Entering the game, Dak Prescott discussed his intention to play the last two games of the season, as he said, to not “cheat” the game. Once the opening whistle sounded, the game turned from a one-sided affair to a classic, tight NFC East finish, regardless of who was in the lineup for either team. The Cowboys raced out to a 21-3 lead before the Commanders made it interesting late. The physicality was evident. Javonte Williams once bowled Mike Sainristil flat on his back, and Deebo Samuel popped Donovan Wilson’s helmet off. It was a bruising game that was worth a watch with a side of eggnog until the last moments. Here’s how the Cowboys stayed in good cheer by getting a road win at Washington.
Malik Davis’ big day
For much of his Cowboys career, Malik Davis has largely been an afterthought and playing in the shadow of other lead runners. However, he has flashed in his limited opportunities throughout his career, occasionally making explosive runs. It must be something about the holidays that puts Davis in the spirit to make big-time plays.
On Thanksgiving, he broke out with a 43-yard touchdown run against the Kansas City Chiefs. Today, he anchored the rushing attack as he went over for 100 yards for the first time in his career. So many times, the Cowboys were behind the sticks on second and long, and Davis was able to get one chunk run after another to give the team much more manageable downs. Playing in relief of Javonte Williams, who was limited by a shoulder injury, Davis stood in as a good replacement, showcasing his vision and quick burst. If Williams can’t play against the New York Giants in the season finale, he looks ready for his number to be called once more.
Schottenheimer’s gambles pay off
With the Cowboys out of postseason contention, they had nothing to lose. Dallas wasn’t going to rest their starters and were coming with every intent to win. That’s exactly how Brian Schottenheimer coached his team. The Cowboys scored on their first four possessions, and it was largely because Schottenheimer refused to play conservatively. The Cowboys converted four out of four fourth-down attempts in the first half, with George Pickens and Jalen Tolbert making critical catches to keep the chains moving.
The extra time on the field led to a vast advantage in time of possession for the Cowboys and plays run. Dallas possessed the ball for almost 40 minutes and had 87 offensive plays versus just 41 for the Commanders. At one point, the Cowboys had a 14-play, 7:33-minute drive that resulted in a 51-yard FG by Brandon Aubrey to extend the lead to 30-20 with under four minutes left. The game proved closer than it needed to be, but Schottenheimer playing keep-away for just long enough ensured the Commanders went home with coal in their stockings.
Prescott continues his winning ways against the Commanders
With the win over the Commanders, Dak Prescott is now 13-2 over his division rival. Today, Prescott was far from perfect and has a few plays he would like to have back, specifically a few targets to CeeDee Lamb. Still, playing behind a reshuffled offensive line that allowed steady pressure where he was sacked six times, Prescott handled it well enough to complete a pass to eight different receivers. Against a Commanders secondary that is one of the league’s worst, Dallas needed to create explosive plays.
Prescott hit the big one once he found KaVontae Turpin down the middle of the field on a post route for an 86-yard score, his longest completion of the season. It was only fitting that Prescott would seal the game after a 21-yard connection to Pickens on third-and-short on the final drive, and then a quarterback sneak on 4th-and-1 to run out the last few seconds of the game. With his Christmas Day performance, Prescott has now compiled 4,500 passing yards this season to go along with over 30 touchdown passes. Merry Christmas, Dak.
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