Dallas Cowboys vs Washington Commanders Match Player Stats: A Complete Breakdown
The Dallas Cowboys vs Washington Commanders rivalry is one of the NFL’s most intense and historic. Every time these two NFC East teams meet, fans expect drama, high-level competition, and unforgettable moments. Beyond the score, the dallas cowboys vs washington commanders match player stats provide deeper insights into how each game unfolds—highlighting quarterback efficiency, rushing dominance, defensive performances, and clutch plays. In this article, we will delve into the most recent matchups between the Cowboys and Commanders, examining the player statistics that defined the outcomes. From quarterbacks like Trey Lance and Marcus Mariota to standout receivers such as Terry McLaurin, every stat tells a story about how the rivalry continues to shape both franchises.
The Importance of Dallas Cowboys vs Washington Commanders Match Player Stats
The dallas cowboys vs washington commanders match player stats are not just numbers on a sheet—they reflect momentum swings, coaching strategies, and player execution. Fans often debate who had the bigger impact: was it the Cowboys’ offensive push or the Commanders’ defensive resilience? By examining player stats, we can see precisely how each side won or lost.
- Passing stats reveal quarterback decision-making and protection from the offensive line.
- Rushing stats show which team controlled the ground game.
- Receiving stats highlight playmakers who opened up the field.
- Defensive stats expose turnovers, sacks, and game-changing stops.
Let’s break down two of the most recent clashes between these rivals: Week 12 (Nov 24, 2024) and Week 18 (Jan 5, 2025).
Week 18, 2025: Commanders 23 – Cowboys 19
The final regular-season meeting of the 2024–25 season ended in favor of the Commanders. It was a game that showcased clutch quarterback play from Marcus Mariota and the Commanders’ ability to capitalize on late fourth-quarter opportunities.
Quarterback Performance
- Trey Lance (Cowboys): 20 completions on 34 attempts, 244 passing yards, but 0 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. While Lance moved the chains, the lack of success in the red zone hurt the Dallas team.
- Jayden Daniels (Commanders): 6-of-12 for 38 yards. Daniels struggled early and was eventually replaced by someone else.
- Marcus Mariota (Commanders): A game-changer off the bench. He went 15-of-18 for 161 yards, 2 touchdowns, and no interceptions. He also added 56 rushing yards and 1 rushing touchdown, proving his dual-threat ability.
Rushing Attack
- Rico Dowdle (Cowboys): Carried the ball 22 times for 72 yards and scored 1 rushing touchdown. His consistency kept Dallas competitive.
- Mariota (Commanders): Alongside his passing, Mariota’s rushing created mismatches, keeping the Cowboys defense guessing.
Receiving Leaders
- Terry McLaurin (Commanders): 8 receptions, 62 yards, and 1 touchdown. He once again proved why he’s one of the NFL’s most reliable receivers.
- Zaccheaus (Commanders): Added 2 catches for 51 yards, helping stretch the field.
- Zach Ertz (Commanders): Veteran tight end with 5 receptions for 44 yards and 1 touchdown.
Key Takeaways
The dallas cowboys vs washington commanders match player stats from this game show the difference was Marcus Mariota’s efficiency. While Trey Lance outgained him in total yards, Mariota’s touchdowns sealed Washington’s win.
Week 12, 2024: Cowboys 34 – Commanders 26
Earlier in the season, the Cowboys came out on top in a high-scoring matchup. This game highlighted the depth of Dallas’ roster and big-play ability.
Offensive Performance
- The Cowboys put up 332 total yards, while Washington managed 412 yards but couldn’t convert them into enough points.
- Dallas’ passing attack was sharp: 24-of-32 for 247 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Special Teams Explosion
One of the most eye-catching dallas cowboys vs washington commanders match player stats came from the Cowboys’ special teams unit:
- 5 kick returns for 222 yards, averaging 44.4 yards per return, and 2 return touchdowns. This turned the momentum squarely in Dallas’ favor.
Defensive Edge
The Cowboys’ defense stepped up when it mattered most:
- 4 sacks
- 2 interceptions
These turnovers offset the yardage advantage Washington had, proving that defense wins games.
Washington’s Efforts
The Commanders fought hard, even blocking both a punt and a field goal. Their offensive yardage showed potential, but the inability to finish drives cost them the game.
Comparing the Matchups
Looking at both games side by side:
| Category | Week 12 (DAL Win) | Week 18 (WSH Win) |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | Cowboys 34 – Commanders 26 | Commanders 23 – Cowboys 19 |
| Passing Yards (Top QB) | 247 (Dallas) | 161 (Mariota) |
| Rushing Leader | Dowdle – 91 yards (DAL) | Mariota – 56 yards (WSH) |
| Receiving Leader | Balanced | McLaurin – 62 yards (WSH) |
| Defensive Highlights | 4 sacks, 2 INTs | Late-game stops |
| Special Teams Impact | 2 return TDs | Minimal |
The dallas cowboys vs washington commanders match player stats highlight two different storylines: in Week 12, Dallas dominated with special teams and defense, while in Week 18, Washington’s quarterback switch to Mariota turned the tide.
Historical Context of the Rivalry
The Cowboys and Commanders rivalry dates back to the 1960s. With both teams in the NFC East, their battles often have playoff implications. Over the years, legends like Roger Staubach, Troy Aikman, and Emmitt Smith of the Dallas Cowboys, along with Washington greats such as Joe Theismann, John Riggins, and Darrell Green, have made this rivalry unforgettable.
The recent dallas cowboys vs washington commanders match player stats show the rivalry is still as competitive as ever. No matter the records, each matchup is a battle for bragging rights and playoff positioning.
What Fans Can Learn from Player Stats
For fans, analyzing match player stats does more than highlight winners and losers:
- Quarterback Development – Trey Lance’s growth for Dallas and Jayden Daniels’ role in Washington are major storylines to watch.
- Playmaker Reliability – Terry McLaurin continues to be Washington’s most consistent offensive weapon.
- Defense vs. Offense Balance – Dallas thrives on defensive turnovers, while Washington leans on explosive plays.
- Special Teams as Game-Changers – The Week 12 matchup showed how return yards and blocked kicks can define outcomes.
Conclusion
The dallas cowboys vs washington commanders match player stats prove that this rivalry remains one of the NFL’s most exciting. Week 12’s game emphasized Dallas’ defensive strength and special teams firepower, while Week 18 highlighted Washington’s resilience and Mariota’s clutch performance.
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