Dak Prescott Makes Dallas Cowboys History In 37 To 20 Victory Over Washington

ARLINGTON, Texas. A late fourth quarter pass at AT&T Stadium turned an important early season victory into a piece of Dallas Cowboys history on September 20, 2026. Quarterback Dak Prescott found CeeDee Lamb for a 24 yard touchdown, giving Dallas a commanding advantage over the Washington Commanders. More significantly, it was Prescott's 249th career touchdown pass, moving him past Tony Romo for the most in Cowboys history.

Dallas finished the afternoon with a 37 to 20 victory, earning its first win of the 2026 season and giving Texas football fans a milestone performance to remember. The result also provided an encouraging response after the Cowboys opened their season with a loss.

Prescott Reaches A Dallas Cowboys Milestone

Prescott entered the game within reach of Romo's franchise mark of 248 career touchdown passes. He responded with one of the most efficient performances of the young season, completing 26 of 31 attempts for 279 yards and four touchdowns. His final scoring throw, the 24 yard connection with Lamb, established the new franchise record at 249.

The record carries added significance because of the quarterbacks who have defined different eras of Cowboys football. Romo held the touchdown mark after a career spent entirely in Dallas, while Prescott has steadily moved through the team's passing record book since becoming the starter in 2016.

After the game, Prescott reflected on the personal meaning of the achievement and remembered his late mother, Peggy. The moment added a human dimension to a record that otherwise might have been measured only through statistics.

Prescott's milestone was only part of a productive afternoon for the Dallas offense. Lamb caught eight passes for 153 yards and two touchdowns. Tight end Jake Ferguson also caught two touchdown passes, helping Dallas maintain control as Washington attempted to remain within striking distance.

Dallas Takes Control At AT&T Stadium

The Cowboys established their rhythm early. Prescott connected with Lamb for a 3 yard touchdown on Dallas' opening possession, helping the team build a 10 to 0 first quarter lead.

Washington eventually reduced the deficit, but Dallas entered halftime ahead 17 to 10 after its defense stopped the Commanders near the goal line as time expired. That sequence prevented Washington from entering the break with additional momentum and preserved the Cowboys' advantage.

Dallas widened the margin after halftime. A Washington turnover gave the Cowboys possession deep in Commanders territory, and Prescott soon connected with Ferguson for a 12 yard touchdown.

Kicker Brandon Aubrey supplied another notable moment in the fourth quarter when he converted a 60 yard field goal. The kick continued his remarkable effectiveness from long range and added three points at an important stage of the game.

Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels left the contest near the end of the first half because of an elbow injury. Backup Marcus Mariota handled quarterback duties after halftime. The change affected Washington's offensive situation, although Dallas had established its lead before Daniels exited.

Why The Victory Matters For Dallas

Beyond Prescott's individual achievement, the result gave the Cowboys an important response after their opening game defeat. Dallas improved to 1 and 1 and avoided an 0 and 2 start while securing a divisional victory against an NFC East opponent.

The performance also provided an early example of what the Dallas offense can accomplish when Prescott and Lamb operate efficiently together. Prescott completed nearly 84 percent of his passes, while Lamb accounted for more than half of the quarterback's passing yardage.

Ferguson's two touchdown catches were another positive development. Having several dependable scoring targets can make the offense more difficult for opposing defenses to contain as the season progresses.

The Cowboys still have areas to monitor. Dallas generated pressure against Washington's quarterbacks but did not record a sack. Several defenders also dealt with injuries during the game, making player availability an issue worth watching as Dallas prepares for upcoming opponents.

One victory cannot establish the direction of an entire NFL season. However, the combination of efficient quarterback play, explosive receiving production, timely defensive stops, and reliable special teams gave Dallas several positives to build upon.

A Record That Adds Another Chapter To Cowboys History

For Texas sports audiences, September 20 delivered both an early season Cowboys victory and a franchise record involving one of the most prominent positions in professional football. Prescott now stands alone atop the Cowboys' career touchdown passing list, ahead of Romo and generations of notable Dallas quarterbacks.

The achievement also illustrates the longevity of Prescott's tenure in Dallas. Since taking over as the Cowboys' starting quarterback in 2016, he has accumulated the numbers required to reach a record once held by one of the franchise's most productive passers.

The larger story of the 2026 season remains unfinished. September results cannot determine how Dallas will perform through the rest of the schedule, and the Cowboys will need consistency on offense, defense, and special teams to remain competitive.

Still, the victory established a clear historical marker. Prescott entered AT&T Stadium chasing a franchise record and left with 249 career touchdown passes, four scoring throws on the afternoon, and the Cowboys' first victory of the season.

For Cowboys fans across Texas, the game offered something beyond the final score. It provided a chance to witness a significant franchise record change hands while Dallas secured an important early season win at home. As the season continues, Prescott's record will remain one of the defining milestones from the opening weeks of the Cowboys' 2026 campaign.