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NFL · Week 2 · September 18, 2016 · 12 min read

Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders: 2016 Week 2 Recap

Cowboys defeat Commanders 27–23 in Week 2

Dak Prescott led Fantasy Impact as Cowboys prevailed in a 27–23 Week 2 finish.

Dallas Cowboys 27 1–1 Winner
Final 27–23
Washington Commanders 23 0–2
Winner
Dallas Cowboys
Final score
27–23
Halftime
Dallas Cowboys 13–10 Washington Commanders
Top passer
Kirk Cousins
FantasyHQ MVP
Dak Prescott
Game date
September 18, 2016

Top fantasy performers · Cowboys

  • Dak Prescott
    Dak Prescott 22/39 · 284 YDS · 1 TD +19.3 Fantasy Impact
  • D.Bryant 7 REC · 102 YDS +8.8 Fantasy Impact
  • Cole Beasley
    Cole Beasley 5 REC · 75 YDS +5.6 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Commanders

  • Kirk Cousins
    Kirk Cousins 28/50 · 370 YDS · 1 TD +6.1 Fantasy Impact
  • Joe Reed
    Joe Reed 5 REC · 70 YDS +4.4 Fantasy Impact
  • Jamison Crowder
    Jamison Crowder 6 REC · 39 YDS · 1 TD +2.4 Fantasy Impact
View Cowboys vs Commanders box score View all 2016 NFL game recaps

Quick answer

Winner
Dallas Cowboys
Final score
Dallas Cowboys 27–23 Washington Commanders
Halftime
Dallas Cowboys 13–10 Washington Commanders at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP
Dak Prescott
Top passer
Kirk Cousins
Biggest EPA play
(1:46) 21-E.Elliott right end to DAL 35 for 1 yard (24-J.Norman). FUMBLES (24-J.Norman), R…
Game date
2016-09-18

Game summary

The Dallas Cowboys beat the Washington Commanders 27–23 on 2016-09-18. Dak Prescott posted a game-high +19.26 total EPA in the passing.

The highest-scoring period was Q3 with 20 combined points.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q3Q4—T
Dallas Cowboys10377027
Washington Commanders010130023

Scoring Map

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

DALDallas Cowboys
WASWashington Commanders

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

15 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

  1. DALDallas Cowboys
    Q1 9:29FG
    Dominic Bailey

    Points+3

    Yard line
    WAS 4
    Score
    3-0

    (9:29) 5-D.Bailey 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.

  2. DALDallas Cowboys
    Q1 1:45TD
    Ezekiel Elliott

    Points+6

    Yard line
    WAS 1
    Score
    9-0

    (1:45) 79-C.Green reported in as eligible. 21-E.Elliott up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.

  3. DALDallas Cowboys
    Q1 1:39XP
    Dominic Bailey

    Points+1

    Yard line
    WAS 15
    Score
    10-0

    5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.

  4. WASWashington Commanders
    Q2 13:16TD
    Marcus Jones

    Points+6

    Yard line
    DAL 14
    Score
    10-6

    (13:16) 31-M.Jones left end for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the runner broke the plane ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field stands.

  5. WASWashington Commanders
    Q2 13:08XP
    Dustin Hopkins

    Points+1

    Yard line
    DAL 15
    Score
    10-7

    3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.

  6. DALDallas Cowboys
    Q2 4:39FG
    Dominic Bailey

    Points+3

    Yard line
    WAS 13
    Score
    13-7

    (4:39) 5-D.Bailey 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.

  7. WASWashington Commanders
    Q2 0:31FG
    Dustin Hopkins

    Points+3

    Yard line
    DAL 18
    Score
    13-10

    (:31) 3-D.Hopkins 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.

  8. WASWashington Commanders
    Q3 11:23TD
    Jamison Crowder

    Points+6

    Yard line
    DAL 11
    Score
    13-16

    (11:23) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short middle to 80-J.Crowder for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN [96-M.Collins].

  9. WASWashington Commanders
    Q3 11:16XP
    Dustin Hopkins

    Points+1

    Yard line
    DAL 15
    Score
    13-17

    3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.

