LANDOVER, Md. — In a thrilling turn of events, KaVonte Turpin made a remarkable play that stole the spotlight during the Dallas Cowboys’ 34-26 victory against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, effectively ending a five-game losing streak. With less than three minutes remaining in the game, Turpin recovered a kickoff at the 1-yard line after it had slipped through his legs, executed a spin maneuver, and sprinted 99 yards for a touchdown. Shortly thereafter, Juanyeh Thomas scored on an onside kick return, injecting life into a season that had seen its share of struggles.
“It feels good to win,” expressed Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy. “It’s been a minute.”
Key defensive plays, including Chauncey Golston stripping the ball from Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr.—which was deemed an interception against rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels—and Donovan Wilson forcing a fumble from John Bates, set the stage for the Cowboys’ resurgence. The contributions of quarterback Cooper Rush also made a substantial impact on the game’s outcome.
Turpin’s electrifying return sparked excitement among fans and players alike. “He did that for timing,” McCarthy noted, underscoring that the play was part of a strategic plan. “He’s a special young man. Obviously, a huge play for us.”
Jeremy Reaves, a safety for the Commanders and a two-time All-Pro special teamer, found himself feeling regret after failing to bring Turpin down when he had the chance. “I’ve made that play 100 times,” Reaves said. “I didn’t make it today, and it cost us the game.”
The standout spin that Turpin executed will likely be replayed numerous times, showcasing what teammate CeeDee Lamb referred to as “his escape move,” a maneuver that Turpin had been practicing diligently. “I know I can just get them going one way and then spin back the other way,” Turpin explained, adding that it’s a tactic he resorts to when in tight situations.
In another surprising twist at the end of the game, Thomas scored on an unexpected return with just 14 seconds left after Washington kicker Austin Seibert missed an extra point that followed Daniels’ impressive 86-yard touchdown pass to Terry McLaurin, leaving Dallas in the lead at 27-26. “I kind of waited a second and thought: ‘Should I try? Should I try?’” Thomas recalled. “I said, ‘I think I’m gonna score the ball,’ so I just ran and I scored.”
With a record of 4-7, the Cowboys’ playoff hopes remain slim, but spirits are high as the team prepares to face the New York Giants for the traditional Thanksgiving Day matchup at home. Players are starting to regain their enthusiasm following their first win since October 6. “There are a lot of games left,” Rush commented after throwing two touchdown passes. “Pretty insane… I think both sides of the ball and special teams picked each other up all game. It was a full team effort. Finally, we’re picking each other up like we’re supposed to.”