There was actually some good in Week 12 for the Cowboys.
In arguably the most bizarre and entertaining game this season, the Dallas Cowboys managed to end their five-game losing streak with the 34-26 victory over their division rival Washington Commanders. It was actually fun watching this team be competitive again, but at the same time disheartening in reference to draft positioning next year.
Whether you are for the Cowboys tanking the rest of the season or not, it was encouraging to see the them do some good things for a change instead of the bad and ugly way they have played the majority of the season. With that in mind, we are going to choose one good, one bad, and one ugly thing from this matchup to discuss today.
THE GOOD – QB Cooper Rush
Shout out to KaVontae Turpin for his game-sealing kick return for a touchdown, but the good this week goes to QB Cooper Rush. Without his two starting guards (Tyler Smith and Zack Martin) and a rotation at left tackle between Tyler Guyton and Asim Richards, Rush completed 24 of 32 passing attempts for 247 yards and two touchdowns with zero interceptions. He also had a quarterback rating of 125.44. This efficiency is exactly why he is getting the starting nod over Trey Lance, giving Dallas the best chance of winning.
THE BAD – 2025 NFL Draft positioning
Heading into this Week 12 matchup with the Commanders, Dallas was slotted to pick inside the Top 10 (ninth overall) in the 2025 NFL Draft. There are many fans around Cowboys Nation wanting the team to tank the rest of the season for better draft positioning, but Dallas did the opposite Sunday afternoon by winning a meaningless game. Because of this victory, they are now slotted to pick 11th overall. Two spots doesn’t seem like a big drop, but the more they keep winning the further they will continue dropping.
THE UGLY – Dallas’ special teams (before the final minutes)
When it comes to determining the outcome of this Week 12 matchup, special teams play ultimately decided which team won and lost. Dallas was extremely fortunate to win this game after their special teams gaffes. Brandon Aubrey’s first field goal attempt was blocked, likely flustering him on his second attempt he missed completely. If that wasn’t enough, Bryan Anger also had a punt blocked. If not for KaVontae Turpin’s game changing-kick return for a touchdown, and Juanyeh Thomas’ onside kick recovery for touchdown, these gaffes likely would’ve led to their sixth consecutive loss.
