ARLINGTON, Texas (Oct. 19, 2025) — The stars were shining once again at AT&T Stadium as CeeDee Lamb returned from injury in spectacular fashion and Dak Prescott led one of the Dallas Cowboys’ most complete performances of the season. Backed by a swarming defense and a fireworks-filled offensive display, the Cowboys cruised past the Washington Commanders 44-22 on Sunday to even their record at 3-3-1.

Lamb and newly acquired George Pickens electrified the home crowd, combining for over 190 receiving yards and a highlight-reel touchdown that set the tone early. Prescott threw for three touchdowns, DaRon Bland delivered a game-breaking interception return, and Dallas reminded the NFC that it remains a dangerous force when its stars are healthy.

Lamb and Pickens Spark the Offense

After missing three games with a high ankle sprain, Lamb wasted no time reminding everyone why he’s the Cowboys’ offensive catalyst. On the first play of a first-quarter drive, Prescott hit Lamb in stride on a deep crossing route. Lamb took off down the sideline for a 74-yard touchdown, with Pickens celebrating alongside him as they glided into the end zone together — a moment symbolic of the Cowboys’ newfound offensive chemistry.

“At that point, that turned into our touchdown,” Lamb said, smiling beside Pickens in the locker room. “It doesn’t matter who scores — we’re just feeding off each other’s energy.”

Lamb finished with five receptions for 110 yards, while Pickens added 82 yards on four catches, including a critical 44-yard grab late in the first half that set up another Cowboys score.

Prescott, in control from start to finish, completed 21 of 30 passes for 264 yards and three touchdowns, spreading the ball efficiently and avoiding costly turnovers. His connection with tight end Jake Ferguson continued to flourish, with Ferguson hauling in two red-zone touchdowns. The third-year tight end made NFL history, becoming the first at his position to record at least 50 catches and six touchdowns in the first seven games of a season.

Ground Game and Special Teams Deliver

Dallas’ ground attack, led by Javonte Williams, kept the Commanders’ defense off-balance. Williams rushed for 116 yards and a touchdown, averaging 6.1 yards per carry. His powerful running opened up play-action opportunities that Prescott and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer exploited to perfection.

The Cowboys’ special teams also made headlines, as kicker Brandon Aubrey etched his name into the record books once again. Aubrey nailed a 61-yard field goal in the second quarter — his fifth from 60 yards or longer this season, an NFL record. His first-quarter 47-yarder had already given Dallas the lead for good at 10-8 after an early Washington safety and touchdown.

Bland’s Pick-Six Breaks the Game Open

While the Cowboys’ offense dazzled, the defense sealed the deal. Cornerback DaRon Bland intercepted backup quarterback Marcus Mariota and returned it 68 yards for a touchdown, extending Dallas’ lead and effectively putting the game out of reach.

It was Bland’s sixth career pick-six, adding to his growing legend after setting an NFL record with five in 2023.

“He’s got that killer instinct,” head coach Mike McCarthy said postgame. “You can feel the energy shift the second he gets his hands on the ball. He changes games.”

Injury Woes Hit Washington Again

The Commanders’ afternoon went from bad to worse when starting quarterback Jayden Daniels — the reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year — went down with a right hamstring injury in the third quarter after being sacked and stripped by rookie linebacker Shemar James. Daniels had already missed time earlier this season with a knee injury.

Before exiting, Daniels completed 14 of 22 passes for 156 yards and a touchdown, adding a 1-yard rushing score. But with top receivers Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel, and Noah Brown all sidelined, the Commanders’ offense sputtered.

Mariota’s first drive ended in disaster — the interception by Bland — and though Chris Rodriguez Jr. added a short touchdown run later, Washington never truly threatened.

Head coach Dan Quinn, facing his former team for the first time as Washington’s coach, didn’t mince words afterward.
“Injuries are not why we lost,” Quinn said. “We’re the ones who dug this hole. We’ve got to be the ones to climb out of it.”

Statement Win for Dallas

For the Cowboys, Sunday’s performance was the statement they needed. The offense finally clicked with Lamb and Pickens on the field together, the defense delivered game-changing plays, and the special teams executed at an elite level.

“This is the standard,” Prescott said. “We know what kind of team we can be when we execute in all three phases. It’s about staying consistent now.”

With the win, Dallas improved to 3-3-1, keeping pace in the NFC East race, while Washington dropped to 3-4 and slipped to third in the division.

Next up, the Cowboys travel to face the Philadelphia Eagles in a primetime matchup that could define their midseason trajectory — a chance to prove that Sunday’s spark was just the beginning of something much bigger in Big D.