The Dallas Cowboys won 34-26 against the Washington Commanders in their Week 12 matchup. It was a memorable game but for all the wrong reasons. Both teams were not at their best, yet they produced an entertaining game.
It was the first game in the NFL’s history with a blocked punt, two kickoff returns for a touchdown, and two missed PAT attempts, including one from the Commanders, which would have tied the game late in the fourth quarter.
Fans React to a Bizarre Matchup Between Cowboys vs. Commanders
A total of 31 points were scored in the fourth quarter of the Cowboys vs. Commanders game, with five touchdowns coming in the last six minutes of the game. Washington could have easily tied the game with less than 20 seconds left on the clock, but kicker Austin Seibert missed the PAT attempt after Terry McLaurin scored an 86-yard touchdown.
NFL fans were stunned after seeing the things that happened during this matchup. Here’s how they reacted:
The script writers are doing an incredible job
— B.B. Bundy (@BB_Bundy) November 24, 2024
“The worst day in special teams history YET,” said one fan.
Another fan added, “I aged a few years today watching this game,”
This does not even include the blocked FG and two other missed FGs https://t.co/gKpJYDzvYp
— Noah Trister (@noahtrister) November 24, 2024
“For this to happen after that touchdown, NFL is taking a leaf out of the college football book,” wrote a fan.
“One of the craziest games in history,” said another fan.
Losing on this after the miracle play by Jayden and Terry is an absolute heartbreak. https://t.co/8eRpnuY45l
— Nick Kerns (@nicktkerns) November 24, 2024
After this missed attempt from Seibert, Cowboys DB Juanyeh Thomas returned a 46-yard touchdown on an onside kick from the Commanders. Despite all this, Washington still had a chance to tie the game with a Hail Mary attempt.
However, unlike the game against the Chicago Bears, Jayden Daniels could not convert this time. His pass was well short of the end zone and got intercepted by Israel Mukuamu. The Cowboys won 34-26 and improved to 4-7 on the season.
This was a crushing loss for the Commanders, who entered the game as a heavy favorite (-10.5). They are now 7-5 and have given the Philadelphia Eagles another opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the NFC East.
Cowboys Snapped Their Five-Game Losing Streak
The Cowboys’ win against the Commanders was their first since Week 5, when they defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers. Dallas snapped its five-game losing streak, and Cooper Rush, who was under a lot of pressure, had a very good game.
Rush threw for 247 yards and two touchdowns while completing 75% of his throws against the Commanders. He has likely secured his spot for multiple weeks with this performance, as there were growing demands from fans for Trey Lance to start.
Dak Prescott will be out for the rest of the season, and Lance is unlikely to get an opportunity to play before the last few games of the year. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones firmly believes that Rush gives them the best chance of winning, and the quarterback will continue to start unless the team is mathematically out of playoff contention and has nothing to play for.
Many Cowboys fans wanted the team to tank to get a high draft pick, but this win against the Commanders has spoiled their plans. Dallas will play the New York Giants next week when America’s Team extends its holiday tradition of playing on Thanksgiving.