The **Dallas Cowboys** delivered their most convincing performance of the season, routing the rival **Washington Commanders** 44-22 on Sunday in Arlington. The victory was defined by the triumphant return of a star receiver, record-breaking history for a tight end and a kicker, and a crucial injury that derailed Washington’s already difficult day.
Lamb’s Explosive Return Ignites Cowboys Offense
After missing three games with a high ankle sprain, wide receiver **CeeDee Lamb** wasted no time re-establishing his connection with quarterback **Dak Prescott**. On the first play of a first-quarter drive, Lamb streaked open on a deep cross, catching the ball and breaking free for a spectacular **74-yard touchdown** alongside his new running mate, **George Pickens**.
“At that point, that turned into our touchdown,” Lamb said, celebrating with Pickens. “It’s whoever brings the ball in. Many more in the future.”
Lamb finished his return with **110 yards on five catches**. Pickens, who excelled in Lamb’s absence, remained a significant threat, adding four catches for 82 yards, including a key 44-yard catch late in the first half to set up another Dallas score and a 27-15 halftime lead. **Dak Prescott** was sharp, completing 21 of 30 passes for 264 yards and three touchdowns.
Two Historic NFL Records Set in Dallas
While the offense was dynamic, two Cowboys set unprecedented marks that will be etched in NFL history:
Jake Ferguson’s Tight End History
Tight end **Jake Ferguson** continued his breakout season, catching two of Prescott’s touchdown passes. With his performance, Ferguson became the **first tight end in NFL history** to record at least **50 receptions and six receiving touchdowns** through the first seven games of a season. All six of his scores have come in a four-game touchdown streak, showcasing his growth into one of the league’s elite players at the position.
Brandon Aubrey Becomes the King of 60-Yarders
Kicker **Brandon Aubrey** further cemented his status as a special teams weapon. His **61-yard field goal** in the second quarter was his **fifth career make from 60 yards or longer**, setting a new **NFL record** for the most 60-plus yard field goals in league history. Aubrey was perfect on the day, converting kicks from 47, 61, and 29 yards.
Daniels Injury Derailed Washington’s Day
The Commanders (3-4) faced an uphill battle from the start, compounded by the absence of top receivers Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel, and Noah Brown. Their hopes took a critical hit on their first drive of the second half when quarterback **Jayden Daniels** was sacked by rookie linebacker **Shemar James**, losing a fumble and injuring his right hamstring in the process.
Veteran **Marcus Mariota** replaced Daniels, but his first full possession ended in disaster: a 68-yard **Pick-Six** by Cowboys cornerback **DaRon Bland**. Bland, who set an NFL record with five interception returns for a touchdown two years ago, took the interception untouched to the end zone, pushing the Dallas lead to 41-15 and effectively ending the contest.
“Injuries are not the reason that we lost,” said Commanders coach Dan Quinn, whose team dropped to 3-4 on the year. “We’re the ones that got ourselves in a hole, we’re the same ones that have got to dig ourselves out.”
Running back **Javonte Williams** also had a strong outing for Dallas (4-3-1), rushing for 116 yards and a touchdown.
What’s Next?
The Cowboys now sit comfortably at 4-3-1 and appear to have found their stride with the passing game back at full strength. They will look to continue their momentum in Week 8.
For the Commanders, the primary concern is the health of Jayden Daniels, who will undergo an MRI on his hamstring. Washington will need to regroup quickly to prevent their season from slipping away.
