Decades of Dominance and Division Battles: The Cowboys-Commanders Rivalry Through the Years

The Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders. The names alone evoke images of hard-fought gridiron clashes, legendary players, and moments that have defined NFL history. More than just a divisional matchup, this rivalry is a tale of two franchises vying for supremacy, a battle etched in the memories of fans for over six decades. In their first face-off in October 1960, Washington emerged victorious with a 26-14 win, setting the stage for what would become one of the NFL’s most enduring rivalries.

Genesis of a Gridiron Grudge

The roots of the Cowboys-Commanders rivalry run deeper than mere divisional alignment. In 1960, when the Dallas Cowboys joined the NFL, a conflict arose regarding the rights to the Washington Redskins’ fight song. George Preston Marshall, then owner of the Redskins, initially opposed the Cowboys’ entry into the league. A deal was struck where Clint Murchison Jr., the Cowboys’ founder, acquired the rights to the song and used it as leverage to secure Marshall’s vote, paving the way for the Cowboys’ establishment. This off-field maneuvering added an extra layer of animosity to the rivalry from its inception.

The ’70s and ’80s: A Battle for Supremacy

The 1970s and 1980s witnessed the peak of this rivalry, with both teams consistently competing for division titles and Super Bowl contention. Under the guidance of legendary coach Tom Landry, the Cowboys established themselves as a dominant force, capturing two Super Bowl titles during the decade. However, the Washington Redskins, led by coach George Allen and later Joe Gibbs, proved to be formidable adversaries.

Games between the two teams were often physical and intense, with memorable moments etched into NFL lore. In 1972, the Redskins, with Sonny Jurgensen at quarterback, defeated the Cowboys 26-3 in the NFC Championship game, securing their first Super Bowl appearance. The Cowboys, however, would get their revenge, with Roger Staubach leading them to a Super Bowl title that same year.

The rivalry continued to sizzle in the 1980s. In 1983, a Monday Night Football game saw Danny White lead the Cowboys to a stunning comeback victory over the Redskins, erasing a 23-3 halftime deficit. Later that season, however, the Redskins would return the favor, defeating the Cowboys 31-10 in a game remembered for Joe Theismann’s injury.

The “Scab Game” and the ’90s Dynasty

One of the most controversial chapters in the rivalry unfolded in 1987 during a players’ strike. With veteran players sidelined, the Redskins fielded a team of replacement players, dubbed the “scabs,” against a Cowboys team that had many of its starters cross the picket line. In a stunning upset, the Redskins emerged victorious, 13-7, a game that has since become known as the “Scab Game” and even inspired the movie “The Replacements”.

The 1990s saw the Cowboys ascend to dynastic heights, led by quarterback Troy Aikman, running back Emmitt Smith, and wide receiver Michael Irvin. The “Triplets” led the Cowboys to three Super Bowl titles in four years, solidifying their place among the NFL’s all-time great teams. While the Commanders also tasted Super Bowl glory in 1991, the Cowboys’ dominance during this era shifted the balance of power in the rivalry. On November 24, 1991, the 6-5 Cowboys handed the 11-0 Redskins their first defeat and their only defeat at home that season, 24–21. Despite the loss, the Redskins would finish 14–2 and go on to win Super Bowl XXVI.

A New Millennium, a Renewed Rivalry?

The new millennium brought changes to both franchises. While the Cowboys continued to be a consistent playoff contender, the Commanders struggled to find sustained success. Despite the shifting fortunes of the two teams, the rivalry remained a highly anticipated matchup on the NFL calendar.

The Cowboys hold the overall edge in the series, with a record of 79-49-2. However, the Commanders boast a 2-0 record in postseason matchups, a testament to their ability to rise to the occasion when the stakes are highest.

Recent games have been a mixed bag, with both teams trading victories. In a memorable Week 12 clash on November 24, 2024, the Cowboys broke a five-game losing streak against the Commanders with a 34-26 victory, highlighted by KaVontae Turpin’s electrifying 99-yard kickoff return touchdown. However, the Commanders would get their revenge on January 5, 2025, defeating the Cowboys 23-19.

Hall of Famers and Memorable Moments

The Cowboys-Commanders rivalry has been graced by numerous Hall of Fame players who have left an indelible mark on the game. Cowboys legends like Roger Staubach, Emmitt Smith, and Troy Aikman have battled against Commanders icons such as Sammy Baugh, Art Monk, and Darrell Green.

The rivalry has also produced a plethora of memorable moments, including:

Clint Longley’s improbable Thanksgiving Day touchdown pass to Drew Pearson in 1974.
Joe Theismann’s devastating leg injury in 1985.
Troy Aikman’s game-winning touchdown pass to Rocket Ismail in 1999 after trailing 35-14.
Washington’s “scab” team upsetting the Cowboys in 1987.

The Rivalry Today

As the 2025 season unfolds, the Cowboys-Commanders rivalry enters a new chapter. With Dan Quinn now leading the Commanders, the dynamic has shifted, adding another layer of intrigue to the matchup. Quinn’s familiarity with the Cowboys’ organization and players could provide the Commanders with a unique advantage.

The Cowboys are set to face the Commanders on October 19, 2025, at AT&T Stadium, and again on October 27, 2025, at Northwest Stadium. These games promise to be hard-fought battles as both teams vie for divisional supremacy.

The Cowboys-Commanders rivalry is more than just a game; it’s a clash of cultures, a battle for bragging rights, and a testament to the enduring passion of NFL fans. As the two teams continue to write new chapters in their storied history, one thing is certain: the rivalry will continue to captivate and entertain for generations to come.