BREAKING TIME UPDATE: The Cowboys vs Commanders game faces an unexpected delay due to heavy rain and drainage failure at AT&T Stadium
The much-anticipated NFC East showdown between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders has been suddenly thrown into chaos as severe weather strikes Arlington, Texas. Heavy rainstorms pounding the area have forced league officials to delay kickoff at AT&T Stadium, citing drainage system issues that cannot be repaired in time. What was set to be a primetime spectacle has now turned into a test of patience for both teams and their loyal fans.
According to early reports from the stadium operations crew, torrential downpours began just hours before kickoff, creating serious flooding concerns around certain areas of the field and stadium walkways. While AT&T Stadium’s state-of-the-art retractable roof was closed in advance, the sheer amount of rainfall caused water accumulation and drainage overflow, impacting parts of the facility’s lower levels and maintenance tunnels.
Officials from the NFL Game Operations Department confirmed that the league made the call to delay the start after determining that field safety could not be guaranteed. “This is an unprecedented weather event,” one league spokesperson said. “We’re working with the stadium engineers and local weather authorities to ensure safe conditions before resuming play.”
Inside the Cowboys’ locker room, players were reportedly calm but restless. Quarterback Dak Prescott and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer were seen reviewing the game plan again as they awaited updates from officials. Sources say the team is using the unexpected delay to stay focused and keep energy levels high, with Prescott reminding his teammates that “focus wins, even when things get unpredictable.”
Meanwhile, on the Commanders’ sideline, rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and head coach Dan Quinn were spotted discussing adjustments in anticipation of slick field conditions once play resumes. “We’ll be ready when the whistle blows,” Quinn reportedly told reporters before heading back into the tunnel. “We’ve faced worse.”
Fans, however, weren’t as calm. Despite the closed roof, rain seepage and drainage issues caused delays in gate entry and some lower sections were temporarily closed for cleaning and safety checks. Videos quickly flooded social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) showing workers scrambling with industrial vacuums and mops while fans chanted “Let’s Go Cowboys!” in the stands to keep the energy alive.
The weather delay has also sparked an online frenzy, with memes and jokes spreading across the NFL community. One viral post read, “Even the storm can’t stop the rivalry — just delaying the drama.” Another joked, “AT&T Stadium needs an upgrade: Super Bowl turf, meet Super Bowl drainage.”
Despite the setbacks, both teams remain determined to put on a show once the skies clear and conditions are declared safe. The Cowboys, who are looking to bounce back after a shaky defensive outing last week, see this as another chance to prove their grit. Defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus has reportedly reminded his players to “stay sharp and hungry,” emphasizing that unpredictable conditions are “just another kind of adversity champions overcome.”
For the Commanders, this delay only heightens the pressure. Their strong start to the season could get tested if the field turns slick, but their aggressive style and Daniels’ mobility could play to their advantage once play resumes.
As rain continues to pour over Arlington, the atmosphere remains electric. The fans are soaked but unshaken, the players are restless but ready, and the league is racing against time to get this game underway.
When the storm passes, one thing’s certain — this Cowboys vs Commanders showdown will be worth every minute of the wait. ️
