Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) jogs off the field after the team defeated the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026. Dak set the franchise record for most career touchdown passes. He hit wide receiver Ceedee Lamb (88)I the end zone for a fourth quarter touchdown.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) jogs off the field after the team defeated the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026. Dak set the franchise record for most career touchdown passes. He hit wide receiver Ceedee Lamb (88)I the end zone for a fourth quarter touchdown.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News

ARLINGTON — After CeeDee Lamb had recovered the touchdown ball to give to his quarterback — Lamb’s second of the day and Dak Prescott’s fourth — the passer acknowledged both that it was not a good throw and that he had no special place for it in his house.

“It will be a great dust collector,’’ said Prescott, whose 249th touchdown pass as a Dallas Cowboy gave him the record, moving one past Tony Romo. “I remember him throwing it to Dez [Bryant], throwing it to Jason [Witten], just the accuracy, the command. Those are the two things I was in awe of.

“Then I get drafted here and I remember sitting in meetings and listening to him and Scott [Linehan] talk, and they were talking so far over my head. I’m like, ‘Man, this is going to be tough just getting on the field.’ They were talking about building plays and formations and I just had no idea what they were talking about. Tony has always been great with me, even that year with everything that went down. So super thankful for him.’’

Article continues below this ad

Prescott said all this while wearing a Roger Staubach jersey. Now you have to consider that even Troy Aikman won his final Super Bowl when Dak was 2 years old, so any knowledge of the Cowboys’ two major playoff producers comes through the world of video. Actually, Prescott had to explain to defensive tackle Quinnen Williams on Friday who Roger Staubach was. Williams said he knew Joe Namath from that era as a former Jet and Alabama player, but not Staubach.

Prescott shook his head at that but then acknowledged “one day players won’t know anything about me.’’

What we know for now is that Prescott led Dallas to a 37-20 victory over Washington, and that the big passing day against the Commanders was nothing at all new for the 11-year veteran. Prescott has had one five-touchdown pass day (against the Eagles) and 13 games of four TD passes. Of those, eight came against Washington (five) and the Giants (three).

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ceedee Lamb (88) catches a touchdown pass from quarterback Dak Prescott as Washington Commanders corner back Mike Sainristil (0) defends during the second half of an NFL football game at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington. The touchdown gave Prescott the franchise passing touchdown record.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ceedee Lamb (88) catches a touchdown pass from quarterback Dak Prescott as Washington Commanders corner back Mike Sainristil (0) defends during the second half of an NFL football game at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington. The touchdown gave Prescott the franchise passing touchdown record.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning NewsFans head to AT&T Stadium before an NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington.

Fans head to AT&T Stadium before an NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones (left) visits with Jeff Bezos, Executive Chairman and founder of Amazon, own the field before the Cowboys faced the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones (left) visits with Jeff Bezos, Executive Chairman and founder of Amazon, own the field before the Cowboys faced the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsJustin Green, of Fort Worth, offers hugs to fans arriving at AT&T Stadium before an NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington.

Justin Green, of Fort Worth, offers hugs to fans arriving at AT&T Stadium before an NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning NewsA memorial to Dallas Cowboys fan Mr. Carolyn Price is seen before an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington.

A memorial to Dallas Cowboys fan Mr. Carolyn Price is seen before an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning NewsAva Rawski-Musil, 9, of Aubrey, shows her support of the Dallas Cowboys in sidewalk chalk while tailgating before an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington.

Ava Rawski-Musil, 9, of Aubrey, shows her support of the Dallas Cowboys in sidewalk chalk while tailgating before an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning NewsThe Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform their jump splits during a pregame performance at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026. The Cowboys were facing the Washington Commanders.

The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform their jump splits during a pregame performance at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026. The Cowboys were facing the Washington Commanders.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys players take the field for the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington.

Dallas Cowboys players take the field for the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott waits to take the field for the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott waits to take the field for the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) is introduced to the crowd before their game against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) is introduced to the crowd before their game against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) raises his arms after praying in the end zone before their game against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) raises his arms after praying in the end zone before their game against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsFor Hispanic Heritage Month, a Ballet Folklorico group held international flags during the playing of the national anthem at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026. The Dallas Cowboys were facing the Washington Commanders.

