Saying it hasn't been the season Dallas Cowboys fans were hoping for would be the understatement of the century, as this team should undoubtedly be contending in the NFC. Instead, they're going to miss the playoffs for the second consecutive year despite their offense being among the best in football.
However, the Cowboys were certainly feeling festive on Christmas Day, as they traveled to our nation's capital to gift the Commanders a beating. Their 30-23 victory saw Dallas pull off the season sweep in a game where they were in complete control of the game all afternoon long in Washington.
It was one of the most consistent performances we have seen from America's Team as of late, and the arrow is certainly pointing up. With that said, here are the biggest winners and losers from the Cowboys' fifth straight 30+-point game that even saw Emmitt Smith openly praise Dallas' tenacity.
4 winners and 2 losers from Cowboys' Christmas Day statement win over Commanders
Winner: Brian Schottenheimer's future in Dallas
When the Cowboys moved on Mike McCarthy, it was met with skepticism, and for good reason. Why choose not to retain a head coach who took you to the playoffs in three of the last four seasons in order to promote his OC who has no NFL head coaching experience under his belt? It's certainly odd.
Schottenheimer certainly helped to silence some doubters on Christmas. His offense recorded over 400 total yards on the back another strong showing from Dak Prescott, but given how successful the Dallas offense has been this season, it makes the rough season a little easier to swallow.
Winner: Malik Davis:
After Javonte Williams went down due to a shoulder injury in the first quarter, Malik Davis was the next man up in the running back room, and boy did he take advantage. On 20 carries, Davis amassed a career-high rushing yards. which turned out to be the first 100-yard game of his young NFL career.
The second-year back from Florida wasn't much of a household name before the year, but now he's pretty much forcing Schottenheimer to incorportate him in the offense more frequently.
Loser: Matt Eberflus (in every way, shape, and form)
At this point Eberflus needs to start buying property in the loser's section since he's here so often. The defense surrendering 34 points to Justin Herbert and the Chargers is understandable, but surrendering 23 points to the the Josh Johnson-led Commanders is downright embarrassing.
Seventh-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt enjoyed the second 100-yard rushing game of his career and their offense surpassed 300 total yards. And for a coach with this much experience as a defensive play-caller, the defense has no excuse to be this pathetic. 'Flus has got to go yesterday.
Winner: Jadeveon Clowney's free agent price tag
The Cowboys quietly struck gold in their signing of Jadeveon Clowney. The former No. 1 overall pick has enjoyed a massive bounce-back season in Dallas, and that only continued after the aging pass-rusher added another 1.5 sacks to his season total in the victory over the Commanders.
The 32-year-old is set to receive a solid payday this offseason, and that's something Jerry Jones has to pay. His impact on this defense cannot be understated, especially since he's one of this team's better locker room leaders as well.
Winner: Kavontae Turpin
With Ryan Flournoy inactive due to the injury he suffered against the Chargers last week, the Cowboys turned to Kavontae Turpin to take on more receiving snaps. And that paid off handsomely, as he caught only one pass, that play resulted in an 86-yard receiving touchdown for the longest play of the game.
He also surpassed 100 kick return yards once again, as his speed makes him one of the most dangerous weapons in an offense loaded with elite weapons.
Loser: 2026 Draft Position
The Cowboys were right in striking distance of picking in the top 10 of the 2026 NFL Draft. but that just went out the window. After the win, Dallas would possess the No. 16 pick in the 2026 Draft if the season ended today, but there's still another game left for them to continue to sabotage that.
America's Team will travel to New York to host the 2-13 Giants next week, and they're arguably the biggest dumpster fire in the NFL right now. And if they win that game like expected, they'll be 8-8-1 and could be picking 18th (or last among non-playoff teams) this coming April.