Does Dallas Cowboys Jerry Jones already have his eyes set on his next head coach?
In his weekly appearance on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas this week, Jones discussed the Cowboys’ Week 12 opponent, the Washington Commanders. Washington has a new head coach, Dan Quinn, who Jones knows all too well. Quinn spent the past three seasons in Dallas, leading the Cowboys to top-five defensive finishes each season.
Jones is aware of the Commanders’ impressive turnaround and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury’s role in that turnaround. While Washington finally found a franchise quarterback (Jayden Daniels), Kingsbury has played a pivotal role in his early development.
“Well, Kliff is one of those guys that, if you don’t play him regularly, he’s a tough draw because he’s going to come out of there with some stuff that you might not — it’s a little unconventional,” Jones said via the Dallas Morning News.
Jones then praised Kingsbury — the Texas native and former Texas Tech head coach — further.
“I think a lot of him, he’s a friend,” Jones said of Kingsbury. “I think he’s done an outstanding job every place he’s been. I really think a lot of him and I think that he was ideal in working with the young quarterback. I say that because of all the great quarterbacks that he’s coached, go back [Patrick] Mahomes, you name them. So, yeah, that was a that was a very, very good move for Dan to get Kliff for his [offensive] coordinator.”
There’s a growing belief that Jones will move on from head coach Mike McCarthy. Despite a 45-31 record with the Cowboys, Dallas has failed to have playoff success.
Could he take Kingsbury away from Quinn? Jones doesn’t praise others unless he means it. He’s been watching Kingsbury for a long time. The Commanders would love to keep Kingsbury with Jayden Daniels, but another head coaching opportunity, especially one in his home state, may be too difficult for Kingsbury to pass up.
Washington hosts Dallas on Sunday in the first two meetings this season.
Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy hopes these two Commanders struggle on Sunday.
The Washington Commanders (7-4) host the Dallas Cowboys (3-7) in a battle of NFC East rivals heading in opposite directions.
The game features a reunion of sorts for several Commanders going up against their former team. Washington head coach Dan Quinn is in his first year as Washington’s head after three seasons as the Cowboys defensive coordinator.
Quinn didn’t come to Washington alone. Former Cowboys Dante Fowler Jr., Dorance Armstrong, Tyler Biadasz, and Noah Brown are playing pivotal roles in the Commanders’ remarkable turnaround.
As the Cowboys prepared for Sunday’s game against Washington, head coach Mike McCarthy spoke about some of his former players.
“Those guys went with an opportunity that they felt they needed to do,” McCarthy said on Wednesday via Garrett Podell of CBS Sports.
“Everybody’s situation is different. I’m proud of those guys. They’re playing very well. Dante’s off the charts. DA is so damn consistent in the way he’s played. The video I’ve seen of him, I’ve been very impressed. That’s how this game works. The financial component, it changes your team every year. That’s why this is always such a challenge. It changes the dynamic.”
McCarthy then joked that he hoped Armstrong and Fowler were terrible on Sunday.
“I’m happy that they got a great opportunity, and I hope they play like s–t Sunday.”
McCarthy was clearly having fun. He coached Armstrong for four seasons and Fowler for two. McCarthy didn’t mention Biadasz and Brown; he was more specifically discussing Washington’s defense.
Fowler is having a career renaissance with the Commanders, leading the team with 8.5 sacks, while Armstrong has stabilized the defensive end position. Fowler is on pace to set a new career-high in sacks.
Here are four keys to a Commanders’ Week 12 victory over the Cowboys.
The Washington Commanders (7-4) host the Dallas Cowboys (3-7) in an NFC East showdown Sunday from Northwest Stadium. It’s the first meeting of two of the 2024 season for the longtime rivals.
These teams are in far different places than they were one year ago. Last season, Washington and Dallas first met on Thanksgiving Day, and the Cowboys defeated the Commanders so badly that former head coach Ron Rivera fired multiple coaches the following day in a 45-10 win.
