Cowboys Get Last Laugh Over Dan Quinn’s Commanders

Washington’s standout rookie quarterback, Jayden Daniels, showcased his dual-threat ability with 274 passing yards, two touchdown passes, and a rushing touchdown. Daniels also led the team on the ground with 74 rushing yards, but costly penalties and turnovers overshadowed his efforts.

The Commanders began the fourth quarter trailing but within reach 13-9. After Micah Parsons sacked Daniels to force 2nd-and-16, Daniels responded with a 20-yard completion to Dyami Brown and later connected with Zach Ertz for a touchdown, followed by a Daniels two-point conversion, narrowing the Cowboys’ lead to 20-17. The momentum swung again as KaVontae Turpin returned the ensuing kickoff 99 yards for a Dallas score, making it 27-17.

The Commanders answered with an 86-yard touchdown pass from Daniels to Terry McLaurin, but kicker Austin Seibert’s second missed extra point left them trailing 27-26. Seibert had also missed a field goal earlier in the game, adding to Washington’s special teams woes.

The game was sealed when Juanyeh Thomas returned a desperate onside kick attempt 49 yards for a Dallas touchdown in the closing seconds. Despite outgaining Dallas with 411 total yards, the Cowboys' ability to control the time of possession and Washington’s 4-of-12 third-down conversion rate and three turnovers proved costly.

The Commanders now face a pivotal stretch, needing to regroup after their third consecutive loss. They’ll look to improve execution on special teams and limit mistakes as they prepare for the next challenge.