One of the best rivalries in all of sports is revisited this weekend in Arlington, where the Washington Commanders return for the first matchup of the season with the Cowboys.
Both teams are coming off last-second defeats, watching a field goal sail through the uprights at the gun.
Washington (3-3) and Dallas (2-3-1) are both right in the thick of things in what now appears to be a wide open NFC East division.
That will be one of the storylines for the week, as we detail five each for the Commanders and Cowboys.
Commanders
Let One Slip Away – The Commanders were about three minutes away from an impressive comeback win over the Bears on Monday Night Football – only to see the ball slip through Jayden Daniels' hands for a costy fumble. Instead of running out the clock and securing a one-point win, the Commanders watched the Bears drive down the ball and clock and kick a game-winning field goal to edge Washington 25-24. The loss drops the Commanders to 3-3, just a half-game up on the Cowboys this week.
DQ in Texas – It won't be the first time former Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn is back in Arlington. But it's still relatively soon since he ran the Cowboys' defense. And considering the unit is still struggling without him, it's one of the top storylines for this game. The Cowboys and Commanders played two games down to the wire last season, with both teams getting a last-minute win.
Sophomore Season – The reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year might not be off to the best start this year, but injuries have certainly played a factor for Jayden Daniels. He's missed two games, and is 2-2 in the four starts this year, including a close loss to the Bears on Monday. His fumble in the fourth quarter trying to hand the ball off to the running back proved to be the difference. But overall, it's probably not a large enough sample size to compare last year to this year, considering he's played four games. If there is one stat that looks noticeably different, it's the completion percentage. Daniels completed 69.0 percent of his passes last year, to just 62.1 so far this year.
Scary Terry – The Commanders have been without star receiver Terry McLaurin for three games now with a quad injury. It sounds as if there is hope in Washington for a return this week but possibly a more realistic return is Week 8 in two weeks. But practice will tell more of the story this week. Washington ranks 23rd in passing at 194.7 yards per game but have been more of a running team this year, averaging over 150 yards per game. Having McLaurin out is obviously hurting the big-play potential for Washington's offense.
Defensive Issues – When Dan Quinn called the defense in Dallas, the Cowboys had one of the top defenses in the league, especially with Micah Parsons screaming off the edge. Not only do the Cowboys miss having Parsons on their team, Quinn might be missing that player for his team, too. Through six games, the Commanders rank sixth in the NFL in total sacks with 18. But overall, they're in the 20s in most defensive categories, including 26th in total defense. But ranking 23rd against the pass and 20thagainst the run, suggests there are big problems across the board for the defense.
Cowboys
One Step Back – This team is playing its own version of hopscotch this year, moving backwards, forwards and even sidways once with the rare tie game. But after an impressive win two weeks ago over the Jets, it was a step backwards with a late loss to the Panthers. The Cowboys just couldn't make the necessary stops on defense and not enough plays in the red zone offensively to stave off the Panthers. The loss drops Dallas to 2-3-1 as they look to get back to .500 through seven games.
Welcome Back? The offense isn't the major problem here for the Cowboys but that doesn't mean they won't welcome back some key pieces. CeeDee Lamb has missed most of the last four games with an ankle injury but he's expected to return, as is KaVontate Turpin and Tyler Booker. Those returns help the offense and special teams. Don't forget Turpin beat the Commanders last year with an amazing 99-yard kickoff return and he should be back deep again for punts and kickoffs.
Too Much Room – The defense hasn't shown many signs of improvement, especially after last week's performance to allow Rico Dowdle to rush for 183 yards and Bryce Young to take advantage. The Cowboys were picked apart and dominated up front, putting even more pressure on coordinator Matt Eberflus. This week, Eberflus has been backed with support from Jerry Jones and Brian Schottenheimer and there is no sign of any personnel moves this week. We'll find out how the scheme looks when they take the field Sunday against the Commanders. Currently the Cowboys rank 32nd in the NFL in pass defense, allowing over 269 yards per game.
Take Your Pick– The biggest trade of the season is undoubtedly the move involving Micah Parsons, whose production has been missed. But the Cowboys are clearly winning the George Pickens trade as the wide receiver has been one of the most dominant players in the NFL this year. Pickens has scored six touchdowns in six games and is tied for the NFL lead in TD receptions. He's third in the league with 525 receiving yards. Washington will have its hands full with Pickens, especially with Lamb expected to return to the offense this week.
Open For Business? – Speaking of trades that worked, could the Cowboys be in the market for yet another? This week, owner/GM Jerry Jones said there is no trade specifically in the works but added his team has “the ammo” to make a move if needed. Right now, the defense seems to need some helps but Jones didn't get in the details of a potential trade, only that they wouldn't be afraid to use some of the extra picks they've acquired. "We have thought all along that if we see a way to improve this year with a trade at the deadline, then we'll take advantage of it," Jones said Tuesday. "That's what we positioned for to start this year, was to have ammunition to do things if we have an opportunity."