Dallas players, including quarterback Dak Prescott, were eating turkey legs on the sideline during the game, something Washington fans still haven’t forgotten. Multiple former Cowboys, including their defensive coordinator, Dan Quinn, are now with Washington. Quinn is the Commanders’ head coach, and they are in the middle of the NFC playoff race while the Cowboys have lost five straight games.
What does Washington need to do to win on Sunday? Here are four keys to victory for Week 12.
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) hands the ball to Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (8). Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
Run the ball
Dallas is 31st against the run. Meanwhile, the Commanders are sixth in rushing offense. As a whole, Washington’s offense hasn’t been as sharp in recent weeks, so what’s the best way to get going? Giving the Cowboys’ front seven a heavy dose of Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler.
It’s also a good way for offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury to get quarterback Jayden Daniels more involved in the run game again. For the past few weeks, he’s been a non-factor as a runner while dealing with a rib injury.
Easier said than done, right? Lamb is one of the NFL’s best wide receivers and has enjoyed success against the Commanders. Washington is ranked No. 5 in pass defense. While some of that is deceptive because opposing teams have successfully run the ball against the Commanders, Joe Whitt’s defense has been much better against the pass than some realize.
Washington must commit to limiting Lamb to defend Dallas, especially without Prescott. Fortunately, Quinn and Whitt know Lamb well. Rookie cornerback Mike Sainristil was phenomenal in defending both A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith against the Eagles last week. The Commanders should give Sainristil the Lamb assignment with some help over the top.
Washington Commanders defensive end Montez Sweat (90) hits Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush (10). Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Pressure Cooper Rush
Anytime you have a backup quarterback, the goal should be to make them as uncomfortable as possible. Rush is a good backup who has had success in the NFL. Rush passed for only 45 yards against the Eagles two weeks ago, and while he passed for over 300 yards against the Texans last week, much of that was when the game was already decided. Part of Houston’s defensive plan was pressuring Rush. The Texans sacked him five times.
This is another instance of where Quinn and Whitt know Dallas’ personnel. They practiced against Rush for three years and know his strengths and weaknesses.
Parsons missed four games and promptly picked up two sacks in his return two weeks ago. Dallas is struggling and will be looking for any type of advantage. Parsons can make game-changing plays. A sack or forced fumble could quickly give the Cowboys some momentum and allow them to hang around.
Rookie left tackle Brandon Coleman struggled the last two games. Kingsbury and his staff also want to avoid any hits to Daniels in the pocket. Whether committing to extra help blocking Parsons or using the quick passing game to minimize Parsons’ impact, the Commanders need to account for him on every snap.
Dan Quinn’s choice for captains were very deliberate.
Well, it was certainly no coincidence when Dan Quinn announced the Commanders’ captains for their game Sunday.
Quinn’s Commanders are playing host to the Cowboys on Sunday at 1 p.m. at Northwest Stadium. Consequently, Quinn named not one, not two, but all three captains to be former Dallas Cowboys, adding, “And all three of these guys have really had different ways they’ve made their impact with their teammates and on the team.”
Center Tyler Biadasz, DE Dante Fowler and CB Noah Igbinoghene were named the Commanders captains for the Week 12 contest against the Cowboys.
Biadasz spent his first four NFL seasons (2020-23) in Dallas, three of which were when Quinn served as defensive coordinator. Quinn brought Biadasz to Washington to add a veteran to the inside of the line and give rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels NFL experience. Biadasz has started all 11 games for the Commanders this season.
Fowler has been with Quinn while playing for the Florida Gators, Atlanta Falcons (2020), and the Cowboys (2022-23) and is now in Washington in 2024. Previously, Fowler was with the Rams (2018-2019) and played for the Jaguars (2016-18) after they drafted him third overall in the 2015 NFL draft.
This week’s captain representing the special team units is cornerback Noah Igbinoghene. Drated 30th overall in the 2020 NFL draft by the Dolphins, he played three seasons in Miami (2020-2022) before moving on to Dallas for the 2023 season. He followed Quinn to Washington, signing a one-year contract with the Commanders. Prior to coming to the Commanders, he had started only five games in his four seasons. But with Emmanuel Forbes struggling, Mike Sainristil often has to play outside corner, leaving the slot corner spot to Igbinoghene.
