Dak Prescott throws four touchdowns as Dallas Cowboys defeat Washington Commanders 37-20

Prescott sets franchise touchdown record

The Dallas Cowboys defeated the Washington Commanders 37-20 on Sunday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, evening their season record at 1-1. Quarterback Dak Prescott completed 26 of 32 passes for 279 yards and four touchdowns without throwing an interception. The 33-year-old quarterback, playing in his 11th professional season, reached 249 career passing touchdowns. That total surpassed Tony Romo for the most passing touchdowns in franchise history. Prescott also extended his home winning streak against NFC East division opponents to 20 consecutive games.

Daniels exits with elbow injury

The Commanders fell behind late in the second quarter while attempting to tie the score before halftime. With three seconds remaining in the first half and Dallas leading 17-10, Washington faced third down at the Dallas 1-yard line. Head coach Dan Quinn elected to run an offensive play rather than attempt a field goal. Left guard Chris Paul stepped on quarterback Jayden Daniels' foot as the passer backed away from center. Daniels tripped and extended his left arm to brace himself, causing his left elbow to bend awkwardly before he threw an incomplete pass as the clock expired.

Daniels collapsed to the turf, received medical attention, and left the field on a cart with his arm in an air cast and a towel over his head. The third-year quarterback had previously missed all but one game in the second half of last season after dislocating his non-throwing left elbow against the Seattle Seahawks in November. Prior to his departure, Daniels completed 11 of 17 passes for 96 yards and a touchdown, while adding 69 rushing yards on seven carries. His first-half efforts included an 18-yard scramble that set up a field goal and a 20-yard run that preceded a 4-yard touchdown pass to Stefon Diggs.

Second half rally and Dallas response

Backup quarterback Marcus Mariota took over Washington's offense at the start of the third quarter. Mariota brought the Commanders within ten points with nine minutes left in the fourth quarter, connecting with Stefon Diggs for a second touchdown catch that brought the score to 30-20. The Cowboys responded immediately with an 11-play drive. Prescott capped the possession with a 24-yard touchdown throw to wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, sealing the victory. Lamb finished the afternoon with eight receptions for 153 yards and two touchdowns, while tight end Jake Ferguson caught Prescott's other two scoring passes.

Defensive performances and roster injuries

The victory followed Dallas' 28-20 opening-week defeat against the New York Giants. Under first-year defensive coordinator Christian Parker, the Dallas defense recorded one takeaway and zero sacks, but held Washington to 20 points. Defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and rookie defensive back Caleb Downs anchored the unit, though the Cowboys allowed a third-and-18 conversion to Washington wide receiver Terry McLaurin in the first half. Dallas also sustained two defensive injuries, as safety P.J. Locke exited during Dallas' opening defensive series with a non-contact foot injury, and cornerback Cobie Durant departed with a hamstring injury before halftime. The Commanders dropped to 0-2 on the season, while Dallas prepares to host the Baltimore Ravens in their next game.