Full Breakdown
Prescott Breaks Cowboys TD Record in 37-20 Win Over Commanders
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Game Summary
On September 21 in Arlington, Texas, the Dallas Cowboys defeated the Washington Commanders 37-20. Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott completed 26 of 31 passes for 279 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions. Tight end Jake Ferguson caught two scores, and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb added two touchdowns on eight receptions for 153 yards. The Cowboys’ defense forced a fumble early in the second half that set up a short touchdown drive, extending the lead to 27-13. Backup quarterback Marcus Mariota replaced injured Commanders starter Jayden Daniels and threw a 20-yard touchdown to Stefon Diggs, but Washington could not overcome the deficit.
Record Milestone
Prescott’s fourth touchdown—a 24-yard strike to Lamb—gave him his 249th career passing touchdown, surpassing Tony Romo’s franchise record. The achievement came in Prescott’s 11th season and marked his 79th career multi-touchdown game, tying Romo’s team record. The win also extended Dallas’ home winning streak against NFC East opponents to 20 games.
Jayden Daniels Injury
Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels left the game with a dislocated left elbow on the final play of the first half. The injury occurred as Washington attempted a goal-line play from the Dallas 1-yard line; left guard Chris Paul stepped on Daniels’ foot, causing him to brace with his non-throwing arm, which buckled under his weight. Daniels had been 11-of-17 for 96 yards, added a 4-yard touchdown to Diggs, and rushed for 69 yards on seven carries before the injury. Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed the dislocation, noting that X-rays showed no fracture and that further imaging was scheduled.
Statistical Overview
- Dallas: 26/31, 279 yds, 4 TD, 0 INT; 37 points; 332 total yards (66 rushing, 266 passing); 3 field goals (including a 60-yard effort by Brandon Aubrey).
- Washington: 11/17, 96 yds, 1 TD, 0 INT; 20 points; 389 total yards (182 rushing, 207 passing); 1 field goal.
- Key performers: CeeDee Lamb (8 rec, 153 yds, 2 TD); Jake Ferguson (4 rec, 43 yds, 2 TD); Stefon Diggs (2 TD, 1 rec for 20 yds).
Official Statements & Responses
Coach Dan Quinn said the elbow injury was a dislocation without fracture and that Daniels would undergo additional imaging. Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer praised Prescott’s leadership, calling him “special” and noting the locker-room celebration after the record-breaking pass. Defensive coordinator Christian Parker highlighted the unit’s improvement after a lackluster opening week.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I thought he was really playing his (rear end) off,” — Dan Quinn, commanders coach
- “To now put myself in that category, it’s humbling, but I expect to play for a long time. And in my mind, I’m just getting started,” — Dak Prescott
What’s Next
Washington will await medical updates on Daniels before its home opener against the Seattle Seahawks. Dallas returns to the field next Sunday to face the defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks, looking to extend its NFC East home-win streak.