Commanders lose their 3rd in a row, 34-26 to the Cowboys

The 31 combined points are the second most in a game since at least 2000, behind only Minnesota and Baltimore’s 36 in their game Dec. 8, 2013. Cowboys-Commanders was the first game in the Super Bowl era to have two missed extra points, two kickoff return touchdowns and a blocked punt.

“We got down to the end there and it was a game-situational extravaganza,” Dallas coach Mike McCarthy said. “It was like Yahtzee. Everything was in there.”

While Washington’s skid continued, the Cowboys ended their losing streak at five thanks to strong play from QB Cooper Rush, a defense that forced two turnovers and, of course, special teams success. Rush was 24 of 32 for 247 yards and TD passes to Jalen Tolbert and Luke Schoonmaker.

“Lot of games left,” Rush said. “We’re sitting at 4-7. This is why you play them.”

The Commanders have some soul-searching to do after losing as a 10 1/2-point favorite in the meeting of NFC East rivals and doing so in a way that left players so emotional.

“The crazy games, I know they feel a little bit better whenever you win them,” punter and holder Tress Way said. “But that’s a tough pill to swallow.”
Injuries

Cowboys: LG Tyler Smith was inactive with ankle and knee injuries. … RG Zack Martin (ankle), CB Trevon Diggs (groin/knee) and TE Jake Ferguson (concussion) were ruled out prior to game day and did not travel for the game.

Commanders: RB Austin Ekeler was concussed on a kickoff return in the final seconds and taken to a hospital for further evaluation. … RB Brian Robinson Jr. left with an ankle injury in the first half, returned and then left again. … RT Andrew Wylie was concussed in the third quarter and did not return. … C Tyler Biadasz was evaluated for a concussion in the fourth. … CB Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) missed a third consecutive game since being acquired at the trade deadline from New Orleans.
Up next

Cowboys: Host the New York Giants on Thursday in the traditional Thanksgiving Day game in Dallas.

Commanders: Host the Tennessee Titans next Sunday in Washington’s final game before its late bye week.

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl