The Dallas Cowboys are finishing the regular season 12-5 after they took command of the Washington Commanders, winning 38-10.
Despite some lows early in the game, all three phases clicked for the Cowboys, and they are heading into the postseason at the top of the NFC East and as the second seed in the NFC.
Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders Highlights
The Cowboys’ Offense Finds Its Secret Sauce
One of the biggest questions coming into this game was how productive the Cowboys’ offense would be and if they could play a complete game.
They have answered any questions that might have been lingering ahead of the postseason.
Dak Prescott took control of the offense with his notorious cadence.
He had 279 passing yards, an 86.1% completion percentage, and four touchdowns.
He also has four games in 2023 with at least four passing touchdowns, the most in the NFL.
This game showed that Prescott can have the same cadence on the road as he does at home.
His chemistry with the guys around him was a significant reason for his success.
This was Prescott’s 11th career game with 4+ passing touchdowns, establishing a franchise record for the team.
One of those weapons is none other than CeeDee Lamb.
Lamb became the sixth player in NFL history with at least 130 receptions in a season during this game. He had 13 receptions for 98 yards and two touchdowns.
Lamb ends the regular season with 14 touchdowns, the most in the NFL.
CeeDee stretches to extend the lead for the @dallascowboys just before half!
📺: #DALvsWAS on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/X0vcyHUoyR pic.twitter.com/Agasz4pzBN— NFL (@NFL) January 7, 2024
Brandin Cooks and Jake Ferguson also had productive days, showing how much production they have when Prescott is playing lights out.
However, Tony Pollard’s revitalization was one of this game’s biggest highlights.
He looked like himself, the Pollard who took the starting job — his ability to run through defenders and get yards after catch was on full display in this game.
Pollard had 70 rushing yards on 17 touches and one touchdown, which is more rushing yards than he had in 12 games this season.
The commitment to the run from Mike McCarthy’s playcalling was noticeable and paid off.
The Cowboys’ Defense Continues To Climb
The Cowboys’ defense also reestablished its physical presence, putting constant pressure on Sam Howell throughout the game.
The Cowboys had seven quarterback hits, four sacks, five tackles for loss, two interceptions, and one forced fumble and recovery.
MORE: NFL Playoff Bracket
The most significant aspect of the defense is the re-emergence of the safety room that started the season out quieter than it had been in the past.
Donovan Wilson and Jourdan Lewis battled injuries earlier this year, which led to a slow progression in getting them back to feeling like themselves.
The two have been on an uphill climb since last week against the Lions.
Wilson had one interception and a pass deflection, while Lewis had the forced fumble and recovery.
DaRon Bland also had another interception, which gives him nine in the regular season, leading the NFL.
The biggest concern will be Stephon Gilmore’s health heading into the playoffs as he was ruled out of the game with a shoulder injury.
Brandon Aubrey’s Historic Streak Comes to an End
The kicker’s streak ended after a blocked field goal attempt by Joshua Pryor in the first quarter.
BLOCKED ❌
📺 #DALvsWAS: FOX pic.twitter.com/3vZ8yqumG9
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) January 7, 2024
Aubrey had hit 35 of 35 field goal attempts this season. That was a single-season franchise record, surpassing Richie Cunningham and Greg Zuerlein, who had 34.
But he needed two more to tie Mike Vanderjagt for the most made field goals without a miss in a single season (37).
Cowboys Nation was worried late in the game when Aubrey missed a 36-yard field goal attempt as it hit the goal post.
But there is no need to worry as the rookie again found his stride late in the game and nailed a 65-yard field goal.
Although it’s hard not to get a deja vu feeling from the Brett Maher situation last year in the postseason, there is no need to panic about Aubrey.
The wind was a factor during the game, and it won’t be an issue for the Cowboys as they will play AT&T Stadium for at least the first two rounds of the postseason.
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