The Cowboys will have their top offensive player vs. Commanders.
The Washington Commanders (7-4) are playing the Dallas Cowboys (3-7) at the right time. The Cowboys saw several starters depart the game with injuries after a blowout loss to the Houston Texans on Monday night.
This week’s injury report featured several of Dallas’ best players, including CeeDee Lamb, Zack Martin, Tyler Smith, DaRon Bland, Trevon Diggs and others.
Dallas is already without quarterback Dak Prescott for the season. What other starters would miss Sunday’s NFC East showdown vs. Washington?
On Friday, the Cowboys released their final injury report and it did contain some good news. While tight end Jake Ferguson and safety Markquese Bell were ruled out, Lamb, who missed Thursday’s practice, will play Sunday.
Things don’t appear so positive for the future Hall of Famer Martin. Dallas listed him as doubtful with ankle and shoulder injuries. Martin has battled injuries all season.
Diggs, Smith and wide receiver Brandin Cooks are all questionable. Bland and fellow cornerback Jourdan Lewis will play on Sunday, though.
The Cowboys are in the middle of a five-game losing streak and coming off back-to-back blowout losses to Philadelphia and Houston.
Some of Daniel Jones’ best performances came against the Commanders.
The Washington Commanders will not miss Daniel Jones. On Friday, the New York Giants released Jones after six seasons with the team. It was an odd week that saw New York bench Jones, drop him to the scout team safety, promote Tommy DeVito — and not Drew Lock — and then allow Jones to say what looked like a goodbye and thank you to New York.
While the Commanders defeated the Giants in both meetings this season, Jones had two of his better performances against Washington. For his career against the Commanders, Jones completed 69% of his passes in nine career games against Washington, with 1,862 passing yards, 14 touchdowns and three interceptions. He’s also rushed for 410 yards and two touchdowns.
Jones has a 5-3-1 career record against the Commanders.
Needless to say, Washington fans have seen enough of “Danny Dimes.”
On Friday, X — formerly Twitter —reacted to the Giants releasing Jones.
Maybe it’s just because, as a Washington fan, I’ve seen all of his best games, but tbh I don’t really think Daniel Jones totally sucks ass. Very good physical tools, plus smart, plus tough. In a league where QBs now sometimes succeed after moving, I could see him starting again.
Kinda feel the same. The Giants are a complete disaster. We’ve seen many “bad” QB’s change teams and revive themselves. Wouldn’t be surprised if Jones was one of those down the road.
Interesting day.. on one hand, we have a network person mocking DJ’s written farewell, while the persons’ colleague attempts to provide cover by screaming about the teams ineptitude..
That part is fair game..
but it doesn’t cover it. mocking a 1st class person farewell letter.👎🏽
The Giants are 8-0 with Cam Ward at QB… We are looking elite…I’m in a New York pizza shop as I’m in town to go see the Giants Vs Commanders…and the cashier (Devito) takes my order….but as I peak thru the back…the guy making the pizza..is Daniel Jones pic.twitter.com/mWhobe8a8V
Washington Commanders cornerback Marshon Lattimore will miss his third consecutive game on Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys, head coach Dan Quinn announced Friday.
Acquired via trade from the New Orleans Saints three weeks ago, Lattimore has yet to practice for Washington as he rehabilitates a hamstring injury. Quinn said on Monday that Lattimore was trending in the right direction, and the Commanders knew fully about the hamstring injury ahead of the trade.
“We knew there was going to be some time where it wasn’t plug and play after the trade,” Quinn said. “And so, what I look for from the player to see, is he working as hard as he can to do that and learning as quick as he can? And good news for us is that Marshon’s like absolutely savage worker, wants to go be as ready as you can and digging in, but we’re just not going to take the chance.”
Washington plays Tennessee in Week 13 before a Week 14 bye. The Commanders could be targeting a Week 15 debut for Lattimore, which, coincidentally, will be against Lattimore’s former team, the New Orleans Saints.
Robert Griffin III is Washington’s Legend of the Game for Week 12.
