Cowboys Hold Off Commanders to Keep Winning Record Alive
Dallas Cowboys remain one win away from avoiding consecutive losing seasons after a challenging victory over Washington, highlighting both Dak Prescott's determination and protection concerns.
Dallas (7-8-1) defeated Washington 30-23 on the road to stay one victory away from avoiding a losing season—a mark Dak Prescott said he's never experienced in his NFL career.
The Cowboys travel to the New York Giants on Jan. 3 or 4 for the season finale with everything on the line. One win seals an 8-8-1 record. A loss means consecutive seasons below .500 for the first time since 2002.
"Big difference," Prescott said when asked about the distinction between 8-8-1 and 7-9-1. "A lot of pride. To the point, I want to play. Any season of me being out there, I've never had, in all my career, a season under .500. So that tie is going to come into play really well."
The star quarterback's emphasis on the final record marks a shift in tone. Earlier in the week, when asked about playing the meaningless Christmas Day game against Washington, Prescott deflected. After the win, he was far more measured about the season finale.
"I love this game. I love any opportunity that I get to play it," Prescott said. "I understand the reasons why maybe not, and if that's the approach with that, I'll handle that then."
Protection Concerns Cloud the Victory
The win came at a cost. Prescott took a season-high six sacks against Washington—each hit sending nervous ripples through owner Jerry Jones' suite and the broader organization.
New head coach Brian Schottenheimer, in his first year after 25 seasons as an NFL assistant, acknowledged the problem without mincing words.
"Of course, I don't want to get him hit six times," Schottenheimer said. "We also ran 80-something plays. I thought he did a great job with his legs, but I don't want Dak to get hit like that. But I think we know how to do it at a higher level than we did tonight."
Prescott missed the final nine games last season with a torn hamstring, finishing 7-10 under departing coach Mike McCarthy. The pressure is mounting on Schottenheimer to avoid consecutive losing seasons—a fate Dallas hasn't suffered since Dave Campo's coaching tenure from 2000-02.
