The Dallas Cowboys took the field in their Week 2 matchup against the Washington Commanders looking to get back on track. Dallas had to overcome injuries on defense, inconsistent play on that side of the ball, and a tough afternoon running the football, but it secured a much-needed, 37-20 victory.
The offense looked determined to prove last week's performance was an outlier. If not for a few issues along the offensive line, this unit could have put even more points on the board. The defensive issues remain concerning, but the unit performed considerably better than it did against the New York Giants in Week 1. The defense continues to develop under a new coaching staff.
Overall, it was a much-improved effort from the entire team, though the 2026
Cowboys remain a work in progress.
Cowboys Offense | Grade: B
The Dallas offense was significantly better than it was in Week 1, but concerns along the offensive line are beginning to surface.
Taking everything into account, the offense is starting to resemble the group Dallas fielded in 2025. However, struggles at center limited the unit's effectiveness throughout the game. This offensive line misses Tyler Smith, and his absence appears to be affecting Cooper Beebe both as a run blocker and in pass protection. It was one of Beebe's roughest performances since joining the team, earning an initial 37.8 pass-blocking grade and a 55.6 run-blocking grade from PFF.
It's easy to see why Javonte Williams and the Cowboys' rushing attack struggled, finishing with just 66 rushing yards. If Dallas wants its offense operating at its full potential, it needs a stronger showing from Beebe, whose play is central to both the running game and the protection of Dak Prescott, who was sacked twice.
Teams won't allow Prescott to throw for 279 yards and four touchdowns every week. Dallas needs a complementary rushing attack to alleviate pressure on the passing game and keep the entire playbook available.
Cowboys Defense | Grade: C-
The defense entered the game ranked 32nd in EPA per play following last week's collapse against the Giants but climbed to 17th after Sunday's win over Washington. Defensive coordinator Christian Parker still has significant work ahead if this unit is going to continue improving.
The Cowboys have generated pressure consistently, recording 31 pressures through two games, but they have yet to convert enough of those opportunities into sacks. Missed tackles remain another major issue. Dallas defenders are frequently in position to make plays but continue failing to finish them. According to PFF, the Cowboys have recorded 22 missed tackles through two games, including 12 against Washington.
The team also must find an answer for mobile quarterbacks. Before leaving with an injury, Jayden Daniels rushed seven times for 69 yards, just in the first half. In Week 1, Jaxson Dart added 54 yards on 11 carries. Those quarterback runs have resulted in seven first downs and consistently extended drives. Mobile quarterbacks continue to be this defense's Achilles heel. Parker may need to adjust his approach quickly, especially with Lamar Jackson looming in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday.
Overall, the defense showed progress, but injuries, mental mistakes, and expected growing pains continue to limit the unit.
Special Teams | Grade: B-
The Cowboys' special teams unit also rebounded after a disappointing Week 1 performance.
Brandon Aubrey was perfect on the day, converting all four extra points after missing one last week and knocking through all three field-goal attempts. His 60-yard field goal gave him seven career makes from 60 yards or longer, the most in NFL history.
The lone blemish came at the start of the third quarter when Aubrey's kickoff fell short of the landing zone, giving the Commanders possession at their own 40-yard line to open the second half. Washington turned that favorable field position into a field goal, cutting Dallas' lead to 17-13.
KaVontae Turpin has yet to produce a game-changing return this season. He currently ranks 26th among kickoff returners and 19th among punt returners, averaging 27.1 yards per kickoff return and nine yards on his lone punt return. Dallas paid Turpin because of his ability to flip field position. The Cowboys need him to rediscover that form and help them win the field position battle.
Punt coverage was solid, as Washington managed just 14 yards on its lone punt return. Kickoff coverage, however, remains a concern. After allowing 65 return yards on three kickoff returns against the Giants, Dallas surrendered 120 yards on six returns against Washington. Giving the Commanders an average starting field position near their own 34-yard line, placing additional stress on the defense.
The effort from this group is evident in their big hits and forced fumbles, but the tackling must improve. Too often, players are looking for a big hit instead of securing the tackle. If Dallas cleans that up, opponents' return yardage should drop, and field position for the defense will improve as a result.
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Report Card: Cowboys grades improve across board in Week 2 win
