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Cowboys shock Commanders after chaotic 41-point fourth quarter: Key takeaways

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By Ben Standig, Jon Machota, Saad Yousuf and Chris Licata

The Dallas Cowboys outlasted the Washington Commanders throughout a chaotic second half on Sunday, profitable 34-26 at Northwest Stadium after getting into as double-digit underdogs.

What began as one of many season’s sloppiest video games was a 41-point fourth-quarter dash highlighted by a Madden-like 99-yard kickoff return landing by Dallas’ KaVontae Turpin and a surprising 86-yard landing by Washington’s Terry McLaurin with beneath 30 seconds to play.

Nonetheless, the comeback effort was undone by Austin Seibert’s second missed further level try. Suffering from particular groups blunders all day, the Commanders (7-5) misplaced their third straight sport after opening the season 7-2.

All three phases contributed mightily to this loss. What’s going flawed with the offense will garner essentially the most consideration. After 10 days of whispers about what, if something, is poor, the Commanders’ shoddy efficiency loudly raises extra questions. Although 26 factors are sometimes sufficient to win video games, Washington solely had 9 factors with beneath 4 minutes remaining.

If there’s one factor we’ve discovered, it’s that restricted expertise requires good well being and execution for fulfillment. With Jayden Daniels impressively operating the present, that recipe had Washington setting effectivity data early within the season. These have been the times.

Operating again Brian Robinson Jr. was out and in the lineup after a first-quarter ankle damage, and proper sort out Andrew Wylie and heart Tyler Biadasz have been checked for concussions. These absences — Wylie was dominated out — alone don’t clarify the offense changing 4-of-12 third-down makes an attempt or Daniels not often discovering any rhythm within the passing sport in opposition to a protection that gave up not less than 27 factors in 5 consecutive video games.

Daniels’ remaining numbers have been boosted by manufacturing on Washington’s remaining two drives after the Cowboys took a 20-9 lead with 5:16 remaining, although the 86-yarder to McLaurin was an epic play. That he ran for 74 yards and did so confidently might quiet a few of the damage speak since his Week 7 rib damage. Then once more, his passing numbers are down over the past month and Daniels’ longest completion was a mere 20 yards earlier than the lengthy strike to McLaurin.

Is that this one other instance of regression in offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury’s offense? Has Daniels hit a rookie wall? Have defenses adjusted to a bunch that lacks velocity and playmakers? These are among the many questions everybody on the town will ask this week. — Ben Standig, Commanders senior author

Cowboys overcome extraordinarily sloppy first half

The primary half would possibly’ve been the worst half of soccer I’ve ever watched. There was a blocked area purpose, a area purpose that hit the upright, a fumble, a wild snap and a blocked punt. The ultimate two quarters have been loads higher, particularly for the Cowboys. Nonetheless, the second half began with a kickoff that fell in need of the touchdown zone. That’s a primary.

Daniels, the favourite for NFL Offensive Rookie of the 12 months, didn’t look particular for many of the day. The Cowboys’ protection did its half many of the day. Cornerback Josh Butler was the defensive participant of the sport. He was focused usually and completely held his personal, recording three passes defended, a sack and a team-high 12 tackles.

After which there was the wild Turpin kickoff return TD late within the fourth quarter. This Cowboys staff nonetheless isn’t superb, however apparently nonetheless higher than the Commanders. Should you’re Staff Tank, this wasn’t the end result you needed. However the coaches and gamers are thrilled to finish a five-game dropping streak and get a win over Dan Quinn and a number of other former teammates. — Jon Machota, Cowboys employees author

Commanders’ non-existent move rush

The Commanders’ protection was at bend-but-don’t-break ranges for a lot of the sport. Whereas it held the Cowboys to a few factors earlier than halftime, Dallas scored thrice after halftime. Credit score Cooper Rush with strong work, although dealing with a negligible move rush helped. The Commanders accounted for one late-game sack and two quarterback hits.

CeeDee Lamb didn’t throttle a secondary that has allowed gobs of manufacturing to opposing No. 1 receivers. Nonetheless, Lamb was a dependable outlet for Rush, catching 10-of-12 targets for 67 yards. Washington acquired cornerback Marshon Lattimore for such matchups, however the four-time Professional Bowler missed his third consecutive sport with a hamstring damage that started earlier than the commerce deadline transfer with the Saints.

The commerce for a participant beneath contract via 2026 had close to and long-term justifications. Washington’s employees received’t rush Lattimore again, however the protection wants him on the sphere, even when solely to prep for this playoff push. — Standig

Butler stood out instead of Diggs, Bland

The 2 areas of the Cowboys that have been most decimated by accidents when the sport started have been the offensive line and the secondary. In the long run, these spots proved to be two of the extra encouraging components of the Cowboys’ win, their first in a month and a half.

Left guard Tyler Smith is without doubt one of the greatest gamers on the Cowboys’ offense, and he missed the sport as a result of damage, as did future Corridor of Fame proper guard Zack Martin. TJ Bass and Brock Hoffman crammed in admirably of their place, as Rush seemed as comfy as he has since sliding into the beginning position this season.

On the opposite facet, the participant of the sport for the Cowboys on protection was Butler. With Trevon Diggs out and DaRon Bland holding down the opposite facet, the Commanders examined Butler all through the sport and the undrafted cornerback repeatedly answered the bell.

With the Cowboys unable to get Diggs and Bland on the sphere collectively this season, the opposite exterior cornerback spot has been an issue for the Cowboys. They tried rookie Caelen Carson in that position, however he received picked on relentlessly by opposing quarterbacks and was a wholesome scratch on Sunday. Butler gave the Cowboys the reply they have been on the lookout for, and one other participant to construct upon on the place for the longer term. — Saad Yousuf, Cowboys beat author

Seibert missed a number of kicks for first time this season

Washington’s particular groups have been something however for a lot of the sport. Seibert, a standout a lot of the season, missed the earlier two video games with a hip damage. He botched two further factors and a area purpose within the loss. Dallas’ second kick return for a landing really gave Washington an opportunity to tie with a landing and a two-point conversion, however the first one, coming after the Commanders pulled to 20-17, was brutal. — Standig

Required studying

(Photograph: Patrick Smith / Getty Pictures)



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