  10. DALDallas Cowboys
    Q3 5:47TD
    Dak Prescott

    Points+6

    Yard line
    WAS 6
    Score
    19-17

    (5:47) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott scrambles up the middle for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  11. DALDallas Cowboys
    Q3 5:41XP
    Dominic Bailey

    Points+1

    Yard line
    WAS 15
    Score
    20-17

    5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.

  12. WASWashington Commanders
    Q3 2:10FG
    Dustin Hopkins

    Points+3

    Yard line
    DAL 11
    Score
    20-20

    (2:10) 3-D.Hopkins 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.

  13. WASWashington Commanders
    Q3 0:07FG
    Dustin Hopkins

    Points+3

    Yard line
    DAL 4
    Score
    20-23

    (:07) 3-D.Hopkins 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.

  14. DALDallas Cowboys
    Q4 4:49TD
    AMA. Morris

    Points+6

    Yard line
    WAS 4
    Score
    26-23

    (4:49) 46-A.Morris right guard for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  15. DALDallas Cowboys
    Q4 4:45XP
    Dominic Bailey

    Points+1

    Yard line
    WAS 15
    Score
    27-23

    5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

  1. 1Dak PrescottDak Prescott · Dallas Cowboys · Passing · +19.26 total EPA · 39 snaps · +0.49 EPA/play
  2. 2D. Bryant · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +8.77 total EPA · 12 snaps · +0.73 EPA/play
  3. 3Kirk CousinsKirk Cousins · Washington Commanders · Passing · +6.10 total EPA · 50 snaps · +0.12 EPA/play
  4. 4Cole BeasleyCole Beasley · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +5.56 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.93 EPA/play
  5. 5Geoff SwaimGeoff Swaim · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +5.53 total EPA · 2 snaps · +2.76 EPA/play
  6. 6Joe ReedJoe Reed · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +4.37 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.62 EPA/play
  7. 7Jamison CrowderJamison Crowder · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +2.36 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.30 EPA/play
  8. 8J. Witten · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +2.17 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.54 EPA/play

FantasyHQ Game MVP

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

Dak Prescott

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Dak Prescott — DAL · Passing

Dak Prescott posted the highest total EPA (+19.26) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Dallas Cowboys. Across 39 counted snaps, they averaged +0.49 EPA per play.

Dak Prescott's top snap (+4.15 EPA): (2:49) 4-D.Prescott pass short right to 87-G.Swaim pushed ob at WAS 2 for 28 yards (30-D.Bruton) [52-T.Garvin].

Biggest single play (-5.30 EPA): Ezekiel Elliott — (1:46) 21-E.Elliott right end to DAL 35 for 1 yard (24-J.Norman). FUMBLES (24-J.Norman), RECOVERED by WAS-35-D.Phillips at DAL 34. 35-D.Phillips to DAL 34 for no gain (21-E.Elliott).

Quarterback report card

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

  • Kirk CousinsKirk Cousins (Washington Commanders) · 50 dropbacks · 56.0% completion · +5.6% CPOE · +0.12 EPA/play · +6.10 total EPA
  • Dak PrescottDak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys) · 39 dropbacks · 56.4% completion · +9.2% CPOE · +0.49 EPA/play · +19.26 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.

StatDallas CowboysWashington Commanders
Offensive EPA/play+0.141+0.054
Offensive success rate48.2%47.6%
Pass EPA/play+0.494+0.122
Rush EPA/play-0.225-0.143
Defensive EPA/play-0.054-0.141
Defensive success rate52.4%51.8%

Drive & efficiency notes

Despite the final score, Dallas Cowboys generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.14 vs +0.05), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

  • Dallas Cowboys: +0.14 EPA/play (86th percentile vs. 2016 team-game averages)
  • Washington Commanders: +0.05 EPA/play (66th percentile vs. 2016 team-game averages)
  • Dallas Cowboys: 10 drives, +12.00 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
  • Washington Commanders: 10 drives, +4.55 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals

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

Touchdowns

  • Ezekiel ElliottDallas Cowboys — Ezekiel Elliott (Q1 1:45)
  • Marcus JonesWashington Commanders — Marcus Jones (Q2 13:16)
  • Jamison CrowderWashington Commanders — Jamison Crowder (Kirk Cousins pass) (Q3 11:23)
  • Dak PrescottDallas Cowboys — Dak Prescott (Q3 5:47)
  • Dallas Cowboys — A. Morris (Q4 4:49)

