Cowboys Season Ends on Last-Second Heart Break

Nonetheless, the Cowboys took a 6-3 lead into halftime. 

A long drive began the second half as the Cowboys moved deep into Commanders territory. But more struggles to punch in a touchdown resulted in Brandon Aubrey's third field goal of the game to make the score 9-3. 

The Commanders finally had an answer. A deep shot from Marcus Mariota to Olamide Zaccheaus put Washington inside the five and Mariota would hit Zach Ertz four yards out, helping the visitors take a 10-9 lead. 

Dallas would get Deuce Vaughn involved out of the backfield for 24 yards on four carries. The Cowboys neared the red zone again as the third quarter came to a close. A 12-yard Vaughn burst would set up Dallas at the five for first and goal. 

Continued failures to punch in a score meant another Aubrey field goal, lifting the Cowboys back in front 12-10. 

The Commanders moved quick to retake the lead. Two chunk plays to Terry McLaurin helped Washington get back into scoring position. This time, Mariota ran it in himself though a failed two-point conversion made the score 16-12. 

On Dallas' next drive, Lance brought the Cowboys outside the red zone. A throw into the end zone intended for Jonathan Mingo was flagged for pass interference, putting the ball at the one. 

The Cowboys finally broke through with Rico Dowdle muscling across the goal line for a two-yard touchdown. An extra point gave Dallas a 19-16 lead. 

Two sacks blundered the Commanders next drive, giving the Cowboys a needed stop late in the fourth. But Dallas would not drill much of the remaining clock and punted back to Washington. 

Washington threatened one more time, getting just across midfield to face a 4th and 1. Mariota slipped past the defense, taking off for 33 yards to the Dallas 16. Washington spiked the ball with six seconds left. 

They would take one more shot and that risk paid off. Mariota floated the game-winning score to McLaurin who high pointed the ball and reeled in the catch. 

The Commanders win earns them the six seed in the NFC Playoffs as the Cowboys await to see where they land in the NFL Draft order and head into the offseason.