The Washington Commanders announced a “Legend of the Game” for every home game this season. The last time out, it was former linebacker LaVar Arrington. The No. 2 overall pick from the 2000 NFL draft had been at odds with the organization for years due to former owner Dan Snyder.
On Sunday, the Commanders host the Dallas Cowboys, and this week’s “legend” is former quarterback Robert Griffin III. Like Arrington, Griffin is also a former No. 2 overall pick (2012).
Griffin is best known for his magical rookie season, where he led the then-Redskins to an NFC East title under the leadership of Mike and Kyle Shanahan.
However, things went south quickly in 2013, and Griffin’s career in Washington was never the same. He played three more seasons in Washington before one year in Cleveland and three in Baltimore as a backup to Lamar Jackson.
Robert Griffin III will be the Commanders’ Legend of the Game on Sunday vs. Dallas.
Perhaps Griffin’s best game in Washington came in the 2012 Thanksgiving Day game at Dallas, where he passed for 304 yards and four touchdowns in a Redskins’ victory.
Griffin was back for Washington’s alumni game last season under new owner Josh Harris. Griffin most recently worked as an analyst for ESPN and remains a prolific social media user.
On Thursday, Commanders DC Joe Whitt Jr. was asked what has impressed him the most about rookie cornerback Mike Sainristil.
Whitt didn’t waste anytime answering the question.
“Mikey is just a high-level competitor. That’s what’s impressed me the most. He doesn’t shy away from anybody that’s in front of him.”
Gotta wrap, but watch Mike Sainristil (0) bench press Calvin Austin.
Sure enough, Sainristil was lined up outside against the likes of A.J. Brown in Washington’s 26-18 loss to Philadelphia in their Week 11 contest.
In the game, Sainristil not only provided good coverage on most of his assignments but also, for the first game this season, knocked down two passes intended for the receiver to whom he was assigned.
Whitt likes the former Michigan Wolverine’s flexibility and desire to adapt to whatever circumstances the Commanders need that week.
“We ask the young man to play inside and outside early and for the betterment of the defense and say, ‘Okay, we’re going to put you to the field, all right, and you’re going to stay there.’ And he’s made it at home.”
Coaches are always concerned with how well a rookie will adapt to the pro game. Some adapt well, and some seem to have difficulty with the upgrade in talent and complexity of schemes each week.
Whitt is confident in Sainristil’s ability to listen carefully and communicate clearly. Whitt likes Sainristil’s maturity.
“He’s not playing like a rookie, and he doesn’t communicate like a rookie. If you’ve talked to the young man, he’s very polished, he’s very mature. And so, but just the way his competitive spirit is what I’m most impressed with.”
Daniels injured his ribs in a Week 7 win over the Carolina Panthers. And while he didn’t miss any games, he hasn’t been as sharp as he was in the first seven weeks. Daniels is coming off his worst NFL performance in last week’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
However, this week, Daniels said the few extra days of rest that come with a Thursday night game were good for him. Quinn noted that the missed practice time impacted Daniels and the offense more than the injury.
Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury explained what he was looking for from Daniels in practice this week.
“I think you just give back to the basics, the fundamentals, and really hone in on those,” Kingsbury said on Thursday. “I think anytime you have a couple games that aren’t to maybe the level we all want to be at, you narrow the focus, and it’s like, ‘Hey, let’s nail the footwork, let’s nail the reads, progressions, the base stuff and start there.’ And, he’s the guy who, when he is working at it, he works really hard, he’s very focused, and so this week has been good to see him back out there going full speed and getting the reps that I think will help us play at a higher level.”
Was Kingsbury subtly saying that the offense was a bit more limited with Daniels dealing with a rib injury in recent weeks?
“I’m not gonna divulge what we did while he was, I would say, more banged up, but hopefully we play better this week. I’ll just say that.”
Kingsbury didn’t say it, but what he meant is clear. The Washington offense wasn’t exactly the same in previous weeks, and some of that can be attributed to playing against better defenses, too.
Daniels, Kingsbury and the rest of the Commanders have a chance to bounce back Sunday against the reeling Dallas Cowboys.