Field goals

  • Dominic BaileyDallas Cowboys — Dominic Bailey (Q1 9:29)
  • Dominic BaileyDallas Cowboys — Dominic Bailey (Q2 4:39)
  • Dustin HopkinsWashington Commanders — Dustin Hopkins (Q2 0:31)
  • Dustin HopkinsWashington Commanders — Dustin Hopkins (Q3 2:10)
  • Dustin HopkinsWashington Commanders — Dustin Hopkins (Q3 0:07)
Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: Dallas Cowboys won the period 10–0. Dallas Cowboys connected on a field goal from the WAS 4 (Q1 9:29) — (9:29) 5-D.Bailey 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.; Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the WAS 1 (Q1 1:45) — (1:45) 79-C.Green reported in as eligible. 21-E.Elliott up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the WAS 15 (Q1 1:39) — 5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones..

The second quarter: Washington Commanders won the period 10–3. Washington Commanders found the end zone from the DAL 14 (Q2 13:16); Washington Commanders added 1 points from the DAL 15 (Q2 13:08) — 3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.; Dallas Cowboys connected on a field goal from the WAS 13 (Q2 4:39) — (4:39) 5-D.Bailey 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.; Washington Commanders connected on a field goal from the DAL 18 (Q2 0:31) — (:31) 3-D.Hopkins 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way..

The third quarter: Washington Commanders won the period 13–7. Washington Commanders found the end zone from the DAL 11 (Q3 11:23) — (11:23) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short middle to 80-J.Crowder for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN [96-M.Collins].; Washington Commanders added 1 points from the DAL 15 (Q3 11:16) — 3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.; Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the WAS 6 (Q3 5:47) — (5:47) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott scrambles up the middle for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the WAS 15 (Q3 5:41) — 5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.; Washington Commanders connected on a field goal from the DAL 11 (Q3 2:10) — (2:10) 3-D.Hopkins 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.; Washington Commanders connected on a field goal from the DAL 4 (Q3 0:07) — (:07) 3-D.Hopkins 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way..

The fourth quarter: Dallas Cowboys won the period 7–0. Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the WAS 4 (Q4 4:49) — (4:49) 46-A.Morris right guard for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the WAS 15 (Q4 4:45) — 5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most.

  • Washington Commanders (Q4 0:37) — (:37) (No Huddle) PENALTY on WAS-78-K.Lichtensteiger, False Start, 5 yards, enforced at DAL 36 - No Play. Ten second run off due to penalty [WPA -18.5% · EPA -1.77]
  • Washington Commanders (Q4 0:04) — (:04) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass incomplete deep left to 18-J.Doctson (27-J.Wilcox) [97-T.McClain]. [WPA -16.9% · EPA -0.63]
  • Washington Commanders (Q4 2:00) — (2:00) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass incomplete short right to 88-P.Garcon (56-J.Durant). [WPA -16.3% · EPA -2.88]
  • Washington Commanders (Q4 10:43) — (10:43) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short middle intended for 88-P.Garcon INTERCEPTED by 42-B.Church at DAL -6. Touchback. [WPA -15.9% · EPA -4.76]
  • Washington Commanders (Q4 1:05) — (1:05) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short middle to 25-C.Thompson to WAS 48 for 38 yards (32-O.Scandrick). [WPA +14.5% · EPA +1.35]
Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

  • Dallas Cowboys (Q3 1:46) — (1:46) 21-E.Elliott right end to DAL 35 for 1 yard (24-J.Norman). FUMBLES (24-J.Norman), RECOVERED by WAS-35-D.Phillips at DAL 34. 35-D.Phillips to DAL 34 for no gain (21-E.Elliott). [WPA -12.0% · EPA -5.30]
  • Washington Commanders (Q4 10:43) — (10:43) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short middle intended for 88-P.Garcon INTERCEPTED by 42-B.Church at DAL -6. Touchback. [WPA -15.9% · EPA -4.76]
  • Dallas Cowboys (Q1 2:49) — (2:49) 4-D.Prescott pass short right to 87-G.Swaim pushed ob at WAS 2 for 28 yards (30-D.Bruton) [52-T.Garvin]. [WPA +13.9% · EPA +4.15]
  • Washington Commanders (Q4 12:46) — (12:46) 8-K.Cousins pass deep left to 18-J.Doctson pushed ob at DAL 22 for 57 yards (31-B.Jones). [WPA +8.9% · EPA +3.58]
Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