For Hispanic Heritage Month, a Ballet Folklorico group held international flags during the playing of the national anthem at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026. The Dallas Cowboys were facing the Washington Commanders.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) fakes a pitch to running back Javonte Williams as he runs for a first down during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) fakes a pitch to running back Javonte Williams as he runs for a first down during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) is tackled by Washington Commanders safety Jeremy Reaves (39) as he kept the ball and ran during the first qaurter at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) is tackled by Washington Commanders safety Jeremy Reaves (39) as he kept the ball and ran during the first qaurter at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys safety P.J. Locke (1) unends Washington Commanders tight end Ben Sinnott (82) after a first quarter pass completion at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys safety P.J. Locke (1) unends Washington Commanders tight end Ben Sinnott (82) after a first quarter pass completion at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) brings his team to the line of scrimmage during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) brings his team to the line of scrimmage during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) wings a pass past Washington Commanders safety Nick Cross (25) during the first quarter at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) wings a pass past Washington Commanders safety Nick Cross (25) during the first quarter at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsWashington Commanders safety Nick Cross (25) intercepts a pass in the end zone intended for Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ceedee Lamb (88), only to have turnover nullified by a Commanders penalty during the first half of an NFL football game at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington.

Washington Commanders safety Nick Cross (25) intercepts a pass in the end zone intended for Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ceedee Lamb (88), only to have turnover nullified by a Commanders penalty during the first half of an NFL football game at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey (17) celebrates a field goal with punter Bryan Anger (5) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington.

Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey (17) celebrates a field goal with punter Bryan Anger (5) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Flournoy (19) is upended by Washington Commanders defensive back Jeremy Reaves (39) during the first half of an NFL football game at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Flournoy (19) is upended by Washington Commanders defensive back Jeremy Reaves (39) during the first half of an NFL football game at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (87) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington.

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (87) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (87) is congratulated by teammates following his second quarter touchdown against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (87) is congratulated by teammates following his second quarter touchdown against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsWashington Commanders wide receiver Treylon Burks (13) lays out for a long pass as he had Dallas Cowboys cornerback Cobie Durant (2) beat during the second quarter at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026.

Washington Commanders wide receiver Treylon Burks (13) lays out for a long pass as he had Dallas Cowboys cornerback Cobie Durant (2) beat during the second quarter at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsWashington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) is tripped up aby Dallas Cowboys safety Caleb Downs (13) during the first half of an NFL football game at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington.

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) is tripped up aby Dallas Cowboys safety Caleb Downs (13) during the first half of an NFL football game at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys fans cheer as mariachis play during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington.

Dallas Cowboys fans cheer as mariachis play during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys safety Caleb Downs (13) breaks up a pass intended for Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) during the first half of an NFL football game at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington.

Dallas Cowboys safety Caleb Downs (13) breaks up a pass intended for Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) during the first half of an NFL football game at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning NewsCaleb Downs (13) breaks up a second quarter pass that Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) had corralled during the second quarter at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026. Cowboys cornerback Daron Bland (26) combined for the hit.

Caleb Downs (13) breaks up a second quarter pass that Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) had corralled during the second quarter at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026. Cowboys cornerback Daron Bland (26) combined for the hit.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott looks on from the sidelines during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott looks on from the sidelines during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning NewsWashington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) races with the football late in the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026.

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) races with the football late in the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer calls a timeout during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington.

Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer calls a timeout during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer checks on cornerback Cobie Durant (2) after he was injured during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington.

Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer checks on cornerback Cobie Durant (2) after he was injured during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning NewsWashington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) is hit by Dallas Cowboys defensive end Jonathan Bullard (90) as he tries to get off a pass on the final play of the first half of an NFL football game at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington. Daniels was injured on the play and left the game on a cart.

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) is hit by Dallas Cowboys defensive end Jonathan Bullard (90) as he tries to get off a pass on the final play of the first half of an NFL football game at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington. Daniels was injured on the play and left the game on a cart.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning NewsWashington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) winces as he’s helped to his feet following the last play of the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026. Daniels injured his left arm on the play.

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) winces as he’s helped to his feet following the last play of the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026. Daniels injured his left arm on the play.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsWashington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is helped on the field after he was injured on the final play of the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington.

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is helped on the field after he was injured on the final play of the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning NewsWashington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn (right) comforts defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw (99) as medical staff tend to injured quarterback Jayden Daniels on the last play of the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026.

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn (right) comforts defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw (99) as medical staff tend to injured quarterback Jayden Daniels on the last play of the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsWashington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is helped off the field after he was injured on the final play of the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington.

