We now are done with Washington’s franchise-record eight stand-alone games in the 2025 regular season.
The Commanders in those games went 0-8 with a point differential of -77.
Sunday at 1 p.m., we miss you. We’ll see a lot of you next season.
— Al Galdi (@AlGaldi) December 25, 2025
It looked like it could be a long day for the Washington Commanders on Christmas Day. After the Dallas Cowboys marched down the field to take an early 7-0 lead on Thursday at Northwest Stadium, the Commanders responded to make it 7-3. Dallas would score on its next three offensive possessions to go into halftime with a 24-10 lead.
Washington rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt would keep the Commanders in it, taking a Josh Johnson handoff and going 72 yards for his second touchdown of the day, making it a 24-17 game in the third quarter. While the Washington defense was better in the second half, mistakes on critical downs prevented the offense from tying the game. Linebacker Frankie Luvu was penalized for hitting Dak Prescott late after a sack. The Cowboys would have punted.
Quarterback Josh Johnson was solid in his first start since 2021, completing 15 of 23 passes for 198 yards. He did not turn the ball over and was sacked only twice. Deebo Samuel had a big first half but didn’t get the ball in the second half. Unfortunately for the Commanders, the offense had only 41 total plays, compared to 87 for Dallas.
The loss was Washington’s 10th in its last 11 games. The Commanders are now 4-12. If there is any good news, the loss helps Washington’s draft positioning.
Here’s how social media reacted to the Commanders’ Week 17 performance vs. Cowboys.
Al GaldiBrandon Coleman’s penalty
Brandon Coleman disaster class SMH
— Commanders Lead (@CommandersLead) December 25, 2025
Brandon Coleman, YOU ruined my Christmas
— Corbin Hines (@CorbinHinss) December 25, 2025Johnny Newton’s big day
Some of y’all are weird. You cry about Johnny Newton not showing anything and is a bust. He balls out and you say, “…but no”🙄
— Disco (@discoque90) December 25, 2025
December football is funny.
I loved the Johnny Newton pick and thought he could be a impactful, difference-making pass rusher. His tape at Illinois suggested he’d be a problem as a rusher.
The last two years have made me think I was wrong.
This game will have me all the way…
— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) December 25, 2025
• iDL Johnny Newton
• RB Bill Croskey-Merritt
• LB Jordan Magee
Three pieces for Washington that showed up today. Up and down 2025 for each ballplayer, but positives for each in a key evaluation period for GM Adam Peters.
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) December 25, 2025‘Bill’ Croskey-Merritt
Bill is a 7th round rookie who will finish his rookie year with ~ 800 yards, the most rush TDs of any rookie, and ~ 4.8 yards per carry
But people on here made it their 4 month mission to tell you he completely sucks
I simply think that is weird!
— Jakob Sanderson (@JakobSanderson) December 25, 2025
Bill! Let’s go! Amazing run.
72 yards to the house. This is why he’s the guy. Nobody else on this team right now, or in years, could take this to the crib. Let’s go!! pic.twitter.com/v1RnrfVZrw
— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) December 25, 2025
Bill in his rookie season has been great value as a 7th round pick..that’s a guy you can keep in the RB room moving forward
— Dre (@DCSportsDre) December 25, 2025Dan Quinn
Adam Peters and DQ got that same Chip Kelly disease. They thought the system was bigger than talent.
Went the cheap route in free agency hoping it’d just be plug and play while praying Jayden Daniels carries us again.
Talent wise, this is easily the worst team of the last 25…
— Th3s1s ₩ (@Prezz4k) December 25, 2025
Dan Quinn should fire himself as DC at the half!
This is REALLY embarrassing!!!
— Mark Tyler (Hogs Haven) (@Tiller56) December 25, 2025
For Dan Quinn being such a defensive mind and coach the Commanders defense is atrocious
— Ben DiNucci (@B_DiNucci6) December 25, 2025
Like at some point a Dan Quinn defense needs to stop the bleed. It’s more than a talent issue.
— Eric Sully (@CommandersRealm) December 25, 2025
Good thing Dan Quinn punted from the Dallas 47. Worked well.
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) December 25, 2025Josh Johnson
“Daddy, can we watch Home Alone? It’s Christmas.”
Sorry bud, Daddy has to watch 9 hours of Josh Johnson, Max Brosmer, and Chris Oladokun today.
— Scott Barrett (@ScottBarrettDFB) December 25, 2025
Won’t say Josh Johnson is “dealing,” but he’s been effective enough as needed.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) December 25, 2025
Week 17 of a lost season. A meaningless game in the standings between two teams that aren’t going to the postseason. And Josh Johnson, Washington’s third-string QB, is agonizing over the Commanders’ 30-23 loss to Dallas “it just hurts, man.” pic.twitter.com/7Am9Jm0fk2
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) December 25, 2025Deebo Samuel
I want Deebo back lmao. Just from that play alone.
— Steve (@AirRaidConcepts) December 25, 2025
Oh my god. Deebo just delivered the truck stick of the year. Cowboys defender’s helmet flew off his head
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWC) December 25, 2025Commanders’ defense