ARLINGTON, Texas – The Cowboys made a big divisional statement unleashing their full offensive arsenal to dismantle the Washington Commanders, 44-22, on Sunday afternoon at AT&T Stadium. Quarterback Dak Prescott tossed three touchdown passes, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb shinned in his return from injury, and the defense capitalized on Washington’s woes with a pick-six that sealed the blowout. The victory improves Dallas to 3-3-1, bringing new life into a season that had teetered on the edge of turmoil.

Balanced Attack

For the Cowboys, this felt like the balanced game they have been looking for. Prescott distributed the ball well and welcomed back CeeDee Lamb with a 74-yard touchdown strike in the first quarter. It was Lamb’s first game back after missing three weeks with a high ankle sprain, and the star receiver wasted no time reminding everyone why he’s the NFC’s premier playmaker. Lamb finished with 110 yards on 5 receptions, including the touchdown, while new addition George Pickens – acquired in the offseason – added 82 yards and drew a pass-interference that set the Cowboys up for a score. Tight End Jake Ferguson added two touchdowns catching 7/7 targets from Prescott.

“Dak put it right in my hands, and the rest was just me doing what I do,” Lamb said postgame, flashing his trademark grin. “We’ve got unfinished business in this division, and today was a hell of a start.”

The ground game complemented the air attack to perfection. Running back Javonte Williams, a trade acquisition from Denver, bulldozed for 116 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries, providing the balance that had eluded Dallas in recent weeks. The Cowboys racked up 409 total, balancing 257 passing yards with 152 on the ground.

Defense Steps Up

Defensively, Dallas bent but rarely broke, forcing two turnovers and sacking Washington’s young signal-caller Jayden Daniels three times. The turning point came in the third quarter, with the Cowboys leading 27-15. Daniels, who had already battled a knee issue earlier this season, dropped back on Washington’s opening drive of the second half. Rookie linebacker Shemar James twisted Daniels to the turf for a sack, stripping the ball in the process. Daniels limped off with a right hamstring strain, forcing backup Marcus Mariota into the fray. On the next play, cornerback DaRon Bland stepped in front of a Mariota pass, racing 68 yards untouched for a touchdown that pushed Dallas’ lead to 34-15, all but sealing the deal. The Cowboys defense blitzed and played more man-to-man coverage than in weeks past, perhaps a signal of future schemes.

“DaRon made a play that changed the game,” Cowboys Coach Brian Schottenheimer said. “Our guys fed off that energy. We talked all week about finishing drives and possessions – today, we did it on both sides of the ball.”

Looking Forward

The Commanders, now 3-4, fought hard but couldn’t overcome their mounting injuries and miscues. Daniels completed 12 of 22 passes for 156 yards, a touchdown to tight end Zach Ertz, and the fumble before exiting. Marcus Mariota went 4-for-10 for 62 yards, but his interception handed Dallas a lead they could not overcome. Washington’s early lead – an 8-7 edge after a safety and Ertz’s 6-yard grab – evaporated quickly, thanks in part to kicker Brandon Aubrey’s 47-yard field goal that put Dallas ahead for good.

The Commanders came into the game without their top 2 receivers. Injuries plagued the visitors further: Defensive end Dorance Armstrong, their sacks leader with 5.5 on the year, crumpled with a knee issue on the opening series and didn’t return. For Dallas, the only notable injury was defensive tackle Kenny Clark – acquired in the Parsons trade to Green Bay – tweaking an elbow in the third quarter, though X-rays were negative.

“Injuries are not the reason that we lost,” Washington Coach Dan Quinn said after the Commanders dropped to third in the NFC East behind the Cowboys a season after their first trip to the NFC championship game in 33 years. “We’re the ones that got ourselves in a hole, we’re the same ones that have got to dig ourselves out. Make no mistake, we’re not playing to the standard we’ve set.”

This win is encouraging for Cowboys fans who have suffered through unbalanced offensive/defensive games. With Lamb and Pickens healthy, Prescott regaining his rhythm, and Williams emerging as a workhorse, Dallas suddenly looks like a contender again in the NFC East. Their next test comes Sunday in Denver, where a Broncos just completed a shocking comeback win over the Giants.

“Cowboy Regg” – Co-Host of the “Sons of the Star” Podcast. – Co-editor at “We Like Sportz”Follow “Cowboy Regg” on X @ Irish_Cowboy88