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NFL · Week 3 · September 26, 2011 · 12 min read

Washington Commanders vs. Dallas Cowboys: 2011 Week 3 Recap

Cowboys defeat Commanders 18–16 in Week 3

D.Bryant led Fantasy Impact as Cowboys prevailed in a 16–18 Week 3 finish.

Washington Commanders 16 2–1
Final 16–18
Dallas Cowboys 18 2–1 Winner
Winner
Dallas Cowboys
Final score
16–18
Halftime
Tied 9–9 at halftime
Top passer
R. Grossman
FantasyHQ MVP
D.Bryant
Game date
September 26, 2011

Top fantasy performers · Commanders

  • S.Moss 5 REC · 70 YDS +4.6 Fantasy Impact
  • C.Cooley 4 REC · 41 YDS +2.0 Fantasy Impact
  • T.Hightower 5 REC · 39 YDS · 1 TD +1.9 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Cowboys

  • D.Bryant 4 REC · 63 YDS +7.2 Fantasy Impact
  • F.Jones 3 REC · 40 YDS +2.5 Fantasy Impact
  • J.Witten 6 REC · 60 YDS +0.9 Fantasy Impact
View Commanders vs Cowboys box score View all 2011 NFL game recaps

Quick answer

Winner
Dallas Cowboys
Final score
Dallas Cowboys 18–16 Washington Commanders
Halftime
Tied 9–9 at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP
D. Bryant
Top passer
R. Grossman
Biggest EPA play
(2:07) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass short right to 85-K.Ogletree to DAL 23 for 1 yar…
Game date
2011-09-26

Game summary

The Dallas Cowboys beat the Washington Commanders 18–16 on 2011-09-26. D. Bryant posted a game-high +7.25 total EPA in the receiving.

The highest-scoring period was Q3 with 10 combined points.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q3Q4—T
Washington Commanders6370016
Dallas Cowboys3636018

Scoring Map

Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.

WASWashington Commanders
DALDallas Cowboys

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

11 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

  1. WASWashington Commanders
    Q1 10:17FG
    Graham Gano

    Points+3

    Yard line
    DAL 28
    Score
    3-0

    (10:17) (Field Goal formation) 4-G.Gano 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-6-S.Rocca.

  2. DALDallas Cowboys
    Q1 5:37FG
    Dominic Bailey

    Points+3

    Yard line
    WAS 23
    Score
    3-3

    (5:37) (Field Goal formation) 5-D.Bailey 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar.

  3. WASWashington Commanders
    Q1 0:25FG
    Graham Gano

    Points+3

    Yard line
    DAL 9
    Score
    6-3

    (:25) (Field Goal formation) 4-G.Gano 27 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-6-S.Rocca.

  4. DALDallas Cowboys
    Q2 12:25FG
    Dominic Bailey

    Points+3

    Yard line
    WAS 9
    Score
    6-6

    (12:25) (Field Goal formation) 5-D.Bailey 27 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar.

  5. DALDallas Cowboys
    Q2 2:30FG
    Dominic Bailey

    Points+3

    Yard line
    WAS 14
    Score
    6-9

    (2:30) (Field Goal formation) 5-D.Bailey 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar.

  6. WASWashington Commanders
    Q2 0:04FG
    Graham Gano

    Points+3

    Yard line
    DAL 32
    Score
    9-9

    (:04) (Field Goal formation) 4-G.Gano 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-6-S.Rocca.

  7. WASWashington Commanders
    Q3 4:05TD
    THT. Hightower

    Points+6

    Yard line
    DAL 1
    Score
    15-9

    (4:05) 8-R.Grossman pass short left to 25-T.Hightower for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. Pass complete off play action.

  8. WASWashington Commanders
    Q3 4:00XP
    Graham Gano

    Points+1

    Yard line
    DAL 2
    Score
    16-9

    4-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-6-S.Rocca.

  9. DALDallas Cowboys
    Q3 0:23FG
    Dominic Bailey

    Points+3

    Yard line
    WAS 23
    Score
    16-12

    (:23) (Field Goal formation) 5-D.Bailey 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar.

  10. DALDallas Cowboys
    Q4 7:01FG
    Dominic Bailey

    Points+3

    Yard line
    WAS 5
    Score
    16-15

    (7:01) (Field Goal formation) 5-D.Bailey 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar.