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is helped off the field after he was injured on the final play of the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) is sacked by Washington Commanders linebacker K'lavon Chaisson (45) during the second half of an NFL football game at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) is sacked by Washington Commanders linebacker K’lavon Chaisson (45) during the second half of an NFL football game at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning NewsWashington Commanders linebacker K'lavon Chaisson (45) sacks Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) during the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026.

Washington Commanders linebacker K’lavon Chaisson (45) sacks Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) during the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys place kicker Brandon Aubrey (17) kicks a third quarter field goal against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys place kicker Brandon Aubrey (17) kicks a third quarter field goal against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys linebacker Dee Winters (53) pounces on a third quarter fumble by Washington Commanders wide receiver Dyami Brown (6) at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Dee Winters (53) pounces on a third quarter fumble by Washington Commanders wide receiver Dyami Brown (6) at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys linebacker Dee Winters (53) celebrates his third quarter fumble recovery against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026. Washington Commanders wide receiver Dyami Brown (6) fumbled the ball.

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Dee Winters (53) celebrates his third quarter fumble recovery against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026. Washington Commanders wide receiver Dyami Brown (6) fumbled the ball.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (3) celebrates after picking up a first down during the second half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (3) celebrates after picking up a first down during the second half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (87) catches a third quarter touchdown pass against Washington Commanders safety Jeremy Reaves (39) at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (87) catches a third quarter touchdown pass against Washington Commanders safety Jeremy Reaves (39) at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys wide receivers Ceedee Lamb (88) and George Pickens (3) get up in Washington Commanders cornerback Amik Robertson’s (2) face after they scored a third quarter touchdown at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys wide receivers Ceedee Lamb (88) and George Pickens (3) get up in Washington Commanders cornerback Amik Robertson’s (2) face after they scored a third quarter touchdown at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. (28) attempts to intercept a pass thrown to Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) during the third quarter at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. (28) attempts to intercept a pass thrown to Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) during the third quarter at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsWashington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) escapes a sack attempt by Dallas Cowboys linebacker Donovan Ezeiruaku (6) during the third quarter at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026.

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) escapes a sack attempt by Dallas Cowboys linebacker Donovan Ezeiruaku (6) during the third quarter at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsWashington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) loses his helmet as he’s tackled by Dallas Cowboys linebacker Rashan Gary (7) during the third quarter at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026.

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) loses his helmet as he’s tackled by Dallas Cowboys linebacker Rashan Gary (7) during the third quarter at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsWashington Commanders wide receiver Stefon Diggs (3) hauls in a touchdown pass as Dallas Cowboys safety Markquese Bell (14) and safety Caleb Downs (13) defend during the second half of an NFL football game at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington.

Washington Commanders wide receiver Stefon Diggs (3) hauls in a touchdown pass as Dallas Cowboys safety Markquese Bell (14) and safety Caleb Downs (13) defend during the second half of an NFL football game at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) throws a long pass to Ceedee Lamb during the second half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) throws a long pass to Ceedee Lamb during the second half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys wide receiver Ceedee Lamb (88) hauls in a long pass as Washington Commanders corner back Mike Sainristil (0) and safety Quan Martin (20) uring the second half of an NFL football game at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ceedee Lamb (88) hauls in a long pass as Washington Commanders corner back Mike Sainristil (0) and safety Quan Martin (20) uring the second half of an NFL football game at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys wide receiver Ceedee Lamb (88) celebrates after picking up a first down during the second half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ceedee Lamb (88) celebrates after picking up a first down during the second half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys running back Hunter Luepke (30) pushes through the pile for a short yardage first down during the second half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington.

