The Dallas Cowboys vs Washington Commanders match player stats from the December 25, 2025, Week 17 matchup tell the story of a productive Dallas offense, several standout individual performances, and a Washington rushing attack that created big plays despite the 30-23 defeat. The Cowboys finished with 480 total yards and controlled the game for nearly 39 minutes, while the Commanders produced 328 yards and remained competitive throughout the Christmas Day contest at Northwest Stadium.
| Statistic | Dallas Cowboys | Washington Commanders |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 30 | 23 |
| Total Yards | 480 | 328 |
| Passing Yards | 269 net | 190 net |
| Rushing Yards | 211 | 138 |
| First Downs | 28 | 17 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Sacks Allowed | 6 | 2 |
| Time of Possession | 38:44 | 21:16 |
Dak Prescott Leads Dallas Through the Air
Dak Prescott was the central figure in the Cowboys’ passing attack. He completed 19 of 37 attempts for 307 passing yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions, producing a 97.5 passer rating.
The raw passing total was particularly important because Washington’s defensive front generated six sacks. Dallas therefore had to overcome considerable pressure while continuing to move the ball efficiently.
Prescott also contributed on the ground with four rushing attempts for 24 yards, averaging 6.0 yards per carry. His mobility added another dimension to a Dallas offense that ultimately accumulated 211 rushing yards.
The combination of passing production and ball security allowed Prescott to guide Dallas without committing a turnover.
Dallas Establishes a Strong Ground Game
The Cowboys’ rushing statistics were one of the clearest differences in the matchup.
Malik Davis Sets the Pace
Malik Davis led Dallas with 20 carries for 103 yards. His 5.2 yards-per-carry average demonstrated consistent efficiency, while his longest run covered 21 yards.
Davis’ performance gave the Cowboys a dependable option between the tackles and helped Dallas maintain possession. His 100-yard rushing performance was especially valuable in a game where Washington’s pass rush repeatedly pressured Prescott.
Javonte Williams Adds a Touchdown
Javonte Williams carried the ball 13 times for 54 yards, averaging 4.2 yards per attempt. He also scored one rushing touchdown.
Williams complemented Davis by providing another physical option in the backfield. Together, the two backs accounted for 157 rushing yards, forming the foundation of Dallas’ 211-yard rushing output.
Hunter Luepke added seven carries for 30 yards, while Prescott contributed 24 yards himself.
Dallas Receivers Create Explosive Plays
The Cowboys did not rely on one receiver alone. Instead, several players contributed to a balanced passing attack.
KaVontae Turpin produced the most explosive individual reception, catching his only target for 86 yards and a touchdown. His 86-yard scoring play provided Dallas with a major field-position swing and highlighted the importance of explosive plays.
George Pickens recorded four receptions for 78 yards on five targets. CeeDee Lamb led Dallas in receptions and targets, catching five passes for 46 yards from 10 targets.
Jalen Tolbert added four receptions for 31 yards on eight targets, while Luke Schoonmaker caught two passes for 15 yards.
Jake Ferguson made the most of limited opportunities, catching one pass for six yards and a touchdown. His scoring reception gave Dallas another important red-zone contribution.
Washington’s Passing Game Relies on Josh Johnson
Josh Johnson completed 15 of 23 attempts for 198 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. His 92.3 passer rating reflected an efficient afternoon in terms of avoiding turnovers, although Washington struggled to match Dallas’ overall offensive volume.
Johnson was also able to contribute with his legs, rushing twice for 10 yards.
The Commanders’ passing attack was limited compared with Dallas, but Washington maintained offensive efficiency in several stretches. The bigger issue was the difference in total possessions and time of possession.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt Delivers Washington’s Biggest Rushing Performance
The most eye-catching individual rushing performance for Washington came from Jacory Croskey-Merritt.
He carried 11 times for 105 yards and two touchdowns, averaging an outstanding 9.5 yards per attempt. His longest run covered 72 yards, demonstrating how quickly Washington could turn a routine rushing opportunity into a major gain.
Croskey-Merritt’s two touchdowns kept Washington within striking distance despite Dallas controlling much of the overall statistical picture.
Deebo Samuel Sr. also contributed on the ground, rushing twice for 25 yards. Johnson added 10 yards on two carries.
Washington finished with 138 rushing yards, meaning Croskey-Merritt alone accounted for a substantial portion of that production.
