Instant Reactions: Cowboys dominate Commanders, move to second in NFC East

One they needed, one they got done as the Dallas Cowboys took care of business at home against the Washington Commanders 44-22 on a day in which the defense stepped up and the offense once again delivered top results.

Dallas now improves to 3-3-1 and will visit the Denver Broncos for Week 8.

Instant Reactions:

Ali Jawad

Unlike last week, the Cowboys were able to take advantage of the opportunity that was presented in Week 7.

After defeating the Washington Commanders 44-22, Dallas now moves into second place in the NFC East as we approach the halfway mark of the 2025 NFL season.

Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and rookie guard Tyler Booker, who missed the last three games, and wide receiver and returner KaVontae Turpin, the last two games all made their returns Sunday.

Washington entered the afternoon down its two starting wide receivers, Terry McLaurin (quad), and Deebo Samuel (heel).

Quarterback Dak Prescott continues to play at an MVP level, finishing 21/30 for 264 yards and three touchdowns and has now gone four weeks in a row without an interception, while the return of CeeDee Lamb added to an offense that has been one of the best in football this season as No. 88 after missing the last three games recorded 110 yards and a score.

Following a week where he rushed for just 29 yards, running back Javonte Williams rebounded with 116 yards and a touchdown.

Jake Ferguson continues to be the go to target in the red zone after adding two more touchdowns Sunday from inside the 20, while George Pickens continues to draw PI calls and secure big plays down field with receptions of 44 and 24 yards.

Now what about the defense?

Solutions were needed as defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus noted earlier in the week, and those solutions were on full display.

Despite Washington missing both starting receivers, the unit finished with four sacks, two takeaways, including one from DaRon Bland who showed shades of his 2023 play with a 68-yard pick six that gave extended Dallas’ lead in the 3rd quarter 41-15, and held Washington to 0-2 on fourth down conversions. As for the pass defense overall, the Cowboys showed more man coverage in Sunday’s win and per Fox Sports, played Man-to-Man on 56% of their defensive snaps in the opening quarter.

Still ways to go with tougher opponents looming, but today’s win for Dallas was a much needed one.

Clarence Hill

It’s hard to say the changes on the Cowboys defense made a huge difference considering Washington’s offense was filled with practice squad receivers.

But defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus listened and adhered. He blitzed more than he has all season. He played more man to man coverage in the secondary.

He started rookie linebacker Shemar James alongside Kenneth Murray, benching a healthy Jack Sanborn.

DeRon Bland was moved to the slot at cornerback. And Twikweze Bridges started outside opposite Kaair Elam in place of concussed Trevon Diggs.

They stopped the run and held Washington to 22 points, while registering 4 sacks, a forced fumble and a pick six by Bland.

Dak Prescott continued to play at an MVP level and the offense with receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens to go along with tight end Jake Ferguson is seemingly unstoppable.

The Cowboys are firmly in second place in NFC East at 3-3-1.