ARLINGTON, TX - The Washington Commanders defeated the Dallas Cowboys 23-19 on January 5, 2025, clinching the sixth seed in the NFC playoffs. It was a thrilling conclusion to the regular season, marked by notable performances from both teams, particularly from the Commanders' Marcus Mariota.
With just three seconds left on the clock, Mariota threw the game-winning touchdown pass to wide receiver Terry McLaurin, solidifying the Commanders' postseason positioning. After trailing for most of the second half, Mariota's heroics ensured Washington finished the season with an impressive 12-5 record.
The game began with the Cowboys starting Trey Lance at quarterback for the first time, following the season-ending injury to Dak Prescott. Lance showed promise with several completions but failed to score any touchdowns, ending the day with 244 yards but no touchdowns or interceptions.
The first half saw both teams struggle offensively, with the Cowboys taking the lead with a Brandon Aubrey field goal, making it 3-0. Washington managed to narrow the gap with Zane Gonzalez’s field goal before halftime, which put the score at 6-3.
It wasn't until the third quarter when both offenses finally found their rhythm. Mariota came off the bench and quickly capitalized on the Cowboys' defensive lapses, throwing for 161 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 56 yards, underscoring his versatility.
Among his targets was tight end Zach Ertz, who caught one of Mariota's touchdown passes, continuing to impress after being acquired mid-season. Ertz's performance added to the Commanders' dynamic offensive display, which averaged 28.9 points per game this regular season, ranking them fifth-best in the NFL.
Defensively, the Commanders showcased their talent, led by linebacker Jeremy Chinn, who recorded 13 tackles, two sacks, and several key stops throughout the game. Washington's defensive strategy proved effective against the Cowboys, particularly Micah Parsons, who, with his remarkable speed and agility, recorded 2.5 sacks and continually pressured the QB.
Dallas, on the other hand, struggled to maintain momentum. Despite strong contributions from second-string running back Rico Dowdle, who scored Dallas's only touchdown of the game, the Cowboys' offensive line failed to protect Lance consistently, leading to six total sacks throughout the match.
With the Cowboys sitting at 7-10, their offseason now begins with uncertainty looming over head coach Mike McCarthy. With several key players likely to hit free agency, including wide receiver Brandin Cooks and linebacker DeMarcus Lawrence, tough decisions will need to be made.
The game exemplified the Commanders' ability to clutch under pressure - a necessary trait as they head to the playoffs. Following the game, Mariota emphasized the importance of winning with the playoffs on the horizon, stating, "Every win matters as we move forward. We're heading to the postseason with confidence, and that's important for our team."
The Commanders will face either the Los Angeles Rams or the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next weekend, depending on the outcomes of their respective games.
For the Cowboys, the loss caps off what many deemed to be a disappointing season, with more questions than answers as they look to bounce back next year. The Commanders, shifting away from the Dan Snyder era, have their eyes set on potential playoff success, rallying behind their standout rookie QB Jayden Daniels, who has transformed the team’s fortune this season.
Overall, the thrilling conclusion of the regular season served as both closure and anticipation, highlighting the contrasting fates of two historic NFC East rivals. With the Commanders awaiting their playoff destiny, all eyes will be on them to see if they can carry this momentum and make a deep playoff run.