Commanders Lose vs. Cowboys, End Season on 8-Game Losing Streak
LANDOVER, Md. -- The Washington Commanders finished their NFL season on an eight-game losing streak, falling to the Dallas Cowboys 38-10, and have secured the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL Draft in the process.
The Commanders came out swinging against the NFC East Division leaders going for it on fourth down twice during their opening drive and unveiling a trick play along the way.
Unfortunately for Washington, the second attempt came up short and after the turnover on downs, the Cowboys drove 67 yards in eight plays to open up the scoring.
The Commanders clearly came out with the intention of playing aggressively and loose and assistant head coach/offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy unleashed several trick plays that had quarterback Sam Howell attempt a pass after receiving a pitch from tight end Logan Thomas and then securing his first career reception off the arm of college teammate receiver Dyami Brown.
Aggressive play on defense and special teams led to a blocked field goal and tip-drill interception as well, and many at home were likely wondering where this version of Washington football had been hiding all season.
The brand of football they know this year showed up, however, and after two turnovers in the first half themselves, the Commanders entered halftime down 21-10.
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Dallas receiver CeeDee Lamb became just the sixth receiver in NFL history to record 130 catches in a single season and also became the fourth in history to collect 125 receptions and 10 touchdowns in one year.
In total, Lamb victimized Washington for 13 receptions, 98 yards, and two scores.
His second touchdown of the game came on the Cowboys' first drive of the second half and extended their lead over the Commanders to 28-10 at the time.
By the time Dallas pulled its starters the lead was 35-10 and the NFC East Division Championship was less than five minutes away.
A field goal stretched it to the 38-10 final score that will go down in the record books.
For the Cowboys, their next stop is the postseason and a Wild Card Playoff matchup.
In Washington, there are no playoffs, and the ripple effects of the worst season under coach Ron Rivera are expected to reach far and weigh heavy this offseason.