Bland, Prescott help Cowboys to 13th straight home win over Commanders on Thanksgiving

In a commanding Thanksgiving performance, DaRon Bland made NFL history with his fifth interception return for a touchdown this season. Dak Prescott orchestrated the Dallas Cowboys to a resounding 45-10 victory over the Washington Commanders. This win marked the Cowboys’ 13th consecutive triumph at home, a streak not seen in 42 years, since their 18-game home winning streak from 1979 to 1981.

As the game entered the fourth quarter, the Cowboys found themselves with a lead of less than two touchdowns for the first time in five home games this season. However, they ultimately tied a 55-year-old franchise record by securing their seventh victory of the season with a margin of at least 20 points.

The Dallas defense, which had been unyielding for most of the season, faced some challenges as they allowed more than 200 yards for the first time in three games. Nevertheless, they stiffened at crucial moments in the second half, denying the Commanders on fourth down three times.

Sam Howell, despite throwing for 300 yards and contributing a rushing touchdown, found himself sacked at the 24-yard line on fourth down early in the fourth quarter. This set the stage for CeeDee Lamb’s touchdown and a 2-point conversion, extending Dallas’ lead by 21 points.

Washington, who started the season 2-0, has struggled recently, losing eight of their last ten games. Additionally, they now hold a record of 2-9 as the most frequent Thanksgiving opponent for their NFC East rivals.

Prescott continued his impressive form, passing for 331 yards and throwing at least two TD passes for the fifth consecutive game, just one short of his career best. Rico Dowdle, Brandin Cooks, and KaVontae Turpin contributed to the scoring with their touchdown receptions.

The highlight of the game came in the fourth quarter when DaRon Bland intercepted a pass intended for Jahan Dotson and raced down the Dallas sideline, eluding the pursuing Washington quarterback. He managed to sidestep the attempts of Terry McLaurin and Brian Robinson Jr. to tackle him just outside the 10-yard line, ultimately reaching the end zone. Bland now shares the NFL record for most interception return touchdowns in a season with notable names like Eric Allen, Jim Kearney, and Ken Houston.

In other news, Dallas kicker Brandon Aubrey faced some challenges as he missed an extra point for the second consecutive game, ending his streak of 49 consecutive made field goals and PATs since his first-ever miss on an extra point against the New York Giants in the season opener. However, Aubrey still holds the NFL record with 22 consecutive made field goals to start a career, following a successful 52-yarder.

On the injury front, Commanders’ RB Brian Robinson Jr. underwent an evaluation for a concussion in the first half but was eventually cleared to continue. Dallas S Jayron Kearse was inactive due to a back issue that surfaced during the short week.

Looking ahead, the Commanders will face Miami at home on December 3, marking their only game between now and December 17, when they have a bye week. Meanwhile, the Cowboys will square off against Seattle next Thursday in the second of three consecutive home games.

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