LANDOVER, Md. — In a Christmas Day matchup with no playoff implications but full of NFC East rivalry pride, the Dallas Cowboys (7-8-1) held off a late surge from the Washington Commanders (4-12) to secure a 30-23 win on at Northwest Stadium. Streaming exclusively on Netflix, the game kicked off the NFL’s tripleheader and saw Dallas dominate early before surviving a late comeback attempt from the home team.
Dak Prescott orchestrated an efficient attack, completing 19 of 37 passes for 307 yards and two touchdowns, while the Cowboys’ aggressive play-calling on fourth down proved decisive. Dallas converted all six of their fourth-down attempts, including several clutch conversions by Prescott himself, helping them control the clock with a staggering 38:44 time of possession compared to Washington’s 21:16. The Cowboys ran an astounding 87 offensive plays to just 41 for the Commanders, amassing 480 total yards (211 rushing, 269 net passing after six sacks).
Cowboys’ Quick Start
The Cowboys wasted no time asserting dominance, scoring touchdowns on their first three possessions to build a 21-3 lead in the second quarter. The opening drive culminated in a 6-yard touchdown pass from Prescott to tight end Jake Ferguson, capping a long controlled drive by the offense.
Dallas then leaned on the ground game, with running back Javonte Williams powering in for a short touchdown run to make it 14-3. The highlight came on an explosive 86-yard bomb from Prescott to speedy wideout KaVontae Turpin, who blew past the secondary for a score that extended the lead to 21-3.
Commanders Comeback
Washington’s early offense was limited to a field goal, but rookie running back “Bill” Jacory Croskey-Merritt provided a spark in the second half. The seventh-round pick gashed the Cowboys for 105 rushing yards on limited carries, including a thrilling 72-yard touchdown scamper that cut the deficit to 24-17 in the third quarter.
Kicker Brandon Aubrey was clutch for Dallas, connecting on field goals from 42, 52, and 51 yards — the last coming after a 14-play, clock-eating drive in the fourth quarter that pushed the lead to 30-20. Washington answered with a late field goal from Jake Moody to make it 30-23, but Prescott and the offense sealed the game with a QB sneak on fourth down and ran out the clock.
Despite the victory, concerns arose as Williams exited in the second half once again with a shoulder injury. The Cowboys’ defense was not great but was efficient enough, forcing Washington quarterback Josh Johnson (15-of-23, 198 yards) to settle for field goals in key drives.
Jadeveon Clowney recorded 1.5 sacks, 3 tackles for loss (TFLs), and 4 total tackles to lead the Cowboys’ defense.
For two teams already eliminated from postseason contention, the game delivered Holiday entertainment and some rivalry fire. Dallas snaps a 3-game skid and heads into their finale with some momentum, while Washington falls to their 10th loss in 11 games.
Key Game Stats:
- Dak Prescott: 19/37, 307 yards, 2 TD
- KaVontae Turpin: 86-yard TD reception
- Jacory Croskey-Merritt: 105 rush yards, 2 TD (including 72-yard run)
- Cowboys fourth-down conversions: 6/6
- Time of possession: Dallas 38:44, Washington 21:16
- Total plays: Dallas 87, Washington 41
One More Game
When asked if sitting out the last game of the season is a possibility, Dak said “I’m going to enjoy Christmas, man,” he said. “I’m going to have some eggnog. And I’ll deal with that when I get looking back to the film. We’re playing to win.”
The Cowboys close the season against the Giants, while the Commanders finish at Philadelphia.
Cowboy Regg is Co-host of the “Sons of the Star” Podcast. Follow Cowboy Regg on X at Irish_Cowboy88
WE LIKE SPORTZ SHOW 
Leave a comment