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The Washington Commanders return to Northwest Stadium to face the Dallas Cowboys in Week 12, seeking to halt a two-game losing streak that has exposed cracks in their offensive execution. Washington 's rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels continues to work through a sharp decline in production following a rib injury in Week 7, leaving the team searching for answers.
In their most recent loss, a 26-18 defeat to the division-leading Philadelphia Eagles, Daniels completed 22 of 32 passes for 191 yards with one touchdown and one interception. While showing flashes of promise, he struggled in critical moments, including a fourth-down stop late in the game. Since his injury, Daniels’ completion percentage has dropped from 75.3 to 59.5, and his passer rating has slipped from 107.1 to 89.6. His rushing average has also halved, falling to 27.5 yards per game.
Daniels’ struggles have impacted the entire offense, including star receiver Terry McLaurin, who was targeted only twice against the Eagles for one catch totaling 10 yards. Head coach Kliff Kingsbury addressed the team’s offensive challenges, pointing to execution and preparation.
“Obviously, the Thursday night game was not our best,” Kingsbury admitted. “Just overall execution, would you say? I think there’s a lot of things. Played two really good defenses, first off. Then, just having the ability to be on the practice field, continue to get reps together, and build. I think this is the first week we’ve been able to do that consistently as a unit… Still had a chance in the fourth quarter... Just nail the details, call better plays. Overall, collectively, as an offense, we can be better.”
The Commanders have a favorable opportunity against a struggling 3-7 Cowboys team that has lost five straight games and is without its starting quarterback. Dallas, coming off another home loss where they trailed by 20 or more points, could present the break Washington needs to regain its footing.
More must-reads:
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Browns have major injury concern on offense after starter exits game
The Cleveland Browns have a big concern on Saturday following an injury to a key part of the offensive line. The Browns played their starters against the Los Angeles Rams as a tune-up before the regular season. Per the NFL's website, center Ethan Pocic was ruled out of Saturday's game against the Rams when he suffered a knee injury. Via the NFL: "C Ethan Pocic suffered a knee injury against Los Angeles and will not return to the game. Pocic played eight snaps with starting quarterback Joe Flacco before exiting with his injury. Pocic was injured on a third-and-9 play in the first quarter when Rams defensive tackle Desjuan Johnson ran into his leg while he was engaged in a block on linebacker Brennan Jackson." Pocic's injury is a worry for the Browns ahead of their Week 1 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 7. The 2017 second-round pick by the Seattle Seahawks is a leader on Cleveland's offensive line. He's been with the Browns since 2022. Pocic has appeared in 101 games and started in 84 during his first eight years in the league. The upcoming season is important for the 30-year-old, as he's in the final year of the three-year, $18 million deal he signed in 2023. When Pocic came out of the game, the Browns inserted Luke Wypler in at center. The 2023 sixth-round pick has played in just five games in his career and has made one start. Wypler missed all of 2024 with an ankle injury that required surgery.
Dallas Stars lock up one of the league's best players with massive extension today in hockey history
The Dallas Stars have had many defining moments in their history, but few symbolize loyalty and leadership like Mike Modano's contract extension in the early 2000s. On August 21, 2003, the Stars officially locked up their franchise icon with an extension that cemented his role as the face of hockey in Texas. The move wasn't just about keeping a superstar forward, it was about keeping the identity of the Stars firmly tied to one of the most respected players in the game. Mike Modano's extension showed his loyalty and lasting impact on the Dallas Stars At the time, speculation lingered about whether Modano might test the waters elsewhere. Instead, he reaffirmed his commitment to Dallas, the franchise that had drafted him first overall back in 1988 when they were still the Minnesota North Stars. "This team, this city, it means everything to me. Staying here was the only choice that felt right," Modano said during the press conference announcing the deal. Those words resonated with fans, as his decision represented stability during an era when star players often left in search of bigger contracts. The extension also ensured that Modano would continue climbing the NHL record books in a Stars uniform. He went on to become the all-time American-born leader in goals and points, a record that defined his Hall of Fame career. Looking back, the August 21 signing stands as a cornerstone moment in Dallas Stars history. I think it was one of the smartest moves the franchise ever made, keeping Modano in green not only secured wins on the ice but also preserved a legacy that still inspires players today.
Two-time Stanley Cup champion leaves NHL for Switzerland
Last season was a tough one for veteran defenseman Jan Rutta. He dealt with some lower-body injuries, and when he was in the lineup for San Jose, he was often on the third pairing. That has certainly contributed to his going unsigned through the first seven weeks of free agency, but that is coming to an end. Earlier this week, Blick’s Gregory Beaud (h/t The Hockey News) reported that the blueliner is signing with Geneve-Servette in Switzerland. Rutta played in 54 games for the Sharks last season, picking up just three goals and six assists in a little over 17 minutes a night. However, he took a regular turn on their penalty kill and played some tough defensive minutes. Speculatively, NHL teams could be eyeing him as a PTO candidate to fill a sixth or seventh role if things went well in training camp but clearly, a full contract offer has yet to materialize and at some point, a guaranteed deal overseas could be viewed as a better option than trying to earn a contract off a tryout. Rutta debuted fairly late in the NHL with his first season coming at the age of 27 with Chicago. Since then, he has suited up in 417 regular-season games between four different clubs, putting up 23 goals and 75 assists along with 479 blocked shots. He also has a pair of Stanley Cup rings from his time with Tampa Bay. Rutta will be the third veteran NHL player to join that team this offseason. Previously, it signed wingers Jesse Puljujarvi and Jimmy Vesey and has one import slot remaining that it appears they want to use to bring in a veteran defender.
Justin Verlander needs to listen to Father Time despite desire to keep pitching
San Francisco Giants pitcher Justin Verlander had another rough outing on Thursday. The future Hall of Famer allowed seven runs on seven hits and a walk over his 4.1 innings, striking out four as the Padres defeated the Giants 8-4. His outing ended a streak where Verlander had allowed one or fewer runs in four of his previous five outings. The 42-year-old Verlander has been inconsistent at best this season, posting a 4.64 ERA and a 1.437 WHIP over his 110.2 innings, striking out 99 batters with 37 walks. This follows an injury-plagued 2024 campaign where Verlander posted 5.48 ERA and a 1.384 WHIP in 90.1 innings. Verlander, meanwhile, insists that he is not done. John Shea of the San Francisco Standard reported that Verlander wants to pitch in 2026. That desire does have a caveat — if Verlander suffers a significant injury, he said he is not interested in a lengthy rehab process to get back on the mound. "The ball’s rolling in the right direction, and I would like to continue pitching. You never know. It’s a fickle game too, but I think the stuff is still there," Verlander said. Verlander had been a workhorse earlier in his career, pitching at least 180 innings in all but one season from 2006 through 2019. He came back from Tommy John surgery that cost him most of 2020 and all of the 2021 season, winning the AL Cy Young award with a major league-leading 1.75 ERA and a 0.829 WHIP over his 175 innings, striking out 185 batters with 25 walks in his age 39 season in 2022. Verlander is a nine-time All-Star, won three Cy Young awards and was named the 2011 AL MVP and the 2006 AL Rookie of the Year. Those innings have taken their toll on Verlander. He has battled injuries over the past few years and has been below replacement level since the start of 2024. While he may want to return in 2026, his body and performance are telling a different story.
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