Four takeaways from the Commanders’ 26-6 win over the Cowboys

Four takeaways from the Commanders’ 26-6 win over the Cowboys



Terry McLaurin (17) runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown during the first quarter of the game against the Dallas Cowboys. (John McDonnell/The Washington Post)



By Scott Allen
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The Washington Commanders closed the season with a 26-6 win over the Dallas Cowboys. Here are four takeaways from the game.


Rookie Sam Howell plays well in debut: Washington’s fifth-round draft pick became the eighth quarterback to start in Coach Ron Rivera’s three years in Washington. On his first career throw, which followed a botched snap by the Cowboys on a punt deep in their own territory, the former North Carolina star connected with Terry McLaurin for a 16-yard touchdown. Howell didn’t stay perfect, but with 25 family members and friends in attendance at FedEx Field, he made a strong first impression.




Early in the second quarter, Howell forced a throw off his back foot to Cam Sims in triple coverage, and Dallas safety Malik Hooker made an easy interception in the end zone. Howell settled down after that, completing 11 for 19 passes for 169 yards, including a 52-yarder to McLaurin. He also showed off his athleticism with five carries for 35 yards and had a nine-yard touchdown run on an option play in the third quarter.
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2 hours ago

Commanders defeat Cowboys, 26-6, in regular-season finaleReturn to menu


By Scott Allen


Rookie quarterback Sam Howell threw for 169 yards and a touchdown and also ran for a score in Washington’s 26-6 win over Dallas at FedEx Field. The Commanders finish the season 8-8-1.




2 hours ago

Commanders in control at the two-minute warningReturn to menu


By Scott Allen


Washington will face fourth and two from its own 21-yard line after the two-minute warning, but this one is no longer in doubt. Meanwhile, in Philadelphia, the Eagles have defeated the New York Giants, ending the Cowboys’ chances of winning the NFC East. (Commanders 26, Cowboys 6, 2:00 left in the fourth quarter)




2 hours ago

Commanders take 26-6 lead late in the fourth quarterReturn to menu


By Scott Allen


Looking to salt the game away after the Cowboys went three and out for the ninth time, Washington began its latest drive from its own 45-yard line. Six plays later, Joey Slye’s second short field goal of the game gave the Commanders a 20-point lead. (Commanders 26, Cowboys 6, 5:19 left in the fourth quarter)




2 hours ago

Commanders make a fourth-down standReturn to menu


By Scott Allen


Washington takes over at its own 45-yard line after linebacker David Mayo and a host of other defenders stuffed Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott for no gain on a fourth-down sneak. (Commanders 23, Cowboys 6, 10:48 left in the fourth quarter)




2 hours ago

Washington extends lead to 23-6 early in the fourth quarterReturn to menu


By Scott Allen


The Commanders took a three-score lead on Joey Slye’s 29-yard field goal to cap a 56-yard drive. The big play on the march was Sam Howell’s 52-yard completion to Terry McLaurin. Howell is 11-of-18 for 169 yards, one touchdown and one interception. (Co