Cowboys vs. Commanders Recap: Dallas Shines; Jayden Daniels Hurt with Hamstring Injury

Dallas Cowboys Bounce Back in Big Way; Jayden Daniels Injured in Loss to Commanders

The Dallas Cowboys returned to form on Sunday, delivering a statement win over the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium with a decisive 44-22 victory. The performance was highlighted by the triumphant return of star wideout CeeDee Lamb, who had missed the last three games with an ankle injury.

From the opening kickoff, it was clear that Dallas was ready to erase the sting of last week’s loss to the Carolina Panthers. Lamb wasted no time reasserting his dominance, hauling in five receptions for 110 yards and a touchdown, reminding fans why he’s one of the league’s most explosive receivers. Quarterback Dak Prescott was sharp, completing 21 of 30 passes for 264 yards and three touchdowns, and demonstrating the kind of precision and poise that has made him the centerpiece of this Cowboys offense.

But Dallas didn’t just rely on its passing game. Running back Javonte Williams bulldozed through Washington’s defense, rushing 19 times for 116 yards and a touchdown, helping the Cowboys control the pace and dictate the game from the outset. The offensive balance was on full display, a combination of elite quarterback play, elite receiving, and a physical ground attack.

Defensive Standouts and Big Plays

While Dallas’ defense has struggled with consistency this season, it rose to the occasion when the game was on the line. Cornerback DaRon Bland turned in one of the night’s highlight-reel moments with a 68-yard pick-six, energizing the stadium and putting the game firmly in Dallas’ hands. Even without All-Pro corner Trevon Diggs, the Cowboys’ defensive adjustments — more man-to-man coverage, strategic blitzes, and disciplined tackling — paid dividends.

The Commanders’ Night Turns Sour

For Washington, Sunday’s game quickly spiraled out of control. The Commanders were already missing key offensive weapons — Terry McLaurin, Noah Brown, and Deebo Samuel — and the situation worsened in the third quarter when quarterback Jayden Daniels suffered a right hamstring injury while getting strip-sacked by Jadeveon Clowney. Daniels, who had already missed two games this season due to a knee injury, completed 12 of 22 passes for 156 yards and a touchdown before being forced to exit. He was ruled out for the rest of the game, and Coach Dan Quinn confirmed that Daniels would undergo an MRI on Monday. The loss of their starting quarterback added another hurdle to Washington’s already challenging season.

Even if Daniels had been medically cleared to return, it’s unlikely he would have played. The Commanders’ defense struggled all game, missing tackles and giving up multiple explosive plays. The Cowboys recorded four plays of 20+ yards and scored 27 points in the first half alone, demonstrating both offensive efficiency and opportunistic playmaking. Washington’s biggest challenges remain injuries that have depleted the roster and a string of execution errors that have led to persistent mistakes.

Takeaways and Implications

Sunday’s win lifts the Cowboys to 3-3-1, moving them into second place in the NFC East. They’ll look to build on this momentum in Week 8 when they face Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos (5-2) on the road. The combination of Prescott, Lamb, and George Pickens — arguably the NFL’s top QB/WR/WR trio — will be Dallas’ driving force as the team seeks to remain competitive in a tight division.

For Washington, the loss drops them to 3-4, with a tough Monday night matchup against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs (4-3) on the horizon. The Commanders will need healthier personnel and sharper execution to remain competitive in the NFC East and prevent their season from slipping further away.

While the Cowboys’ victory was emphatic, it’s worth noting that Washington was missing several of its top offensive contributors and lost Daniels early. Still, there’s no apology for a division win, and the Cowboys now boast a 7-2 record against Washington over the last nine meetings. For a team that struggled in Charlotte last week, Sunday’s performance was a much-needed confidence boost and a reminder of what Dallas can achieve when its key playmakers perform at their best.

Final Thoughts

Sunday’s game was a clear example of why football is as much about matchups, timing, and personnel as it is about raw talent. The Cowboys showcased their depth, their explosive skill players, and their ability to adjust on the fly. Meanwhile, the Commanders’ injury woes and lack of key contributors highlight the fine margins in the NFL — one injury or absence can dramatically shift a team’s trajectory.

For fans of Dallas, Sunday was a night of celebration, energy, and optimism. For Washington, it was a reminder of the hurdles ahead, with injuries and mistakes continuing to plague a team that has shown flashes but remains fragile.

No matter the perspective, one thing is clear: Sunday belonged to the Cowboys, and CeeDee Lamb reminded the league exactly why he is one of the NFL’s brightest stars.