The Cowboys started strong in their regular-season finale but then watched things go temporarily haywire. They eventually got things back on track, though, and came away from their trip to the nation’s capital with a big 38-10 win that now puts them exactly where they want to be to start the postseason: at AT&T Stadium.
Dak Prescott was perfect on the offense’s opening drive, ending with a touchdown toss to Jalen Tolbert. After a takeaway by Jourdan Lewis looked like it might kickstart an early avalanche of points, Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey had his field goal attempt blocked. The double-thud not only spoiled Aubrey’s perfect season, the return drastically flipped the field and gave the Commanders a ton of momentum (and a short field, which they took advantage of with a score).
It took the Cowboys a few drives to right the ship and re-take the lead as the second quarter wound down. They hit the coveted double-double with touchdown drives on either side of the half, and a Peyton Hendershot punt block helped Prescott & Co. open a 25-point lead (with his fourth scoring pass of the day and his 36th touchdown throw of the season, probably enough to finish as the league leader) before finally pulling the starters in the final quarter.
The win didn’t come without a cost, as cornerback Stephon Gilmore exited early with a shoulder injury and did not return. While the extent of the injury remains to be revealed, it’s sure to be a major concern with as the playoffs get underway.
The Cowboys will have the week to determine how injuries to Gilmore and Tyler Smith (not to mention Zack Martin’s last illness) might impact their postseason prep. But for now, America’s Team can relish an NFC East crown, the No. 2 seed in the conference, and an unmatched third straight 12-win season for Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy, all thanks to a commanding win over their longtime rivals.
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