In a high-scoring, back-and-forth matchup, the Washington Commanders outlasted the Dallas Cowboys by a final score of 44–32. Both offenses moved the ball with ease, but Washington’s efficiency and timely playmaking ultimately proved to be the deciding factors.
Dallas actually outgained Washington in total yardage, finishing with 491 total yards compared to Washington’s 448. The Cowboys posted 393 passing yards and 98 rushing yards, while the Commanders compiled 340 passing yards and 108 on the ground. Yard for yard, the Cowboys matched or exceeded Washington in most categories, but the Commanders converted their opportunities with far more precision.
Dallas quarterback J. Milton III delivered a big-yardage day, completing 28 of 49 passes for 393 yards and 4 touchdowns. However, his 3 interceptions were costly and shifted momentum at critical points. After the game, Milton addressed the turnovers, saying, “I put a lot on my shoulders today. We moved the ball well, but those mistakes can’t happen. That’s on me.”
Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels was sharp from start to finish, completing 18 of 23 passes for 352 yards and 3 touchdowns with only one interception. His 78 percent completion rate and 140.2 passer rating reflected full command of the offense. Daniels credited his teammates afterward, saying, “The guys made plays all over the field. My job was just to get the ball out and trust them, and they rewarded that trust.”
On the ground, Washington’s 108 rushing yards allowed them to stay balanced, while Dallas’s 98 rushing yards came in bursts but never fully dictated the game. In the receiving game, Dallas got standout performances from George Pickens, who posted 3 catches for 60 yards and 2 touchdowns, and CeeDee Lamb, who caught 8 passes for 93 yards. Pickens spoke briefly about the offense’s approach, saying, “We knew we could attack them vertically. We just needed a few more finishes.”
Washington countered with a strong showing from E. Rivers, who recorded 5 catches for 118 yards and a touchdown, as well as Mark Andrews, who added 7 receptions for 76 yards and a score. Rivers highlighted the team’s efficiency and confidence, explaining, “Every time we touched the ball, we felt like we were in rhythm. Jayden kept us moving, and we did the rest.”
Defensively, both teams had their moments, but Washington made the biggest impact plays. The Commanders forced 3 turnovers while Dallas generated 2 of their own. Dallas also recorded 4 sacks, but Washington’s defensive pressure and timely stops swung the momentum in their favor. Commanders linebacker J. Davis summed up the defense’s approach: “We bent at times, but we didn’t break. The turnovers were huge for us.”
In the red zone, both teams posted identical efficiency: 3 touchdowns on 7 attempts, just 42.9 percent. With red-zone execution roughly even, situational play and protecting the football became the difference.
Special teams contributed subtly but importantly. Dallas averaged 39 yards per punt, while Washington averaged 34. In a game where both offenses were explosive, every shift in field position added up.
Overall, the storyline of the game comes down to timing and efficiency. Dallas moved the ball extremely well but failed to maximize drives, while Washington capitalized on momentum swings and protected the football when it mattered most. For the Cowboys, it’s a reminder that yardage alone doesn’t win games. For the Commanders, it’s a validating victory—proof that their balanced offense and opportunistic defense can overcome even the most explosive attacks.
