NFL
By: Greg Rector
Dallas Cowboys (12-4) at Washington Commanders (7-8-1)
4:25 PM EST FOX
The Dallas Cowboys weren’t supposed to be in a position to still win the NFC East. Here we are though and that possibility exists. While these two teams meet at the same time the NY Giants face off against the Eagles. Only Washington has no playoff implications as they are officially eliminated from contention. Cowboys fans will definitely be cheering for the Giants. Let’s look at this game
Dallas Defense vs Commanders Offense
Heinicke? Wentz? Howell? No, it’s not an accounting firm those are the three options that may start at quarterback for the Commanders on Sunday. No matter who they have at quarterback for Washington one thing is clear it hasn’t been a good year for quarterbacks in the nation’s capital. The Cowboys’ defense again just needs to do their jobs on Sunday. The seventh-ranked defense faces the 25th-ranked offense which means as I have to do so often also means they must avoid playing down to their opponent. Get pressure on whoever plays quarterback for Washington and create havoc. Terry McLaurin much like another number-one receiver up in Minnesota has really not had much facing Trevon Diggs, funny how that happens. Keeping the other receivers covered will be the key for the rest of the secondary. The Washington offense hasn’t really clicked down the stretch and Dallas has to keep that trend going.
Washington Defense vs Dallas Offense
The Commander’s defense is solid against the pass so this would be the week to not have any deflected balls or receivers not quite on the same page with Dak Prescott. All kinds of analyses have been going with the 14 interceptions this season. Out of all the numbers being bandied about it looks like Cowboy’s QB has only five to seven picks that one would put on him. The others are thanks to the deflected passes and issues with the routes. Whatever the case is please fix it this week. Hopefully, this week sees Tony Pollard return to the backfield so Washington will have to deal with both him and Ezekiel Elliott. The concern has to be revamped offensive line thanks to the Tyler Biadisz injury. So Conor McGovern will be snapping the ball on Sunday. Appears as though Tyron Smith will stay at right tackle beside right guard Zach Martin, while Jason Peters will be left tackle so Tyler Smith can take McGovern’s spot at left guard. The high ankle sprain for Biadisz is not as bad as first feared. It will be important to keep the Washington defensive line from putting pressure on Prescott.
Prediction
Jobs are on the line for Washington and that might be from the head coach down to the players. Expect much like the Titans for the Commanders not to put as much effort in as possible. Any given Sunday is definitely applicable to this game the Cowboys can’t afford to worry about what is going on with the Eagles game. They must take care of their own business. As always in an NFC East game there will be no love lost between Dallas and Washington. With the playoffs in sight, the Cowboys have to play like they are in a playoff game. There cannot be a loss of focus or they will pay the price. I believe Dallas will do enough to defeat the Commanders 27-10.
As always you can find me on Twitter @GregsCowboys