  11. DALDallas Cowboys
    Q4 1:52FG
    Dominic Bailey

    Points+3

    Yard line
    WAS 22
    Score
    16-18

    (1:52) (Field Goal formation) 5-D.Bailey 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

  1. 1D. Bryant · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +7.25 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.81 EPA/play
  2. 2S. Moss · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +4.60 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.58 EPA/play
  3. 3F. Jones · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +2.49 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.83 EPA/play
  4. 4C. Cooley · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +2.00 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.40 EPA/play
  5. 5T. Hightower · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +1.87 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.31 EPA/play
  6. 6F. Jones · Dallas Cowboys · Rushing · +1.76 total EPA · 14 snaps · +0.13 EPA/play
  7. 7J. Gaffney · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +1.74 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.29 EPA/play
  8. 8J. Witten · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +0.88 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.10 EPA/play

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.

FantasyHQ Game MVP

D. Bryant — DAL · Receiving

D. Bryant posted the highest total EPA (+7.25) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Dallas Cowboys. Across 4 counted snaps, they averaged +1.81 EPA per play.

D. Bryant's top snap (+3.68 EPA): (2:20) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass deep middle to 88-D.Bryant to WAS 40 for 30 yards (23-D.Hall). PENALTY on WAS-23-D.Hall, Face Mask (15 Yards), 15 yards, enforced at WAS 40. Pass complete on middle post.

Biggest single play (-5.09 EPA): T. Romo — (2:07) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass short right to 85-K.Ogletree to DAL 23 for 1 yard (30-L.Landry). FUMBLES (30-L.Landry), ball out of bounds at DAL 16. Washington challenged the loose ball rec

Quarterback report card

R. Grossman led all passers in efficiency for Washington Commanders, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

  • R. Grossman (Washington Commanders) · 40 dropbacks · 55.0% completion · -0.1% CPOE · -0.08 EPA/play · -3.06 total EPA
  • T. Romo (Dallas Cowboys) · 40 dropbacks · 55.0% completion · -0.8% CPOE · -0.01 EPA/play · -0.42 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.

StatWashington CommandersDallas Cowboys
Offensive EPA/play-0.105-0.080
Offensive success rate45.7%37.3%
Pass EPA/play-0.076-0.011
Rush EPA/play-0.210-0.244
Defensive EPA/play+0.080+0.105
Defensive success rate62.7%54.3%

Drive & efficiency notes

Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Washington Commanders -0.10, Dallas Cowboys -0.08) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

  • Washington Commanders: -0.10 EPA/play (25th percentile vs. 2011 team-game averages)
  • Dallas Cowboys: -0.08 EPA/play (30th percentile vs. 2011 team-game averages)
  • Dallas Cowboys: 12 drives, -6.65 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
  • Washington Commanders: 12 drives, -8.53 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

  • Washington Commanders — T. Hightower (R. Grossman pass) (Q3 4:05)

Field goals

  • Graham GanoWashington Commanders — Graham Gano (Q1 10:17)
  • Dominic BaileyDallas Cowboys — Dominic Bailey (Q1 5:37)
  • Graham GanoWashington Commanders — Graham Gano (Q1 0:25)
  • Dominic BaileyDallas Cowboys — Dominic Bailey (Q2 12:25)
  • Dominic BaileyDallas Cowboys — Dominic Bailey (Q2 2:30)
  • Graham GanoWashington Commanders — Graham Gano (Q2 0:04)
  • Dominic BaileyDallas Cowboys — Dominic Bailey (Q3 0:23)
  • Dominic BaileyDallas Cowboys — Dominic Bailey (Q4 7:01)
  • Dominic BaileyDallas Cowboys — Dominic Bailey (Q4 1:52)
Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: Washington Commanders won the period 6–3. Washington Commanders connected on a field goal from the DAL 28 (Q1 10:17) — (10:17) (Field Goal formation) 4-G.Gano 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-6-S.Rocca.; Dallas Cowboys connected on a field goal from the WAS 23 (Q1 5:37) — (5:37) (Field Goal formation) 5-D.Bailey 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar.; Washington Commanders connected on a field goal from the DAL 9 (Q1 0:25) — (:25) (Field Goal formation) 4-G.Gano 27 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-6-S.Rocca..

