Mariota Shines In Come From Behind Victory Against Dallas (1-5-25)
By: Jaden Golding
Headline Photo Credit: Washington Commanders
ARLINGTON, TX—The Washington Commanders defeated the Dallas Cowboys 23-19 Sunday afternoon at AT&T Stadium. With the victory, Washington capped off the regular season with a 12-5 record, marking their best finish since the 1991 Super Bowl-winning season.
Dallas dropped to 7-10 on the season, and many questions are heading into the offseason regarding head coach Mike McCarthy and the overall roster.
Washington came into the game holding the 6th seed in the playoff race, and with a victory and Packers loss would keep its place.
Jayden Daniels played the first half but couldn’t find a rhythm with the offensive line struggling to protect him and having missed opportunities to connect with receivers. Daniels sat in the second half after experiencing some leg soreness leading Dan Quinn to turn to the veteran Marcus Mariota.
Mariota led the Commanders’ offense to score 21 points in the half, including a game-winning 5-yard touchdown pass to Terry McLaurin with several seconds remaining in the game. McLaurin’s touchdown grab broke the franchise’s single-season receiving touchdown record, previously held by both Jerry Smith (1967) and Ricky Sanders (1988) at 12.
The Commanders begin their playoff journey next Sunday. They will travel to Tampa Bay in a week one rematch, with the Baker Mayfield-led Buccaneers on Sunday Night Football at 8:15 p.m.
The former third overall pick of the 49ers in 2021, Trey Lance earned the start for Dallas at quarterback, and his first since the 2022 season. Lance completed 20-of-34 passes for 244 yards in the air with no touchdowns or picks. Lance also showcased his ability to use his legs rushing for 26 yards on six carries.
Micah Parsons earned double-digit sacks for the fourth straight season a feat only three other players in NFL history have achieved each who are all in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Parsons had 2 ½ sacks on the day earning two on the first Washington drive of the game.
Key Stats
Washington Quarterbacks:
Marus Mariota- 15/18, 161 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns.
Jayden Daniels- 6/12, 38 passing yards, sacked 4 times.
Daniels and Mariota rushed for a combined 83 yards on 9 carries. Running backs Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler gained a total of 22 yards on 12 carries.
Washington Receivers:
Terry McLaurin- 8 catches for 62 yards, 7.8 yards per catch, a touchdown.
Olamide Zaccheaus- 2 catches for 51 yards.
Zach Ertz- 5 catches for 44 yards and 1 touchdown.
Washington Defense:
S Jeremy Chinn- 13 total tackles (8 solo), 2 TFL, 1 sack, and 1 QB hit.
DB Mike Sainristil- 10 total tackles (7 solo), and 3 pass deflections.
LB Bobby Wagner- 8 total tackles (4 solo), 2 TFL, and 1 pass deflection.
