ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Marcus Mariota threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to Terry McLaurin with just three seconds remaining, lifting the Washington Commanders to an exhilarating 23-19 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. This win secured the sixth seed for the Commanders in the NFC playoffs, ending their regular season with optimism.
Initially, the Commanders' plan was to let rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels lead them through the entire game. Yet, with Daniels experiencing leg soreness, head coach Dan Quinn made the strategic decision to switch to Mariota at halftime. This shift proved pivotal as the Commanders' offense, which had managed only 64 yards before the break, suddenly came to life.
Mariota's performance was nothing short of remarkable. He threw for two touchdowns, ran for another, and demonstrated calm under pressure—especially during the final moments. “We were going to have to use the quarterback’s legs more, so it was really my decision to say, ‘Hey let’s go this route,’” Quinn remarked, emphasizing the thought process behind the substitution.
With the victory, the Commanders not only clinched their spot in the playoffs but also finished the season with a strong record of 12-5. Their impressive four-game winning streak at the end of the regular season followed a problematic three-game losing streak earlier, showcasing the team’s ability to adapt and overcome. Daniels, though supportive of the decision, later expressed his willingness to play through discomfort had the stakes been higher, saying they would have had to “drag me off the field.”
The game itself featured intense moments, including the Cowboys briefly leading 19-16 midway through the fourth quarter thanks to Rico Dowdle's 2-yard TD run. Dallas had opportunities to secure the win, but Mariota’s impressive performance, culminating with his game-winning touchdown pass, ensured their triumph.
Matters were complicated for the Cowboys, finishing the season at 7-10. This game might very well determine the future for head coach Mike McCarthy, whose expiring contract looms large over the franchise. Reflecting on the loss, McCarthy remarked, “For us to go out there and compete and finish our commitment, I thought the game was a little bit of a microcosm of our season.” He acknowledged the various small errors throughout the season, which contributed to their downfall.
The Commanders' wild-card matchup is set against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next Sunday night. Coincidentally, this will be a rematch of their season opener, where Washington fell to the Bucs 37-20. This time, stakes are higher, with their playoff hopes on the line.
Turning to individual performances, Micah Parsons of the Cowboys managed to continue his impressive streak, recording 2.5 sacks, finishing the season with 12 sacks. This achievement places him among only four players to reach double-digit sacks within their first four years, joining elite company well-known to fans of the game.
The Cowboys, now turning their attention to the off-season, will have to evaluate their future, including potential changes at the coaching level as they seek to rectify the mistakes of this year. Meanwhile, the Commanders will carry their forward momentum and newfound confidence as they head toward the playoffs.
A noteworthy point of this game was the performance of Washington’s running back corps, which struggled significantly with only 22 yards on eight carries, even with the return of Austin Ekeler. This inconsistency may pose challenges as they enter playoff play, especially against stronger defenses like Tampa Bay.
Regardless, the Washington Commanders are back in the playoffs for the first time since 2020, and for the first time with a winning record since 2015. The upcoming challenge undoubtedly poses hurdles, yet their momentum and resilience may prove to be key factors as they attempt to forge their path through the playoffs.