The Washington Commanders vs Dallas Cowboys match on January 5, 2025, was not just another NFC East battle — it was a playoff-defining showdown that delivered excitement, intensity, and standout player performances. In this blog, we break down Washington Commanders vs Dallas Cowboys match player stats, highlight the biggest game moments, compare team performances, and analyze what it means moving forward.
Game Overview & Final Score
The Commanders entered Week 18 needing a win to lock in their playoff hopes — and they did just that. The final score was Washington 23, Dallas 19, in a tense game held at AT&T Stadium. What makes this game unique is how it flipped in the second half, largely due to quarterback substitution and late heroics from Marcus Mariota.
Washington trailed 16-7 at halftime. Starting rookie QB Jayden Daniels struggled early, which led to a bold halftime switch. Backup Marcus Mariota came in and completely shifted the momentum, leading the team to three scoring drives, including a go-ahead touchdown with less than 30 seconds remaining.
This game mattered not just for the rivalry, but because:
- Washington clinched the No. 6 seed in the NFC playoffs
- Dallas, already clinched, looked to build momentum, but faltered late
- It added another thrilling chapter to the Cowboys–Commanders rivalry
Quick Game Summary Table
| 🏟️ Game Summary | |
|---|---|
| Date | January 5, 2025 |
| Location | AT&T Stadium, Dallas |
| Final Score | Commanders 23 – Cowboys 19 |
| Halftime Score | Cowboys 16 – Commanders 7 |
| Attendance | 82,000+ |
| Playoff Implication | Washington clinched NFC #6 seed |
💬 “Marcus gave us a spark,” said Commanders coach Dan Quinn. “He gave us leadership, legs, and clutch throws. That’s what this team needed today.”
Quarterback Duel & Key Plays
One of the biggest storylines from the Washington Commanders vs Dallas Cowboys match player stats was the shift in quarterback performance. The Commanders made a crucial switch at halftime that changed everything.
Washington Commanders QB Performance
- Jayden Daniels (First Half):
Daniels, the highly anticipated rookie, struggled with accuracy and timing. He completed only 6 of 12 passes for 38 yards and added some rushing yards, but no scores. His offensive drives stalled often, and Washington trailed at halftime. - Marcus Mariota (Second Half Hero):
When Mariota entered the game, the tempo and confidence changed. He went 15-for-18 for 161 yards, throwing 2 touchdowns and rushing for another. His ability to escape pressure and extend plays was key.- Key Play: A 13-yard scramble on 3rd & 9 kept the game-winning drive alive.
- Rushing Impact: 5 carries for 56 yards, including a 17-yard rushing touchdown.
Dallas Cowboys QB Performance
- Trey Lance started for Dallas as the team rested Dak Prescott. He had a decent first half, moving the ball and controlling the tempo.
- Stat line: 17/28, 198 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Key Stats: Quarterbacks
| QB | CMP/ATT | Yards | TD | INT | Rushing Yards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jayden Daniels (WAS) | 6/12 | 38 | 0 | 0 | 25 |
| Marcus Mariota (WAS) | 15/18 | 161 | 2 | 0 | 56 |
| Trey Lance (DAL) | 17/28 | 198 | 1 | 1 | 19 |
💬 “Mariota looked like a veteran with something to prove,” said NFL analyst Nate Burleson. “His footwork, poise, and leadership made the difference.”
Top Offensive Performers
The Commanders showcased balance in their offensive attack, with multiple players contributing key yards and touchdowns. The Cowboys relied heavily on their backfield and secondary receivers.
Washington Commanders Offensive Leaders
- Terry McLaurin: 8 catches for 62 yards and the game-winning TD.
- Zach Ertz: Reliable on short routes, finishing with 5 catches for 44 yards and 1 TD.
- Olamide Zaccheaus: Created space with 2 deep catches totaling 51 yards.
Dallas Cowboys Offensive Standouts
- Rico Dowdle: 14 carries for 73 yards and 1 rushing TD.
- Jalen Tolbert: 5 catches for 58 yards.
- Jake Ferguson: 4 catches, 41 yards, solid chain mover.
Offensive Player Stats Table
| Player | Team | Receptions | Yards | TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terry McLaurin | WAS | 8 | 62 | 1 |
| Zach Ertz | WAS | 5 | 44 | 1 |
| Jalen Tolbert | DAL | 5 | 80 | 0 |
| Olamide Zaccheaus | WAS | 2 | 51 | 0 |
| Jake Ferguson | DAL | 4 | 41 | 0 |
💬 “McLaurin continues to be the heartbeat of this Commanders offense,” tweeted ESPN.
