Commanders Trick and Deflect Their Way to Halftime Deficit vs. Cowboys

The Washington Commanders are trailing the Dallas Cowboys at halftime of Week 18.

LANDOVER, Md. -- Halfway through the Washington Commanders final performance of the 2023 NFL Season they ... the Dallas Cowboys ...

Commanders coaches Ron Rivera and Eric Bieniemy came out feeling frisky in this weekend's contest against the Cowboys apparently as they went for it on two fourth downs in their opening drive and unveiled an 'interesting' trick play that nearly led to an interception.

In the end, Washington started the game with a turnover on downs ending its first drive of the game, and things only got worse from there.

Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14) talks with Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at FedExField / Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Following the turnover on downs Dallas drove the ball 67 yards in eight plays and capped off its first possession with a three-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Dak Prescott to receiver Jalen Tolbert.

On the very next play, starting the Commanders' second drive of the game, running back Brian Robinson Jr. fumbled to give the Cowboys the ball right back with a short field.

Eight plays later Dallas brought out kicker Brandon Aubrey to attempt a field goal but it was blocked by Washington defensive end Joshua Pryor and returned to the Cowboys' 20-yard line by cornerback Jace Whittaker. 

Following what was arguably the most exciting Commanders play in months another trick play led to receiver Dyami Brown targeting his college teammate and friend Howell on a pass play. It gained yards, but not a score and on fourth and goal the actual quarterback found running back Brian Robinson Jr. for a game-tying score.

The FedEx Field crowd - mostly dressed in blue - was hopeful they'd see the Cowboys come back and regain the lead, but a Prescott pass tipped by defensive lineman Jalen Harris fell into the hands of defensive back Quan Martin and gave Washington a golden opportunity to take a first half lead.

Washington kicker Joey Slye's field goal was true from right around the area Aubrey's was blocked, and the home team took a 10-7 lead. Ironically, the majority of viewing fans were very unhappy with this development. 

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Dallas regained the lead with just over four minutes remaining off of a one-yard run by running back Tony Pollard.

The Commanders got one more shot to retake the lead before halftime and were nearing field goal range, but Howell's arm was hit by Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, and the wobbly pass it created was intercepted by safety Donovan Wilson at the 35-yard line going in.

Six plays later Prescott hit star receiver CeeDee Lamb for a four-yard touchdown pass.

The extra point gave Dallas a 21-10 lead, which it took into the locker room. 

With the Cowboys getting the ball back to start the second half they'll have an opportunity to extend their two-score lead out to three.

With Washington just two quarters from securing the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL Draft, we doubt too many fans at home are praying too hard for a comeback.