Deebo Samuel Sr. and Terry McLaurin Lead Washington Receivers
Deebo Samuel Sr. was one of Washington’s most productive receiving threats. He caught two passes for 68 yards on four targets, averaging 34 yards per reception.
Terry McLaurin provided the most consistent volume. He caught five passes for 63 yards on seven targets, making him a key part of Johnson’s passing progression.
Ben Sinnott added three receptions for 29 yards on four targets. Chris Moore caught one pass for 15 yards, while Jeremy McNichols recorded three receptions for 12 yards.
Washington therefore had useful contributions from several players, but the offense did not generate enough sustained possessions to keep pace with Dallas’ production.
Defensive Player Stats Show a Battle in the Trenches
The defensive numbers reveal that both teams generated significant pressure.
Jadeveon Clowney led the Dallas defensive effort with 1.5 sacks and three tackles for loss. Reddy Steward added another half-sack.
Washington’s defensive front was even more productive in terms of individual sacks. Jer’Zhan Newton recorded three sacks and two tackles for loss, while Von Miller and Ricky Barber each recorded one sack. Bobby Wagner and Preston Smith added half a sack apiece.
Despite Washington’s ability to pressure Prescott, Dallas ultimately managed to produce 480 total yards. The Cowboys’ ability to continue moving the ball after allowing six sacks was a major factor in the final result.
Special Teams Also Played a Role
Brandon Aubrey converted three of four field-goal attempts for Dallas, with a long of 52 yards. He also made all three extra-point attempts.
For Washington, Jake Moody was perfect on field goals, converting all three attempts with a long of 51 yards. He also made both extra-point attempts.
Those kicking performances helped both teams capitalize on scoring opportunities, but Dallas generated enough offensive production to create a seven-point victory margin.
Why Dallas Won the Statistical Battle
Several numbers explain the Cowboys’ 30-23 victory.
Dallas recorded 28 first downs compared with Washington’s 17. The Cowboys also held the ball for 38:44, leaving Washington with only 21:16 of possession.
The 152-yard difference in total offense was another major factor. Dallas produced 480 yards compared with Washington’s 328.
Interestingly, neither team committed a turnover. That meant Dallas’ advantage came primarily from offensive volume, possession time, rushing production and its ability to sustain drives.
The Cowboys also finished with 211 rushing yards. That balanced attack prevented Washington from focusing exclusively on Prescott and helped Dallas remain productive even while facing heavy pressure.
What the Match Player Stats Reveal
The Dallas Cowboys vs Washington Commanders match player stats show two very different offensive profiles.
Dallas relied on balance. Prescott threw for 307 yards and two touchdowns, while Davis and Williams helped establish a productive running game. Turpin’s 86-yard touchdown and Ferguson’s scoring reception added important finishing plays.
Washington, meanwhile, produced several explosive individual performances without matching Dallas’ overall consistency. Croskey-Merritt’s 105 rushing yards and two touchdowns were particularly impressive, while Samuel and McLaurin supplied significant receiving production.
The difference ultimately came down to sustained offense. Dallas generated more first downs, more total yards and substantially more possession time while avoiding turnovers.
Final Assessment
The December 25, 2025, matchup was a strong example of how team efficiency can outweigh individual statistical highlights. Washington had several standout performers, especially Croskey-Merritt and Newton, but Dallas produced the more complete offensive performance.
Prescott’s 307 passing yards, Davis’ 103 rushing yards, Turpin’s 86-yard touchdown and the Cowboys’ 211 rushing yards collectively powered Dallas to a 30-23 victory.
For anyone examining the Dallas Cowboys vs Washington Commanders match player stats, the biggest takeaway is the contrast between explosive individual plays and sustained team production. Washington generated enough big moments to stay competitive, but Dallas controlled the broader statistical battle and converted that advantage into a seven-point road victory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who led the Cowboys in passing?
Dak Prescott led Dallas with 19 completions on 37 attempts for 307 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.
Who was Dallas’ leading rusher?
Malik Davis led the Cowboys with 103 rushing yards on 20 carries.
Who led Washington in rushing?
Jacory Croskey-Merritt led Washington with 105 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries.
Who had the most receiving yards for Dallas?
KaVontae Turpin led Dallas with 86 receiving yards and scored a touchdown on his only reception.
Who had the most receiving yards for Washington?
Deebo Samuel Sr. recorded 68 receiving yards on two catches.
Which team had more total yards?
Dallas had 480 total yards, compared with Washington’s 328.
Did either team commit a turnover?
No. Both Dallas and Washington finished the game without a turnover.
