The Dallas Cowboys ended their five-game skid with a thrilling 34-26 upset over the Washington Commanders in Week 12. What began as a defensive standoff turned into a second-half shootout, with both teams combining for 54 points after halftime.
The Cowboys, now 4-7, leaned on a standout performance from quarterback Cooper Rush to take control in the second half and seal the victory.
A Game of Dramatics
After a 3-3 stalemate in the first half, the second half delivered high-octane drama. Trailing 27-20 in the final minute, the Commanders struck back with an 86-yard touchdown from Terry McLaurin. However, a missed extra point left them one point short, giving Dallas a chance to respond.
The Cowboys capitalized, capping off their scoring spree to secure their first win since Week 5.
Player of the Game: Cooper Rush
In just his third start replacing Dak Prescott, who is out for the season with a hamstring injury, Cooper Rush delivered an exceptional performance.
Rush completed 24 of 32 passes for 247 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions, and a 117.6 passer rating. His poised play in the second half helped Dallas control the game and showcased why he has a career record of 6-3 as a starter.
With Rush under center, the Cowboys finally looked composed and effective, providing a much-needed spark for a struggling season.
What’s Next?
The Cowboys now prepare for their annual Thanksgiving showdown, hosting the New York Giants, who are coming off a lopsided 30-7 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
After a morale-boosting win and a Player of the Game-worthy performance from Cooper Rush, Dallas hopes to build momentum in front of their home crowd.
For now, Cowboys fans can savor a dramatic divisional win that keeps their season alive, at least for another week.
