In the Week 7 matchup of the 2025 NFL season, the Dallas Cowboys faced off against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys delivered a strong performance, winning 44-22. This game showcased the Cowboys’ offensive skill and defensive grit, while the Commanders struggled to keep up in a crucial divisional game.
From the start, the Cowboys took control with an aggressive offense. Quarterback Dak Prescott, having a standout MVP-caliber season, completed 21 of 30 passes for 264 yards and threw three touchdown passes. His connection with star receiver CeeDee Lamb was impressive. Lamb returned after missing three games due to a high ankle sprain and made an immediate impact. One notable play was a stunning 74-yard touchdown catch where he ran sideways with one hand in the air, grabbing the pass perfectly and celebrating with fellow receiver George Pickens as they crossed the goal line. Lamb ended the game with 110 yards on five receptions, reasserting himself as a key player for the Cowboys.
George Pickens, who joined the team from Pittsburgh in the offseason, also played an important role while Lamb was out. He made four catches for 82 yards and helped keep several critical drives alive, including a key 44-yard reception during a touchdown drive just before halftime. Their combined efforts created a potent passing attack that proved difficult for the Commanders to handle throughout most of the game.
Running back Javonte Williams boosted the Cowboys’ offense with a solid rushing performance, gaining 116 yards and scoring a touchdown. This balanced offensive effort kept Washington’s defense off balance and helped Dallas maintain an early lead.
For the Commanders, the game revealed moments of promise but also significant challenges. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels started well, completing passes for 156 yards and scoring a rushing touchdown. However, his game ended prematurely after he injured his right hamstring late in the third quarter while trying to avoid a sack. Daniels’ injury was a tough setback for Washington’s offense, which was already missing key receivers Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel, and Noah Brown due to injuries.
Veteran Marcus Mariota came in for Daniels and added experience to the offense, leading a touchdown drive that resulted in running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. scoring on a short run. However, Mariota’s efforts were cut short by an interception returned 68 yards for a touchdown by Dallas rookie defensive back Da’Ron Bland. This was Bland’s second interception return for a touchdown in his early career and showcased Dallas’ defense, which capitalized on Washington’s mistakes.
Washington’s defense also faced early challenges. Defensive end Dorance Armstrong, the team’s leading pass rusher with 5.5 sacks, suffered a knee injury on the first drive and did not return. This impacted the Commanders’ pass rush, giving Prescott more time to execute plays. Meanwhile, Dallas’ defense consistently pressured Daniels, forcing a fumble that stalled Washington’s momentum and showed their readiness for this divisional rivalry.
Despite the loss, Washington found some success against the Cowboys’ defense. Tight end Zach Ertz scored on a short catch-and-run, showcasing the Commanders’ occasional ability to break through. However, penalties and missed chances, along with the absence of key players, ultimately prevented them from competing effectively.
The Cowboys extended their lead with Brandon Aubrey, who made history as the first NFL kicker to score five field goals of at least 60 yards, including a 61-yarder in the second quarter. This feat gave the Cowboys more scoring options and helped them maintain their lead at important moments.
The final score of 44-22 highlighted Dallas’ dominance in a decisive divisional win. The Cowboys improved to 3-3-1 for the season, gaining valuable momentum in the competitive NFC East. Meanwhile, the Commanders fell to 3-4 and faced increasing pressure to regroup, as their playoff hopes now depend on tackling key injuries and tightening their defense.
Key takeaways from this game highlight the Cowboys’ strengths and the areas where the Commanders need improvement. Dallas showed why they are a tough team at home, with a balanced offense and a disciplined defense that forces turnovers. Prescott’s leadership, along with the strong performances of Lamb and Pickens, can guide them moving forward. For the Commanders, resilience remains, but the lack of star offensive players due to injuries and turnovers on critical drives illustrate the challenges they need to address to stay competitive.
Looking ahead, the Cowboys hope to use this performance as a foundation for continued success while solidifying their playoff position. The Commanders, on the other hand, must ensure their quarterback stays healthy and develop depth on both sides as they prepare for tough upcoming matchups in the NFC East.
In conclusion, the Week 7 game between the Washington Commanders and Dallas Cowboys was an engaging NFC East matchup where Dallas’ offense and opportunistic defense led to a comfortable win. This game showed the fierce rivalry and high stakes that define the division and left fans eager for the next chapter in this ongoing competition.
