By doing the job in Washington, the Cowboys won their division and validated second place for the NFC Playoffs.
Washington Commanders (4-13) – Dallas Cowboys (12-5): 10-38
For their final game of the season, the Cowboys didn't need to calculate. A victory against the Commanders meant a division title, second place in the NFC, and therefore potentially two Playoff games at home.
Check, check, check.
Led by Dak Prescott (31/36 passing, 279 YDS, 4 TD, 1 INT) and CeeDee Lamb (13 REC, 98 YDS, 2 TD), Dallas dismissed Washington without problems and will host the Packers this week next in Wild Card.
Dallas is scared…
The Cowboys enter the match well with a first boss drive: 6/6 passing for Dak Prescott, a great contribution from Tony Pollard (17 races, 70 YDS, 1 TD) on the ground and in the air, and a touchdown signed Jalen Tolbert (0-7). Dallas then forced a fumble on the next possession, putting itself in ideal position to widen the gap. We then say to ourselves that the matter will be quickly resolved.
A field goal blocked by the Commanders (kicker Brandon Aubrey's first miss this season) nevertheless reverses the momentum. With nothing left to lose this season, Washington moves forward without complexes: it plays the fourth attempts to the fullest, it tries trick plays, and above all it pays off. The locals equalize on a pass from Sam Howell (18/26, 138 YDS, 1 TD, 2 INT) for Brian Robinson Jr. (7-7), and will even take the advantage on a field goal after intercepting Dak Prescott (10-7).
Will the Cowboys scuttle themselves as they have so often done in the past? As a great philosopher would say, the question will quickly be answered.
…then unroll
From the middle of the second quarter, the Cowboys will outscore Washington in all areas of the game.
TouchdownDallas. Intercept Dallas. TouchdownDallas. Half time. TouchdownDallas. Punt blocked Dallas. TouchdownDallas. Intercept Dallas. From 10-7 for the Commanders, the score increased to 10-35 in favor of the Cowboys at the end of the third quarter. Thank you goodbye.
The big players in this avalanche? The Dak Prescott – CeeDee Lamb duo first, who flies over the opposing defense action after action. Runner Tony Pollard too, super sharp behind an offensive line deprived of Tyler Smith and Zack Martin. On the other side of the ball, Micah Parsons makes his 14th sack of the season (career record), while DaRon Bland – best NFL interceptor in 2023 – steals his ninth ball of the year.
The only downside for Dallas in this big victory? The injury exit of cornerback Stephon Gilmore, hit in the shoulder. The Cowboys hope to see him operational for the Playoffs.
