Prescott Sets Cowboys TD Record as Dallas Rolls Past Washington.
ARLINGTON, Texas — Dak Prescott made franchise history Sunday while leading the Dallas Cowboys to their first victory of the season, but the celebration was tempered by another serious injury to Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels. Prescott threw four touchdown passes, including his record-breaking 249th, as the Cowboys defeated the Washington Commanders 37-20 at AT&T Stadium. The victory moved Dallas to 1-1, while Washington fell to 0-2. The biggest milestone of the afternoon came when Prescott surpassed Tony Romo for the most touchdown passes in Cowboys history. Romo's previous record stood at 248.
Prescott's record-setting touchdown came on a 24-yard connection with CeeDee Lamb late in the fourth quarter. Lamb finished with 153 receiving yards and caught two of Prescott's four touchdown passes. After the game, Lamb handed Prescott the football used for the record-setting score, giving the quarterback a memorable keepsake from the milestone.
"It was emotional," Prescott said, reflecting on the accomplishment and the people who helped him reach the moment. Prescott completed 26 of 32 passes for 279 yards without throwing an interception. The 33-year-old quarterback also extended his remarkable home winning streak against NFC East opponents to 20 games. Jake Ferguson caught Prescott's other two touchdown passes.
Daniels suffers another elbow injury
While Prescott was celebrating a historic afternoon, Washington was once again dealing with an injury involving Daniels. The Commanders quarterback suffered a dislocated left elbow on the final play of the first half. Daniels was attempting to make a play from the Dallas 1-yard line when left guard Chris Paul stepped on his foot as Daniels moved away from center. Daniels appeared to land awkwardly on his non-throwing arm while attempting to get rid of the football. He remained on the field before eventually being helped toward the sideline and later taken away on a cart. Washington coach Dan Quinn confirmed after the game that Daniels had suffered a dislocation. Imaging showed no fracture, and Quinn said Daniels would return home with the team. The injury was particularly concerning because Daniels missed most of the second half of last season after dislocating the same elbow during a game against Seattle. Before leaving Sunday’s game, Daniels had kept Washington within striking distance with his ability to run the football. He finished with 69 rushing yards on seven carries and completed 11 of 17 passes for 96 yards. Marcus Mariota took over at quarterback after Daniels' departure. Mariota later connected with Stefon Diggs for a touchdown that pulled Washington within 30-20 with nine minutes remaining. Diggs finished with two touchdown receptions. Dallas responded immediately. Prescott directed an 11-play drive that ended with his fourth touchdown pass, a 24-yard strike to Lamb that effectively put the game out of reach.
Cowboys defense responds after rough opener
Dallas also showed improvement defensively after struggling in its season opener.
The Commanders opened the second half with a field goal, but Washington's next possession ended abruptly when rookie linebacker Jaishawn Barham forced a fumble from Dyami Brown on a screen pass. Dee Winters recovered the loose ball inside the Washington 20-yard line. Two plays later, Prescott found Ferguson for his second touchdown of the afternoon, extending Dallas' advantage to 27-13. The Cowboys' defense, under first-year defensive coordinator Christian Parker, provided enough resistance to keep Washington from completing a comeback.
Injuries
Dallas safety P.J. Locke left the game with a foot injury suffered away from contact during the Cowboys' opening defensive series and did not return. Cornerback Cobie Durant also suffered a hamstring injury in the first half and was unable to return.
What's next
Washington will return home to face the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks next Sunday. Dallas will travel to Rio de Janeiro for a matchup with the Baltimore Ravens next Sunday.