The second quarter: Dallas Cowboys won the period 6–3. Dallas Cowboys connected on a field goal from the WAS 9 (Q2 12:25) — (12:25) (Field Goal formation) 5-D.Bailey 27 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar.; Dallas Cowboys connected on a field goal from the WAS 14 (Q2 2:30) — (2:30) (Field Goal formation) 5-D.Bailey 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar.; Washington Commanders connected on a field goal from the DAL 32 (Q2 0:04) — (:04) (Field Goal formation) 4-G.Gano 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-6-S.Rocca..

The third quarter: Washington Commanders won the period 7–3. Washington Commanders found the end zone from the DAL 1 (Q3 4:05) — (4:05) 8-R.Grossman pass short left to 25-T.Hightower for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. Pass complete off play action.; Washington Commanders added 1 points from the DAL 2 (Q3 4:00) — 4-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-6-S.Rocca.; Dallas Cowboys connected on a field goal from the WAS 23 (Q3 0:23) — (:23) (Field Goal formation) 5-D.Bailey 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar..

The fourth quarter: Dallas Cowboys won the period 6–0. Dallas Cowboys connected on a field goal from the WAS 5 (Q4 7:01) — (7:01) (Field Goal formation) 5-D.Bailey 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar.; Dallas Cowboys connected on a field goal from the WAS 22 (Q4 1:52) — (1:52) (Field Goal formation) 5-D.Bailey 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most.

  • Washington Commanders (Q4 0:38) — (:38) (Shotgun) 8-R.Grossman sacked at WAS 36 for -7 yards (93-A.Spencer). FUMBLES (93-A.Spencer) [93-A.Spencer], RECOVERED by DAL-50-S.Lee at WAS 40. 50-S.Lee to WAS 40 for no gain (77-J.Brown). [WPA -27.4% · EPA -2.91]
  • Dallas Cowboys (Q4 2:20) — (2:20) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass deep middle to 88-D.Bryant to WAS 40 for 30 yards (23-D.Hall). PENALTY on WAS-23-D.Hall, Face Mask (15 Yards), 15 yards, enforced at WAS 40. Pass complete on middle post [WPA +27.0% · EPA +3.68]
  • Dallas Cowboys (Q1 2:07) — (2:07) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass short right to 85-K.Ogletree to DAL 23 for 1 yard (30-L.Landry). FUMBLES (30-L.Landry), ball out of bounds at DAL 16. Washington challenged the loose ball rec [WPA -17.9% · EPA -5.09]
  • Washington Commanders (Q2 14:22) — (14:22) 8-R.Grossman pass short middle intended for 83-F.Davis INTERCEPTED by 50-S.Lee at WAS 32. 50-S.Lee to WAS 18 for 14 yards (29-R.Helu). Return middle of the field. [WPA -15.8% · EPA -5.03]
  • Dallas Cowboys (Q4 10:49) — (10:49) 28-F.Jones left tackle to WAS 35 for 40 yards (20-O.Atogwe). [WPA +12.9% · EPA +2.46]
Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

  • Dallas Cowboys (Q1 2:07) — (2:07) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass short right to 85-K.Ogletree to DAL 23 for 1 yard (30-L.Landry). FUMBLES (30-L.Landry), ball out of bounds at DAL 16. Washington challenged the loose ball rec [WPA -17.9% · EPA -5.09]
  • Washington Commanders (Q2 14:22) — (14:22) 8-R.Grossman pass short middle intended for 83-F.Davis INTERCEPTED by 50-S.Lee at WAS 32. 50-S.Lee to WAS 18 for 14 yards (29-R.Helu). Return middle of the field. [WPA -15.8% · EPA -5.03]
  • Washington Commanders (Q2 6:30) — (6:30) (Field Goal formation) 4-G.Gano 36 yard field goal is BLOCKED (43-G.Sensabaugh), Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-6-S.Rocca, RECOVERED by DAL-51-K.Brooking at DAL 32. [WPA -9.9% · EPA -4.07]
  • Dallas Cowboys (Q4 2:20) — (2:20) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass deep middle to 88-D.Bryant to WAS 40 for 30 yards (23-D.Hall). PENALTY on WAS-23-D.Hall, Face Mask (15 Yards), 15 yards, enforced at WAS 40. Pass complete on middle post [WPA +27.0% · EPA +3.68]
Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

