LANDOVER, Md. – The Dallas Cowboys managed to secure a dramatic 34-26 win over the Washington Commanders on Sunday, marking Washington’s third consecutive loss. The game concluded with just 21 seconds remaining when kicker Austin Seibert missed a crucial extra point attempt after a long 86-yard touchdown pass from Jayden Daniels to Terry McLaurin. Afterward, Juanyeh Thomas returned the onside kick attempt for a touchdown, sealing the victory for the Cowboys and ending their own five-game losing streak.
Seibert, who had missed the last two games due to a right hip issue, rushed the point-after attempt following a low snap, resulting in a kick that sailed wide left. Thomas capitalized on the situation, returning the onside kick a remarkable 43 yards for a touchdown. Backup quarterback Cooper Rush played a key role in the win, throwing for 247 yards and a pair of touchdowns while filling in for the injured Dak Prescott. The Cowboys’ defense also stepped up, creating two turnovers, including a pivotal play where Chauncey Golston stripped the ball from Brian Robinson Jr. during the second quarter, which was ruled as an interception against Daniels.
Excitement filled the final moments of the game as KaVonte Turpin electrified the crowd with a 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, occurring immediately after Daniels threw a touchdown pass to Zach Ertz and followed it with a successful 2-point conversion, momentarily narrowing the score to 31-28. In the final three minutes, the Commanders managed to put up 10 points, but failed to hold off the Cowboys as they allowed Thomas’ touchdown run.
For nearly three quarters, the game was tightly contested with a score of just 10-9 before a frantic finish ensued. The loss raises concerns for Washington’s playoff aspirations, which appeared strong earlier in the season but are now complicated by recent defeats to Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Dallas. The Commanders struggled offensively for much of the game, failing to find a consistent rhythm.
Dallas, despite missing several key players, managed to execute effectively. Rush’s 6-yard touchdown pass to Jalen Tolbert marked Dallas’ first touchdown in the third quarter all season. Additionally, a 22-yard reception by Luke Schoonmaker came right after a forced fumble by Wilson, highlighting the Cowboys’ opportunistic play.
Daniels concluded the game with statistics of 25 completions on 38 attempts, totaling 274 passing yards along with two interceptions, the last being a failed Hail Mary as time expired. Meanwhile, running back Rico Dowdle contributed significantly with 19 carries for 86 yards, aiding the Cowboys as significant underdogs in this matchup.
In terms of injuries, the Cowboys were missing left guard Tyler Smith due to ankle and knee issues, while right guard Zack Martin, cornerback Trevon Diggs, and tight end Jake Ferguson did not participate. The Commanders faced their own struggles; running back Austin Ekeler suffered an injury late in the game, and running back Robinson sustained an ankle injury but returned briefly before exiting again. Right tackle Andrew Wylie sustained a concussion in the third quarter, and center Tyler Biadasz was evaluated for concussion symptoms later in the game. Additionally, cornerback Marshon Lattimore missed his third straight game since being acquired from New Orleans shortly before the trade deadline.
Looking ahead, the Cowboys will host the New York Giants on Thanksgiving Day, while the Commanders will welcome the Tennessee Titans next Sunday, marking their last game before a late bye week.