The Washington Commanders endured one of the most chaotic and unlucky losses of the NFL season on Sunday, falling 34-26 to the Dallas Cowboys in a game filled with improbable plays and missed opportunities.
Final-Minute Chaos
Trailing 27-20 with just 33 seconds left and no timeouts, the Commanders looked poised for another miraculous finish. Quarterback Jayden Daniels connected with receiver Terry McLaurin for an 86-yard catch-and-run touchdown, cutting the deficit to 27-26.
However, the game’s momentum swung wildly in the Cowboys’ favor on the ensuing extra point. A botched snap led to kicker Austin Seibert missing wide left—his second missed PAT of the day—keeping Dallas ahead by one point.
On the subsequent onside kick, Dallas recovered and, instead of securing the win by going down, Juanyeh Thomas returned the ball for a touchdown, extending the lead to 34-26. The Commanders had one last chance, but Daniels’ Hail Mary attempt was intercepted short of the end zone.
Historic Oddities in a Single Game
The game was a statistical marvel, marking the first time in NFL history that a matchup featured:
- Two missed extra points.
- Two kick return touchdowns.
- A blocked field goal.
- A blocked punt.
- Two missed field goals.
Among the day’s highlights was a remarkable kick return touchdown by Dallas’ KaVontae Turpin, who initially fumbled the kickoff inside his five-yard line before breaking free for a score.
Cowboys Snap Losing Streak
The victory was a much-needed boost for Dallas, snapping a five-game losing streak. Backup quarterback Cooper Rush delivered his best performance of the season, completing 24 of 32 passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns, his first multi-touchdown game of the year. The Cowboys improved to 4-7, rekindling faint playoff hopes.
Commanders’ Struggles Continue
The loss marked the third consecutive defeat for the Commanders, who started the season 7-2 but have now fallen to 7-5. Postgame, Terry McLaurin reflected on the team’s shortcomings:
“We didn’t play our best. Division games come down to four quarters, and we didn’t sustain drives. This loss is on everyone—players and coaching staff.”
As the NFC playoff race tightens, both teams face pivotal matchups ahead.
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