The Dallas Cowboys once again showcased their dominance at AT&T Stadium with a remarkable fourth quarter performance against the Washington Commanders. This time, the Cowboys scored an astonishing 25 points in the final quarter, securing a convincing 45-10 win. With this victory, the Cowboys have outscored their opponents 198-60 in their home games this season, firmly establishing themselves as an unstoppable force in front of their home crowd.
Leading the charge for the Cowboys was quarterback Dak Prescott, who continued his impressive run of form. Prescott threw four touchdown passes in the game, showcasing his exceptional accuracy and command of the offense. He connected with 10 different players, highlighting the depth and versatility of the Cowboys’ receiving corps. Despite a couple of minor errors, including a deep ball that could have been better placed and an overthrow in the third quarter, Prescott delivered when it mattered most and avoided any costly mistakes. In his last six games, Prescott has thrown an impressive 18 touchdown passes, with only two interceptions. This stretch of outstanding performances mirrors his superb start to the 2021 season, where he recorded 16 touchdown passes and just four interceptions in the first six games.
In addition to Prescott’s stellar performance, the Cowboys’ defense played a pivotal role in the victory. One particular play stood out as a game-changer. During the Commanders’ first drive of the third quarter, with Washington looking to convert a crucial third-and-1, Cowboys cornerback Stephon Gilmore made a phenomenal read on the double move by Terry McLaurin. Gilmore stayed step for step with McLaurin and expertly knocked away the pass, preventing a potential touchdown. On the ensuing fourth-and-1, defensive lineman Osa Odighizuwa successfully halted Brian Robinson Jr., denying Washington a first down and giving the Cowboys possession in a key moment of the game. Although the Cowboys were unable to generate any turnovers until this point, this defensive stand served as a de facto takeaway and played a significant role in the outcome of the game.
Red Zone Efficiency on the Rise
The Cowboys’ recent success in the red zone is another positive development. While they may not be matching last year’s impressive touchdown rate of 71%, they have shown significant improvement compared to the first five games of this season. During that stretch, the Cowboys scored on just seven of their 19 trips to the red zone. However, in the game against Washington, the Cowboys capitalized on all three of their red zone opportunities, further solidifying their offensive proficiency. In fact, they have now scored on 18 of their last 27 drives inside the opponent’s 20-yard line. This uptick in red zone efficiency bodes well for the Cowboys as they head into a crucial stretch of the season.
A Critical Crossroad Awaits
With the win against Washington, the Cowboys remain in the hunt for the NFC East title, with the Philadelphia Eagles currently holding the top spot. However, the Cowboys face a challenging slate of games in the upcoming weeks that will truly test their Super Bowl aspirations. Over their next five games, they are set to face formidable opponents such as the Seattle Seahawks, Eagles, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, and Detroit Lions. These matchups will serve as a litmus test for the Cowboys to validate their status as legitimate contenders for the ultimate prize in football.
Leave a Reply