The Dallas Cowboys finally snapped their five-game losing streak with a dramatic 34-26 road victory over the Washington Commanders in Week 12. The game was filled with standout performances, costly errors, and nail-biting moments, as Dallas secured its first win since Week 5. Here’s a breakdown of the key winners and losers from the Cowboys’ much-needed triumph.
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Winners
Cooper Rush, QB
Returning to his 2022 form, Cooper Rush played a crucial role in the Cowboys’ victory. He went 24-of-32 for 247 yards, throwing two touchdowns without an interception. Despite several big plays nullified by penalties, Rush’s consistent execution and poise were instrumental in ending Dallas’ losing streak.
Jalen Tolbert, WR
Jalen Tolbert overcame an early mistake—a dropped pass that led to a blocked field goal—to deliver in critical moments. He turned a short pass into a 16-yard gain and drew a 24-yard pass interference penalty to set up Dallas’ first touchdown. Tolbert finished the drive with a six-yard scoring reception, providing a glimpse of his potential to impact games.
Josh Butler, CB
Starting in place of Trevon Diggs, Josh Butler rose to the occasion with multiple clutch defensive plays. In the first quarter, he broke up a key third-down pass to stall Washington’s drive. Later, Butler disrupted a deep pass on third-and-long and continued his strong performance in the second half by forcing additional incompletions. His ability to step up was a pleasant surprise for the Cowboys’ defense.
Chauncey Golston, DE
With Washington threatening to extend their lead after a short punt, Chauncey Golston made a pivotal play. He intercepted a bobbled pass from running back Brian Robinson, halting the Commanders’ drive and swinging momentum back to Dallas. Golston’s alertness and execution kept the Cowboys in the game.
KaVontae Turpin, KR
KaVontae Turpin delivered the dagger for Dallas with a stunning 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. After initially fumbling the ball, Turpin recovered and raced to the end zone, extending the Cowboys’ lead to 27-17. It marked his second straight week with a touchdown, following a 64-yard scoring reception in Week 11.
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Losers
Tyler Guyton, LT
Rookie left tackle Tyler Guyton continues to struggle with penalties that derail the Cowboys’ offense. A holding call erased a critical third-down conversion by CeeDee Lamb, while a pre-snap alignment penalty nullified another big play in the fourth quarter. Despite his potential, Guyton’s inconsistency remains a glaring issue.
John Fassel, Special Teams Coach
The Cowboys’ special teams unit has been a liability, and Week 12 was no exception. John Fassel’s group endured a blocked field goal, a missed 42-yard attempt by Brandon Aubrey, and a tipped punt that traveled just 23 yards. While Turpin’s kickoff return was a bright spot, the unit’s overall performance left much to be desired.
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Game Highlights
Terry McLaurin’s Big Play: Washington narrowed the gap late in the fourth quarter with an 86-yard touchdown pass from Jayden Daniels to Terry McLaurin. However, Austin Seibert’s missed extra point left Dallas clinging to a 27-26 lead.
Juanyeh Thomas’ Heroics: On the ensuing onside kick, Juanyeh Thomas scooped up the loose ball and returned it for a touchdown, sealing the Cowboys’ victory.
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This gritty win moves the Cowboys back on track, but lingering issues on special teams and offensive discipline pose significant challenges. Can Dallas build on this momentum and keep their playoff hopes alive? Stay tuned.
