Commanders Strategy For Beating Cowboys

Daniels’ recent performances have been a mixed bag, including a 191-yard outing in last week’s 26-18 loss to the Eagles. While he threw for a touchdown, his completion percentage and passer rating have dipped, limiting the overall offensive production. Star receiver Terry McLaurin was targeted just twice in the loss, underlining the need for a more balanced and effective attack.

Against Dallas’ vulnerable defense, Washington will look to their playmakers for a strong start.

• Kicker Austin Seibert/Zane Gonzalez: Seibert, the Commanders’ leading scorer, was limited in practice this week due to a hip injury. If he cannot play, Gonzalez is expected to step in. Gonzalez has been perfect in Seibert’s absence, going 3-for-3 on field goals and 4-for-4 on extra points.
• Running Back Brian Robinson Jr.: The team’s second-highest scorer with 42 points, Robinson has a favorable matchup against a Dallas defense that ranks near the bottom in stopping the run.
• Receiver Terry McLaurin: After a quiet game against Philadelphia, McLaurin will aim to exploit a Dallas secondary missing Trevon Diggs and set to debut DaRon Bland this week for the first time all season.

With the Commanders hosting a Cowboys team that has struggled defensively and offensively, Washington finds itself in a favorable position to seize control early. The combination of Seibert or Gonzalez's reliability, Robinson's ability to punish a weak Dallas run defense, and McLaurin’s potential to expose an undermanned secondary could be pivotal. 

For Washington, delivering a complete performance against a divisional rival could also restore confidence in a team that has shown flashes of brilliance but needs consistency to capitalize on its potential.