Defensive & Special Teams Impact
Both teams had defenders who stepped up. But Washington’s secondary and linebackers were the difference-makers in clutch moments.
Washington Defensive Standouts
- Mike Sainristil (Rookie DB): 10 tackles, 3 pass deflections, one near-pick that disrupted a key 3rd-down play.
- Daron Payne: 2 sacks, constant interior pressure.
- Jamin Davis: 8 tackles, 1 forced fumble.
Cowboys Defense & Special Teams
- Micah Parsons: 1 sack, 4 QB pressures, but limited impact late.
- Juanyeh Thomas: 7 tackles and a 30-yard kick return.
- Special Teams: Missed FG from 47 yards late in 4th quarter proved costly.
💬 “That missed kick turned momentum fast. Washington took full advantage,” said FOX NFL commentary team.
Team Stat Comparison & Efficiency
Let’s dive deeper into Commanders vs Cowboys team stats that shaped the outcome.
Key Team Stats
| Stat | Commanders | Cowboys |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 269 | 378 |
| Passing Yards | 199 | 198 |
| Rushing Yards | 70 | 180 |
| First Downs | 21 | 19 |
| 3rd Down Efficiency | 6/11 | 5/14 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Time of Possession | 28:42 | 31:18 |
Takeaway: Though the Cowboys had more total yards, the Commanders were far more efficient in the red zone and avoided costly turnovers.
Game Turning Points & Key Moments
- Mariota Enters – Commanders trailing 16-7, he flips the game in second half.
- Missed Cowboys FG (4Q) – Would have extended lead to 22-16.
- Mariota Game-Winning Drive – 75 yards in under 2 minutes.
- McLaurin’s TD Catch – 5-yard slant route into traffic with 27 seconds left.
- Sainristil’s Breakup – Broke up 4th & 4 pass in final seconds.
These clutch moments define a true divisional classic.
Historical Rivalry Context
The Commanders vs Cowboys rivalry is one of the NFL’s oldest and most heated.
Rivalry Snapshot
- First Meeting: 1960
- All-Time Record: Cowboys lead 76–48–2 (as of Jan 2025)
- Notable Matchups:
- 1982 NFC Championship: Washington 31, Dallas 17
- 2005 Monday Night Miracle
- 2022 Thanksgiving Blowout by Dallas
This latest game added a playoff clincher to Washington’s proud rivalry history.
Player Stat Trends & Fantasy Impact
Fantasy managers were closely watching this matchup. Mariota’s unexpected entrance and production made him a fantasy gold mine for DFS players.
Fantasy Stock Boosts
- Mariota: 22+ points (TDs + rushing)
- McLaurin: Reliable WR2
- Ertz: Value pickup at TE
- Sainristil (IDP leagues): Emerging star
Fantasy owners of Cowboys RB Rico Dowdle were also rewarded with solid RB2 output.
FAQs
1. Who was the top performer in Commanders vs Cowboys game?
Marcus Mariota was the game-changer. He came in during the second half and threw for 161 yards, ran for 56 more, and scored three total TDs.
2. What was the final score of the Commanders vs Cowboys game?
The final score was Washington Commanders 23, Dallas Cowboys 19 on January 5, 2025.
3. Why did Jayden Daniels get benched?
Daniels had a rough start with poor accuracy and stalled drives. Coach Dan Quinn subbed in Marcus Mariota at halftime to spark the offense.
4. How did Terry McLaurin perform?
McLaurin had 8 receptions for 62 yards and a touchdown, including the game-winner in the final 30 seconds.
5. Did this win impact the playoffs?
Yes, this win helped the Commanders clinch the NFC’s No. 6 seed, giving them a playoff berth and confidence moving forward.
Conclusion: What We Learned from Washington vs Dallas
The Washington Commanders vs Dallas Cowboys match player stats tell the story of resilience, tactical shifts, and unexpected heroes. While the Cowboys came in strong and dominated early, the Commanders’ decision to insert Marcus Mariota changed everything. His efficient passing and dual-threat mobility sparked a comeback that helped Washington not only win 23-19, but also clinch a key playoff spot.
The performance of Terry McLaurin, Zach Ertz, and rookie DB Mike Sainristil added depth to Washington’s victory, while the Cowboys struggled with missed chances despite outgaining their opponent in total yards.
This game will be remembered not just for the stats—but for what they meant: a team rising when it mattered most, a rivalry chapter closed in thrilling fashion, and new names stepping into the spotlight.
Quote: “We didn’t just win the game—we earned our shot,” said Mariota post-game. “And that’s what football is all about.”
Stay tuned as the Commanders head into the playoffs, armed with momentum and growing confidence.
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