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Cowboys Week 18 studs and duds: Dak Prescott, Dallas offense limp into playoffs

By Randy Gurzi

Jan 8, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) scrambles as Washington Commanders defensive end Chase Young (99) rushes during the first half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 8, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) scrambles as Washington Commanders defensive end Chase Young (99) rushes during the first half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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Entering Week 18, the Dallas Cowboys had an outside shot of getting home-field advantage in the NFC. They knew it wouldn’t be easy since they needed the Philadelphia Eagles to lose to the New York Giants reserves, but even if that happened, it wouldn’t have mattered.

Dallas laid an egg in their finale, falling 26-6 to the Washington Commanders. What’s worse is, it could have been an even bigger blowout for them had the Commanders not left several points on the board.

With all that being said, let’s dive in and discuss who stood out as studs and duds in Week 18.

Cowboys Week 18 studs and duds

Cowboys
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – JANUARY 08: Bryan Anger #5 of the Dallas Cowboys fumbles the ball during the first quarter of the game against the Washington Commanders at FedExField on January 08, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images) /

Stud: Dorance Armstrong, EDGE

Dorance Armstrong had the best season of his career and continued to play well in Week 18 — when not everyone else for Dallas did. He came up big on third-and-five after KaVontae Turpin’s turnover as he and Micah Parsons recorded a half-sack on Sam Howell. That not only kept them from getting a touchdown but left the Commanders without points on the drive as Joey Slye missed the field goal.

Down 13-0 and in danger of making it an even bigger lead, the Commanders were driving after another Dallas three-and-out. Armstrong tackled Curtis Samuel for a four-yard loss leading to a stalled drive and another missed field goal. He had five total tackles as he capped off his breakout season.

Dud: Bryan Anger, Punter

Bryan Anger has been the model of consistency since joining the Cowboys last season both as a punter and a holder. Having said that, he started Week 18 off on a terrible note.

Dallas stalled on their opening drive and that led to Anger being brought out to punt the ball away. That never happened as he dropped the ball, and was tackled at the 20-yard line. The snap was perfectly fine, Anger just fumbled it and gave the Commanders great field positioning.

It then took just two plays for them to go up 7-0 as Sam Howell hit Terry McLaurin for a 16-yard touchdown. That set the tone for Washington, who never surrendered control.

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