Dallas Cowboys running back Hunter Luepke (30) pushes through the pile for a short yardage first down during the second half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys wide receiver Ceedee Lamb (88) catches a touchdown pass from quarterback Dak Prescott as Washington Commanders corner back Mike Sainristil (0) defends during the second half of an NFL football game at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington. The touchdown gave Prescott the franchise passing touchdown record.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ceedee Lamb (88) catches a touchdown pass from quarterback Dak Prescott as Washington Commanders corner back Mike Sainristil (0) defends during the second half of an NFL football game at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington. The touchdown gave Prescott the franchise passing touchdown record.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys wide receiver Ceedee Lamb (88) comes down with a long touchdown catch in the end zone as he’s tackled by Washington Commanders cornerback Mike Sainristil (0) during the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026. On the touchdown, Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott set the franchise record for most career touchdown passes.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ceedee Lamb (88) comes down with a long touchdown catch in the end zone as he’s tackled by Washington Commanders cornerback Mike Sainristil (0) during the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026. On the touchdown, Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott set the franchise record for most career touchdown passes.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott celebrates after throwing a touchdown pass to wide receiver Ceedee Lamb during the second half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington. The touchdown gave Prescott the franchise passing touchdown record.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott celebrates after throwing a touchdown pass to wide receiver Ceedee Lamb during the second half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, in Arlington. The touchdown gave Prescott the franchise passing touchdown record.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) smiles after he threw a fourth quarter touchdown pass to wide receiver Ceedee Lamb against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026. Dak set the franchise record for most career touchdown passes.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) smiles after he threw a fourth quarter touchdown pass to wide receiver Ceedee Lamb against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026. Dak set the franchise record for most career touchdown passes.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) slaps hands with wide receiver Ceedee Lamb (88) as the two hooked up for a fourth quarter touchdown against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026. Dak set the franchise record for most career touchdown passes on the play,

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) slaps hands with wide receiver Ceedee Lamb (88) as the two hooked up for a fourth quarter touchdown against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026. Dak set the franchise record for most career touchdown passes on the play,

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys linebacker Von Miller (40) congratulates wide receiver Ceedee Lamb (88) on his fourth quarter touchdown catch against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Von Miller (40) congratulates wide receiver Ceedee Lamb (88) on his fourth quarter touchdown catch against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) jogs off the field after the team defeated the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026. Dak set the franchise record for most career touchdown passes. He hit wide receiver Ceedee Lamb (88)I the end zone for a fourth quarter touchdown.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) jogs off the field after the team defeated the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 20, 2026. Dak set the franchise record for most career touchdown passes. He hit wide receiver Ceedee Lamb (88)I the end zone for a fourth quarter touchdown.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News

If this didn’t exactly make up for the season-opening loss to New York, it at least kept the Cowboys from going to Brazil next week with an 0-2 record. As nice and shiny as this day was for Dak (26-for-31, 279 yards) and CeeDee Lamb (8 catches for 153 yards), it perhaps ends up a much tighter fit if Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels doesn’t dislocate his left elbow on the final play of the first half. The same injury he suffered twice last year forced a switch to backup Marcus Mariota, and Daniels already had 69 rushing yards in the opening half as Washington was at the 1-yard line trying to make it 17-17 when he fell and ended his day.

Article continues below this ad

The other thing to acknowledge is that while Dak is taking ownership of all the regular-season records in the Cowboys’ book (pass attempts, completions, completion percentage and touchdowns now are his), quarterbacks didn’t throw it around quite so freely in the old days. Aikman had 165 touchdown passes in 165 starts. Staubach actually lagged behind Danny White (155-131) in the category.

The best way I can put this is that Kirk Cousins has more touchdown passes than John Unitas, and Johnny U played 17 years. So be careful exactly how these numbers impact your way of thinking about all-time greats.

Having said that, Dak’s accuracy has been record-setting during his time here and on Sunday afternoon he was basically uncanny while completing better than 80 percent of his throws.

“The guy’s just a different unique competitor,’’ coach Brian Schottenheimer said. “I’ve been blessed, I’ve been around some elite quarterbacks. Dak Prescott’s preparation is something that is abnormal. They all work, they all prepare, they all study film. But this guy takes it to a different level. You know he’s up in our office till all hours of the night, and I think that’s what it takes.

“And it’s what you love about the guy.’’

Article continues below this ad

It’s also readily apparent that a great season from Prescott is what Dallas needs just in order to compete. At 1-1, their defense is yet to show any signs it’s ready to stop the run, and Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry are up next in a foreign land that counts as a Cowboys home game.

That seemed frightening after watching what the Giants did to this unit, and it was feeling the same way before Daniels went down just before halftime. All the same, Dak and CeeDee are on the same page, as joined at the hip as they have ever been, and that has a tendency to carry the Cowboys to at least some degree of regular season success. Dak’s interested in a lot more than the regular season records he keeps breaking, and he’s well aware of the 2-5 playoff record.

But there are plenty of teams that would love to take their chances with the accuracy he delivered against Washington in his 20th consecutive home victory against the NFC East.

Article continues below this ad

How do you grade the Cowboys’ win over the Commanders?

Dallas won 37-20 on Sunday in the home opener to improve to 1-1. Tell us how you judge the victory.