Commanders vs. Cowboys: 4 keys to a Week 12 victory

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.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88). Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Eliminate CeeDee Lamb

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.

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (11). Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Neutralize Micah Parsons

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.