Commanders receive harsh lessons in latest loss as season draws to merciful conclusion

LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — On the surface, it was just another loss in a season that will thankfully end next weekend.

However, there may come a time next year when the Washington Commanders benefit from what they learned in Thursday's 30-23 loss to Dallas.

After the Commanders (4-12) lost for the ninth time in 10 games, coach Dan Quinn rallied his players and applauded their resilience in trimming an 18-point deficit to seven points by the third quarter.

Washington Commanders running back Jacorey Croskey-Merritt, 22, scores during the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

“The lessons that come out of this are incredible,” Quinn said. “I wasn't surprised we fought back. I like our fight but the execution isn't up to the standard it needs to be to win games.”

Washington's uneven play and injuries to quarterback Jaylen Daniels have been the theme of the season. There were also times when commanders showed little resolve in defeat. But give them credit for being able to play against the Cowboys with a 39-year-old third-string quarterback.

Josh Johnson completed 15 of 23 passes for 198 yards and no interceptions. If all goes according to plan, Daniels will be back next year and the Commanders will look more like the team that reached the NFC Championship Game last season.

The two standouts in Thursday's game can only hope to carry the momentum beyond next week in Philadelphia and into 2026. Rookie running back Jacorey “Bill” Croskey-Merritt rushed for 105 yards, including 72 yards, and Jer'Jean Newton sacked Dak Prescott three times.

Washington limited Dallas to a 40% third-down conversion rate (8 of 20). But Quinn lamented that the Cowboys were 6-for-6 in the fourth, which largely contributed to Dallas running 87 offensive plays compared to the Commanders' 41.

Washington averaged eight yards per attack. But these pictures were not enough to complete the comeback.

So the loss continued.

“It would be great if we got the win,” Croskey-Merritt said. “But I thought we fought hard. We just need to finish strong.”

What works

The running game was hot, with Croskey-Merritt leading the way. The rookie scored two touchdowns, protected Johnson when needed and showed how much he has learned in his first season in the NFL.

“I've seen him grow a lot in his knowledge of the game and the game plan,” Quinn said.

Croskey-Merritt only had 11 carries, but the 72-yard rusher is sure to be part of the team's highlight reel heading into the 2025 season.

What needs help

Washington's defense must be better if it's down on fourth down. If the Commanders had stopped at least a couple of the Cowboys' fourth-down attempts, the outcome might have been different.

Dallas converted three fourth downs on its second touchdown drive and sealed the win with a successful fourth down scoring drive.

“Winning on fourth down was as important a factor in the game as any,” Quinn said. “It's an asset that ends there: no points, no extension, no time. So it's a big deal.”

Stock up

Newton had two sacks as a rookie last season and only two this year before hitting Prescott three times on Thursday.

“Running, quickness, those are his skills,” Quinn said. “And so seeing him put all the pieces together, the anticipation of the play, of how to execute it, I felt it.”

Stocks fell

With the offense playing conservatively with Johnson at fullback, the defense had to call the shots. And this did not happen, except for Newton.

Not only did Dallas score touchdowns on its first three possessions, but the Commanders again had no takeaways. Washington committed just nine turnovers all season.

Injuries

Center Tyler Biadas injured his knee and ankle in the second quarter and did not return. Defenseman Nick Allegretti took center stage on an offensive line already depleted by injuries.

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