  1. Dallas Cowboys FG (+3) — Q1 9:29 · WAS 4 · Score 3-0
    (9:29) 5-D.Bailey 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.
  2. Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q1 1:45 · WAS 1 · Score 9-0
    (1:45) 79-C.Green reported in as eligible. 21-E.Elliott up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
  3. Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q1 1:39 · WAS 15 · Score 10-0
    5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.
  4. Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q2 13:16 · DAL 14 · Score 10-6
    (13:16) 31-M.Jones left end for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the runner broke the plane ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field stands.
  5. Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q2 13:08 · DAL 15 · Score 10-7
    3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.
  6. Dallas Cowboys FG (+3) — Q2 4:39 · WAS 13 · Score 13-7
    (4:39) 5-D.Bailey 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.
  7. Washington Commanders FG (+3) — Q2 0:31 · DAL 18 · Score 13-10
    (:31) 3-D.Hopkins 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.
  8. Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q3 11:23 · DAL 11 · Score 13-16
    (11:23) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short middle to 80-J.Crowder for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN [96-M.Collins].
  9. Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q3 11:16 · DAL 15 · Score 13-17
    3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.
  10. Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q3 5:47 · WAS 6 · Score 19-17
    (5:47) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott scrambles up the middle for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  11. Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q3 5:41 · WAS 15 · Score 20-17
    5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.
  12. Washington Commanders FG (+3) — Q3 2:10 · DAL 11 · Score 20-20
    (2:10) 3-D.Hopkins 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.
  13. Washington Commanders FG (+3) — Q3 0:07 · DAL 4 · Score 20-23
    (:07) 3-D.Hopkins 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.
  14. Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q4 4:49 · WAS 4 · Score 26-23
    (4:49) 46-A.Morris right guard for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  15. Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q4 4:45 · WAS 15 · Score 27-23
    5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.

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.
  • Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
  • Kirk Cousins (WAS) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).

Frequently asked questions

Who won Dallas Cowboys vs Washington Commanders on 2016-09-18?

The Dallas Cowboys beat the Washington Commanders 27-23 in Week 2, 2016.

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

Q1: Dallas Cowboys 10, Washington Commanders 0; Q2: Dallas Cowboys 3, Washington Commanders 10; Q3: Dallas Cowboys 7, Washington Commanders 13; Q4: Dallas Cowboys 7, Washington Commanders 0; Final: Dallas Cowboys 27, Washington Commanders 23.

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

Dallas Cowboys touchdown — E. Elliott (Q1 1:45) Washington Commanders touchdown — M. Jones (Q2 13:16) Washington Commanders touchdown — J. Crowder (K. Cousins pass) (Q3 11:23) Dallas Cowboys touchdown — D. Prescott (Q3 5:47) Dallas Cowboys touchdown — A. Morris (Q4 4:49) Dallas Cowboys field goal — D. Bailey (Q1 9:29, 3 pts) Dallas Cowboys field goal — D. Bailey (Q2 4:39, 3 pts) Washington Commanders field goal — D. Hopkins (Q2 0:31, 3 pts) Washington Commanders field goal — D. Hopkins (Q3 2:10, 3 pts) Washington Commanders field goal — D. Hopkins (Q3 0:07, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

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

Kirk Cousins (Washington Commanders), 56.0% completion, +5.6% CPOE, +0.12 EPA per dropback, +6.10 total passing EPA. Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys), 56.4% completion, +9.2% CPOE, +0.49 EPA per dropback, +19.26 total passing EPA.

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

Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +19.26 total EPA on Passing plays. across 39 snaps. Their top snap (+4.15 EPA): (2:49) 4-D.Prescott pass short right to 87-G.Swaim pushed ob at WAS 2 for 28 yards (30-D.Bruton) [52-T.Garvin]..

Was Dallas Cowboys vs Washington Commanders a close game?

Yes — the margin was 4 points. Dallas Cowboys won 27-23 in a game that stayed within one score into the fourth quarter.

Season records after this game

Dallas Cowboys

Entered 0-1 Now 1-1 W

Washington Commanders

Entered 0-1 Now 0-2 L

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