Commanders 23 vs. 19 Cowboys: Mariota Leads Commanders to No. 6 in NFC | NFL Week 18
The NFL’s Week 18 came to an exhilarating conclusion as the Washington Commanders secured a hard-fought victory over the Dallas Cowboys, winning 23-19. The Commanders’ win, fueled by a solid performance from quarterback Marcus Mariota, pushed them to the sixth spot in the NFC playoff race, locking up a spot in the postseason. The dramatic contest not only determined the fate of Washington’s playoff aspirations but also carried heavy implications for the Cowboys’ own positioning.
This showdown between two NFC East rivals was filled with key moments, pivotal plays, and standout individual performances. Let’s break down the game’s major highlights, scores, stats, and significant contributions that made this Week 18 contest a memorable one.
Score Recap
- Washington Commanders: 23
- Dallas Cowboys: 19
The Commanders emerged victorious by a narrow 4-point margin, securing their playoff berth in a highly competitive NFC playoff picture. Dallas, who had already secured a playoff spot but still had hopes of improving their seed, couldn’t capitalize on several key opportunities.
Game Highlights and Turning Points
First Half: Commanders’ Steady Start
The game began with a sense of urgency for both teams, especially for Washington, who needed a win to secure their place in the playoffs. Washington started the game with a strong opening drive, led by Marcus Mariota, who showed off his ability to make both short and intermediate throws. Mariota’s connection with his top target, wide receiver Terry McLaurin, was crucial in moving the chains early on.
The Commanders’ offense managed to get on the board first with a field goal by kicker Joey Slye, giving them a 3-0 lead in the first quarter. The Cowboys responded with a scoring drive of their own, ending in a field goal from Brett Maher to tie the game 3-3.
Throughout the first half, both offenses battled inconsistently, with each team having moments of success followed by turnovers or mistakes. Mariota, however, remained calm under pressure, managing the clock well and keeping the ball out of harm’s way. One of the standout moments came when Mariota led Washington on a smooth, methodical 75-yard drive, capped off by a touchdown run from running back Brian Robinson Jr. This put the Commanders up 10-3 midway through the second quarter.
The Cowboys’ offense, despite getting some good plays from Dak Prescott, could not match Washington’s methodical approach. Prescott had some success moving the ball with star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, but Washington’s defense, led by standout linebacker Jamin Davis, was able to stifle the big plays and limit any significant scoring.
Second Half: Mariota’s Leadership and Late-Game Drama
The second half saw more action and drama. The Cowboys came out of halftime motivated, looking to secure a win that would improve their seeding and put pressure on other NFC contenders. Dallas quickly answered with a touchdown pass from Dak Prescott to tight end Dalton Schultz, which gave them a 10-9 lead after a missed extra point.
However, Washington responded with resilience. Marcus Mariota, continuing his efficient play, orchestrated a methodical drive that ended with a beautiful 20-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jahan Dotson, putting the Commanders back in front, 16-10.
The Commanders’ defense, led by standout performances from cornerback Kendall Fuller and safety Kamren Curl, kept Prescott and the Cowboys’ offense from getting comfortable. Prescott did throw for 200 yards and two touchdowns in the game, but he was under constant pressure from Washington’s defensive line, led by Montez Sweat and Jonathan Allen.
With the Commanders holding a narrow 16-13 lead in the final minutes of the game, the Cowboys were on the verge of making a game-winning drive. But the pressure mounted as the Cowboys failed to convert on third down and struggled in the red zone.
Ultimately, it was Marcus Mariota who sealed the game with his calm leadership. As the Cowboys were forced to use their timeouts, Mariota managed a crucial 9-yard touchdown scramble late in the fourth quarter, giving Washington a 23-13 lead. The Cowboys would score one final touchdown, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win.
Player of the Game: Marcus Mariota
Mariota’s performance was the defining factor in this crucial win for Washington. The quarterback finished the game with 245 passing yards, a touchdown, and no interceptions. His ability to move the chains with both his arm and his legs was instrumental in keeping the ball away from the Cowboys’ offense and controlling the game tempo.
Mariota’s ability to stay poised under pressure, particularly during key drives, was a testament to his leadership. Whether it was executing play-action passes or keeping the defense guessing with his mobility, Mariota managed the game in a way that gave his team the upper hand.
On his touchdown run late in the game, Mariota’s quick thinking and athleticism were on full display as he navigated his way through the Cowboys’ defensive line and into the end zone, solidifying his impact on the game.
Standout Players and Stats
- Marcus Mariota (Commanders): 245 passing yards, 1 passing touchdown, 9 carries for 40 yards, 1 rushing touchdown.
- Brian Robinson Jr. (Commanders): 15 carries, 56 rushing yards, 1 touchdown.
- Terry McLaurin (Commanders): 7 receptions, 88 receiving yards.
- Jahan Dotson (Commanders): 4 receptions, 56 yards, 1 touchdown.
- Dak Prescott (Cowboys): 22 completions on 35 attempts, 210 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns, 1 interception.
- CeeDee Lamb (Cowboys): 6 receptions, 75 yards.
- Dalton Schultz (Cowboys): 4 receptions, 45 yards, 1 touchdown.
- Brett Maher (Cowboys): 1-for-2 on field goals (long of 43 yards), 4-for-4 on extra points.
- Joey Slye (Commanders): 2-for-2 on field goals (long of 48 yards), 2-for-2 on extra points.
Defensive Standouts
- Jamin Davis (Commanders): 10 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble.
- Kendall Fuller (Commanders): 7 tackles, 1 interception.
- Kamren Curl (Commanders): 6 tackles, 1 pass deflection.
- Montez Sweat (Commanders): 2 sacks, 3 QB hits.
- Jonathan Allen (Commanders): 1 sack, 3 QB hits.
Cowboys’ Struggles
Despite securing a playoff spot, the Cowboys showed signs of inconsistency and inability to execute in crucial moments. Dak Prescott’s performance was solid in the passing game, but he missed key opportunities in the red zone and couldn’t sustain drives in the second half. The missed extra point early in the game proved costly, leaving Dallas trailing by more than one score late in the game.
The Cowboys’ defense, while solid at times, allowed too many big plays on third down, especially to Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson. In particular, Washington was able to find success with intermediate and short-yardage passes, stretching the Cowboys’ defense thin.
Impact on the NFC Playoff Picture
Washington’s victory was huge for their playoff hopes. With the win, the Commanders locked up the No. 6 seed in the NFC, meaning they would enter the playoffs as a wild-card team. This gave them a chance to compete in the postseason for the first time in years, thanks to their excellent play down the stretch.
For Dallas, the loss did little to affect their playoff position, as they had already secured a wild-card spot. However, the Cowboys missed out on an opportunity to improve their standing, which could affect their seeding and first-round matchup in the playoffs.
