Malik Davis Seizes His Moment in Cowboys’ Christmas Day Win Over Commanders
The Dallas Cowboys’ 30-23 Christmas Day win over the Washington Commanders wasn’t exactly packed with holiday magic-unless you’re Malik Davis. Then it was the kind of game that can change a career.
With starting running back Javonte Williams limited by a shoulder and neck injury and absent for the second half, the door swung open for Davis. And he didn’t just walk through it-he burst through like a man who’s been waiting for this shot all season.
Davis, who’s spent most of the year in a supporting role, had shown flashes here and there-20 yards one week, maybe 40 the next-but nothing like what we saw against Washington. On Monday, he wasn’t a role player. He was the guy.
A 100-Yard Statement
Davis carried the ball 20 times for 103 yards, averaging a clean five yards per carry. That’s not just solid-it’s workhorse-level production. He ran with purpose, vision, and a burst that’s been turning heads ever since he rejoined the team.
“When he first got his opportunity, he went in and just kept building off of it,” said quarterback Dak Prescott after the game. “This game was another example of that. His number was called, and he went out there and was physical.”
Prescott even admitted he had to do a little late-game stat-checking.
“I looked up and saw he had 90 yards. I told him, ‘Go get 10 more and finish this game.’
And he did. He’s deserving of it.”
From the Couch to the Cowboys’ Backfield
Let’s rewind for a second. Earlier this season, Davis was literally on the couch-unsigned and waiting for a call.
The Cowboys brought him back and placed him on the practice squad. Since then, he’s been working his way into offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer’s system.
And now, he’s making the most of every snap.
His explosiveness has been evident. Remember that 43-yard touchdown run against the Chiefs on Thanksgiving?
That wasn’t a fluke. On Monday, he ripped off a 21-yarder that once again showed his ability to change the tone of a drive in a single play.
He’s not just filling in-he’s making a case to stick around. And with Williams set to hit free agency, Davis might be playing his way into a bigger role for 2026.
“He’s a hell of a player,” Prescott said. “He’s only going to get better.
It’s the way he approaches the game. It’s his mindset in life.
We’re thankful to have him.”
Dine and Dash 2.0?
The Cowboys have a history of dynamic backfield duos-Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard being the most recent iteration. Now, it might be Williams and Davis carrying that torch.
Williams brings the power, Davis brings the speed. It’s a one-two punch that could give defenses headaches if they stick together.
And with Week 18 shaping up to be a low-stakes affair for Dallas, expect to see a lot more of Davis against the Giants. It’s another chance for him to show that this isn’t just a feel-good story-it’s a football story. One that’s still being written.
For now, Davis is the latest reminder that in the NFL, all it takes is one opportunity. And when it came, he didn’t just show up-he showed out.