Cowboys vs. Commanders Game Preview

Cowboys vs. Commanders Week 12 Game Preview

By: Matt Aldrich – @matt_a.15

Week 12 in the NFL sees the Cowboys taking on the Commanders in Washington. The Cowboys are coming off of last week’s pitiful effort against the Texans; while the Commanders are coming off of two straight hard-fought losses to the Steelers and Eagles.

This is the first time the Cowboys will see former defensive-coordinator Dan Quinn, and many former players that he brought with him. Guys like Dorance Armstrong, Noah Brown, and

Dante Fowler - all guys the Cowboys could really use right now. 

Jayden Daniels and the Commanders offense will be looking for a bit of a refresh game, after a mediocre performance against a good Eagles defense. One in which Terry Mclaurin was held to

just a single catch for 10 yards. This is bad news for a struggling Cowboys defense allowing 365 yards per game to opposing offenses.

Keys to Victory (If any...)

One area that the Cowboys really need to look to shut the Commanders down is the two-headed backfield of the Commanders, with Brian Robinson and Austin Ekeler. The Cowboys have allowed 151 yards on the ground per game thus far, and the Commanders

will most likely look to get the ground game working early, in order to make things easier on Jayden Daniels.

The passing game could continue to struggle, as Washington’s pass defense has surprisingly good numbers on the season. They rank in the top 10 in completions allowed, sack percentage and pass yards per game. With that being said, Washington has not been very good against the run. They are allowing 149 yards on the ground per game (only ahead of Dallas and Carolina), with an average of 4.9 per carry. This provides the Cowboys with a golden opportunity to kick-start the run game and make things a little easier on Rush, by opening up the play-action game.

While the red-zone offense has been absolutely awful this season thanks to Mike’s completely predictable play calling, Washington’s red-zone defense is just as bad. The Commanders rank 27th in red-zone defense, and are allowing a 66% red-zone TD rate.

Takeaways: Dallas’ path to victory - while it is far fetched and the majority of fans don’t actually want a win here- is clear.

There needs to be an emphasis on at least limiting Brian Robinson, and keeping Jayden Daniels hemmed in the pocket.

Offensively, the ground game HAS to get something going against a poor Washington run defense. If they are able to push the ball down the field through the run, it not only keeps the ball out of Jayden Daniels hands, but opens up the play-action game for Cooper Rush; allowing him to get the ball out quick to Ceedee and the tight ends who he has seemed to really like after last week.

Injuries to Watch:

Dallas Cowboys: Injuries Continue to Reign Terror

● Ceedee is questionable this week due to back and foot issues

● Jake Ferguson is highly unlikely to play, after suffering a concussion against the Texans. Look for Schoonmaker to have a bigger role, as he looked good in Ferguson’s absence.

● Hunter Luepke has been limited due to a calf issue.

● Tyler Smith, Guyton, and Zack Martin were all banged up this week. Guyton became a full participant, while Martin and Smith were limited.

● Diggs, Lewis and Bland were all on the Injury report. Bland was a full participant while Diggs and Lewis were both limited.

● Marshawn Kneeland is expected to play Sunday, providing some much needed help to the D-line.

Washington Commanders Injury Updates

● Dante Fowler was limited this week due to a hip issue.

● Marshon Lattimore continued to not participate this week and is trending towards missing another week, as the Commanders don’t want to rush him back.

● Cornerback Noah Igbonoghene was limited

● Starting kicker Austin Seibert was limited and his status is still unknown, as the team is taking their time.