The Dallas Cowboys defeated the Washington Commanders 34-26 on Sunday in Week 12 NFC East action. Probably this is the easiest way to explain what happened in the game
The score was 3-3 at halftime, with Dallas leading 10-9 on Cooper Rush's 6-yard touchdown to Jalen Tolbert with 4:40 left in the third quarter. Neither team scored, and it looked like the game would be a defensive battle.
And then the fourth quarter began.
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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush passes during a game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarborough)
Rush scored a 22-yard touchdown to tight end Luke Schoonmaker, giving the Cowboys a 20-9 lead against the Commanders. With just 5 minutes and 16 seconds remaining, it seemed as if the Cowboys had enough to end the game.
Jaden Daniels has sparked an explosive comeback. He completed a 4-yard touchdown pass to Zach Ertz, cutting the deficit to 3 yards.
Dallas responded with special teams play. Austin Seibert kicked the ball down the field. Returner Kavonte Turpin initially fumbled the ball, picked it up, spun it, and then disappeared. He rushed 99 yards for the score and the Cowboys had a 10-point lead.
The Managers attacked the field for six plays, with Seibert making a 51-yard field goal. Dallas went 3-and-out on its next possession. However, he made an inexplicable mistake defensively.
Daniels found wide receiver Terry McLaurin, and the veteran found space around the Cowboys defenders to get the ball into the end zone. One play, 86 yards. Washington could have tied the score, but Seibert missed three tries. The coaches were losing 27-26.
Seibert attempted an onside kick to recover it, but the ball bounced to Dallas player Juannie Thomas, who for some reason returned the ball 43 yards for a touchdown. It gave the commanders a final push. If Daniels had discovered the same magic he had against the Chicago Bears, it would have been an even bigger disaster.
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels celebrates running for a 17-yard touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (5). (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
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Fortunately for the Cowboys, Daniels' Hail Mary attempt was batted down, giving the Cowboys the victory.
Both teams combined for 31 points in the fourth quarter.
The rush was solid enough to give the Cowboys the win. He completed 24 of 32 passes for 247 passing yards and two touchdown passes. Soonmaker had three catches for 55 yards. Tolbert had two catches for 22 yards.
CeeDee Lamb led Dallas with 10 catches for 67 yards.
The coach had three turnovers. Daniels had two interceptions, one to Chauncey Golston and the other to Israel Mukuamu. Command tight end John Bates also had a fumble.
The rookie quarterback completed 25 of 38 for 275 yards and two touchdown passes. He also had a team-leading 74 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown.
Dallas Cowboys tight end and center Luke Schoonmaker celebrates after scoring a 22-yard touchdown against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarborough)
McLaurin had five catches for 102 yards.
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Dallas improved to 4-7 on the season, while Washington fell to 7-5.
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