance was a testament to their strength on both sides of the ball. The Commanders, on the other hand, need to regroup and improve both their offensive execution and ability to limit turnovers. With the Cowboys now firmly in control of their playoff aspirations, they will look to build on this dominant performance in their upcoming games.
FAQS
1. Who led the Dallas Cowboys in passing yards?
Dak Prescott led the Cowboys with 309 passing yards.
2. What was the key weakness for the Washington Commanders?
The Commanders struggled with turnovers and a lack of offensive production.
3. How many rushing yards did Tony Pollard gain?
Tony Pollard rushed for 131 yards on 29 carries.
4. What was the Cowboys’ time of possession?
The Cowboys had a time of possession of 33:55.
5. Which player had the most receptions for the Cowboys?
CeeDee Lamb had the most receptions for the Cowboys with 8 catches.
