Week 12 of the NFL season delivered its share of drama, but few moments were as memorable as the Dallas Cowboys’ subtle troll job on the Washington Commanders following their nail-biting 34-26 victory. In a game filled with twists and turns, it was the Cowboys who had the last laugh, both on the scoreboard and in the celebration department.
Cowboys Take Command in Final Minutes
With just under three minutes remaining, the Cowboys held a seemingly comfortable 27-17 lead. But in the topsy-turvy world of the NFL, no lead is truly safe. The Commanders mounted a furious comeback attempt, starting with a 51-yard field goal from Austin Seibert to pull within a touchdown.
Washington’s defense then forced a quick three-and-out, giving their offense one final chance with 40 seconds on the clock. On the very next play, quarterback Jayden Daniels connected with star receiver Terry McLaurin for a stunning 86-yard touchdown strike. Suddenly, the Commanders were an extra point away from tying the game and potentially forcing overtime.
But in a cruel twist of fate, Seibert’s extra point attempt sailed wide, leaving Washington still trailing by one. The Cowboys recovered the ensuing onside kick and punctuated their victory with a touchdown of their own, providing the final 34-26 margin.
A Trolling Touchdown Celebration
Rather than simply running out the clock, the Cowboys chose to add insult to injury with a clever troll job. After scoring the game-sealing touchdown, the Dallas sideline erupted in a “Hail to the Commanders!” chant, co-opting Washington’s rally cry as their own victory chant.
The Cowboys’ social media team got in on the action as well, tweeting “HAIL YEAH” and “took command” along with celebratory graphics. It was a cheeky bit of gamesmanship that added an extra layer of sting to an already painful defeat for the Commanders.
A Rivalry Renewed
The Cowboys and Commanders have a long history as NFC East rivals, with both teams often vying for divisional supremacy. This latest chapter will surely add some extra spice to their next meeting, as Washington looks to exact revenge and Dallas aims to continue their recent dominance in the series.
“This rivalry never disappoints,” noted one Cowboys player after the game. “Every time we meet, it’s a battle down to the wire. But we’ll enjoy this one. Nothing better than winning on the road against a division opponent.”
For the Cowboys, the victory keeps their playoff hopes alive and provides a much-needed confidence boost after a challenging stretch. The Commanders, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly with several crucial divisional matchups still on the horizon.
Other Week 12 Trolling Highlights
While the Cowboys’ antics grabbed the headlines, they weren’t the only team engaging in some good-natured trolling in Week 12. The Seattle Seahawks took aim at Arizona quarterback and avid Call of Duty player Kyler Murray following their 16-6 victory over the Cardinals.
The Packers also got in on the fun after routing the 49ers 38-10, with a tweet referencing the 1894 gold rush. It was the largest margin of victory for Green Bay in the storied history of this matchup.
As the playoff race heats up, expect the trolling to intensify both on and off the field. With rivalries renewed and high stakes at play, a little bit of competitive banter only adds to the excitement of the season’s final stretch. For the Cowboys and their fans, this latest victory and subsequent taunt will be one to savor as they prepare for the challenges still to come.