  1. Washington Commanders FG (+3) — Q1 10:17 · DAL 28 · Score 3-0
    (10:17) (Field Goal formation) 4-G.Gano 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-6-S.Rocca.
  2. Dallas Cowboys FG (+3) — Q1 5:37 · WAS 23 · Score 3-3
    (5:37) (Field Goal formation) 5-D.Bailey 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar.
  3. Washington Commanders FG (+3) — Q1 0:25 · DAL 9 · Score 6-3
    (:25) (Field Goal formation) 4-G.Gano 27 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-6-S.Rocca.
  4. Dallas Cowboys FG (+3) — Q2 12:25 · WAS 9 · Score 6-6
    (12:25) (Field Goal formation) 5-D.Bailey 27 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar.
  5. Dallas Cowboys FG (+3) — Q2 2:30 · WAS 14 · Score 6-9
    (2:30) (Field Goal formation) 5-D.Bailey 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar.
  6. Washington Commanders FG (+3) — Q2 0:04 · DAL 32 · Score 9-9
    (:04) (Field Goal formation) 4-G.Gano 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-6-S.Rocca.
  7. Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q3 4:05 · DAL 1 · Score 15-9
    (4:05) 8-R.Grossman pass short left to 25-T.Hightower for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. Pass complete off play action.
  8. Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q3 4:00 · DAL 2 · Score 16-9
    4-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-6-S.Rocca.
  9. Dallas Cowboys FG (+3) — Q3 0:23 · WAS 23 · Score 16-12
    (:23) (Field Goal formation) 5-D.Bailey 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar.
  10. Dallas Cowboys FG (+3) — Q4 7:01 · WAS 5 · Score 16-15
    (7:01) (Field Goal formation) 5-D.Bailey 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar.
  11. Dallas Cowboys FG (+3) — Q4 1:52 · WAS 22 · Score 16-18
    (1:52) (Field Goal formation) 5-D.Bailey 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar.

Key takeaways

What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.

  • Dallas Cowboys earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
  • One-score margin — verify garbage-time stats before drawing fantasy conclusions.
  • D. Bryant (Dallas Cowboys) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.

Frequently asked questions

Who won Washington Commanders vs Dallas Cowboys on 2011-09-26?

The Dallas Cowboys beat the Washington Commanders 18-16 in Week 3, 2011.

What was the score by quarter in Washington Commanders vs Dallas Cowboys?

Q1: Washington Commanders 6, Dallas Cowboys 3; Q2: Washington Commanders 3, Dallas Cowboys 6; Q3: Washington Commanders 7, Dallas Cowboys 3; Q4: Washington Commanders 0, Dallas Cowboys 6; Final: Washington Commanders 16, Dallas Cowboys 18.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Washington Commanders vs Dallas Cowboys?

Washington Commanders touchdown — T. Hightower (R. Grossman pass) (Q3 4:05) Washington Commanders field goal — G. Gano (Q1 10:17, 3 pts) Dallas Cowboys field goal — D. Bailey (Q1 5:37, 3 pts) Washington Commanders field goal — G. Gano (Q1 0:25, 3 pts) Dallas Cowboys field goal — D. Bailey (Q2 12:25, 3 pts) Dallas Cowboys field goal — D. Bailey (Q2 2:30, 3 pts) Washington Commanders field goal — G. Gano (Q2 0:04, 3 pts) Dallas Cowboys field goal — D. Bailey (Q3 0:23, 3 pts) Dallas Cowboys field goal — D. Bailey (Q4 7:01, 3 pts) Dallas Cowboys field goal — D. Bailey (Q4 1:52, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Washington Commanders vs Dallas Cowboys?

R. Grossman (Washington Commanders), 55.0% completion, -0.1% CPOE, -0.08 EPA per dropback, -3.06 total passing EPA. T. Romo (Dallas Cowboys), 55.0% completion, -0.8% CPOE, -0.01 EPA per dropback, -0.42 total passing EPA.

Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Washington Commanders vs Dallas Cowboys?

D. Bryant (Dallas Cowboys) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +7.25 total EPA on Receiving plays. across 4 snaps. Their top snap (+3.68 EPA): (2:20) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass deep middle to 88-D.Bryant to WAS 40 for 30 yards (23-D.Hall). PENALTY on WAS-23-D.Hall, Face Mask (15 Yards), 15 yards, enforced at WAS 40. Pass com.

Was Washington Commanders vs Dallas Cowboys a close game?

Yes — the margin was 2 points. Dallas Cowboys won 18-16 in a game that came down to the wire.

Season records after this game

Washington Commanders

Entered 2-0 Now 2-1 L

Dallas Cowboys

Entered 1-1 Now 2-1 W

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