America’s (Contentious) Game: Analyzing the Cowboys-Commanders Rivalry’s Impact on the NFC East | AfterTheSnap.com
The Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders. For decades, the mere mention of this matchup has evoked images of fierce competition, bone-jarring hits, and a rivalry that transcends the gridiron. It’s a clash of cultures, a battle for bragging rights, and a game that carries significant weight in the NFC East. The Cowboys-Commanders rivalry, one of the NFL’s most historic, began on October 9, 1960, with Washington winning 26-14.
A Storied Past: More Than Just a Game
The Cowboys-Commanders rivalry is more than just a game; it’s a cultural phenomenon deeply embedded in the history of the NFL. The rivalry has passionate fan bases, with Cowboys fans often touting their team as “America’s Team,” while Commanders fans take pride in their team’s storied history. The intensity of this rivalry stems from several factors:
- Divisional Battles: Both teams are part of the NFC East division, ensuring at least two matchups each season, which fuels the competitiveness and intensity of their rivalry.
- Historical Significance: During the tenure of this rivalry, the two franchises have won 32 combined division titles and eight combined Super Bowls. They are two of the wealthiest franchises in the NFL.
- Fanatic Fanbases: The Cowboys-Commanders rivalry is characterized by its long history, memorable moments, and fierce competition, making it one of the most significant rivalries in the NFL.
The Cowboys lead the overall series, 79-49-2. The two teams have met twice in the playoffs, with the Redskins winning both games.
2024 Season Recap: A Shift in Power?
The 2024 season saw a significant shift in the NFC East power dynamic. The Commanders, led by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, emerged as a force to be reckoned with, securing a playoff berth and even clinching the No. 6 seed with a Week 18 victory over the Cowboys. The Washington Commanders ended the 2024 regular season with a 23-19 win over the Dallas Cowboys. Conversely, the Cowboys struggled to find consistency, ultimately missing the playoffs and finishing with a losing record for the first time since 2020.
One of the most memorable moments of the 2024 season between these two teams was the Week 18 game where Terry McLaurin’s game-winning, record-setting touchdown against the Cowboys sealed the Commanders’ victory and playoff berth. With six seconds left and the game on the line, Mariota found McLaurin with a ball just over the head of Cowboy’s cornerback Daron Bland in the back of the end zone for a winning-time moment that sealed the Commanders’ divisional victory, 23-19, and locked up the No. 6 seed in the playoffs. McLaurin also set the franchise record for single-season touchdown receptions with 13 and became the only player in franchise history to record 75-plus receptions, 1,000-plus receiving yards and 10-plus touchdown receptions in a single season.
Key Players and Performances
Several players have consistently delivered standout performances in this rivalry:
- Dak Prescott: Prescott has an 11-2 record versus the Commanders in his career.
- Terry McLaurin: McLaurin has had 50 catches for 643 yards and has scored 5 touchdowns in 11 games against the Cowboys in his career.
Looking Ahead to 2025: New Coaches, New Strategies
The 2025 season promises to be an intriguing one for both teams. The Cowboys have a new head coach in Brian Schottenheimer, who is looking to revitalize the offense and return the team to its winning ways. The Cowboys are actively working on a strategic overhaul of their passing game. This initiative involves a comprehensive reassessment of their current tactics, player roles, and overall approach to maximize the team’s offensive potential. The Cowboys will take a ‘selectively aggressive’ approach to free agency in 2025.
Meanwhile, the Commanders, under head coach Dan Quinn, are aiming to build on their success from last season and establish themselves as a perennial contender in the NFC East. The Washington Commanders, despite their NFC Championship Game appearance in 2024, are actively looking to bolster their roster. Recognizing that their success was not merely luck but the result of hard work, they understand the need for continuous improvement.
Impact on the NFC East
The Cowboys-Commanders rivalry has a significant impact on the NFC East standings and playoff picture. The Washington Commanders finished the season 4-2 against the NFC East, their best record against the division since 2020. The outcome of these games can often determine which team wins the division and which teams make the playoffs.
America’s (Contentious) Game: A Rivalry That Defines the NFC East
The Cowboys-Commanders rivalry is more than just a game; it’s a cultural touchstone that defines the NFC East. With a storied past, passionate fanbases, and significant implications for the division standings, this rivalry will continue to captivate NFL fans for years to come.