Tag: 2024 nfl season

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.

Commanders vs. Cowboys injury report: Latest updates, news for Thursday

The second injury report for Week 12 is out and the Cowboys had six players out.

The Washington Commanders returned to practice Thursday in preparation for the Dallas Cowboys. Cornerback Marshon Lattimore continues to miss practice, but there were positive developments regarding Lattimore.

According to John Keim of ESPN, Lattimore “did a lot of work on the side. CB movements, tracking the ball, cutting to defend a pass. Was about 3/4 speed when we were watching.”

This is a positive development, considering it’s the most work Lattimore has done since his arrival three weeks ago. Whether he plays on Sunday against Dallas or not, he appears to be trending in the right direction.

Now, for the rest of the injury report — it remains ugly for the Cowboys, but let’s begin with the Commanders.

Here is the Commanders’ complete injury report for Thursday:

Did not participate: CB Marshon Lattimore (hamstring), DE Clelin Ferrell (knee), CB Michael Davis (NIR/personal)

Limited participants: K Austin Seibert (right hip),  CB Noah Igbinoghene (thumb), LB Nick Bellore (knee), OLB Dante Fowler Jr. (hip)

Full participants: DE Javontae Jean-Baptiste (ankle), LB Jordan Magee (elbow), T Brandon Coleman (thumb), DE Dorance Armstrong (knee), TE Ben Sinnott (illness)

Here is the Cowboys’ injury report for Thursday:

Did not participate: TE Jake Ferguson (concussion), G Zack Martin (ankle, shoulder), G Tyler Smith (ankle, knee), LB Nick Vigil (foot), WR CeeDee Lamb (back, foot), S Markquese Bell (shoulder)

Limited participants: WR Brandin Cooks (knee),  DE Marshawn Kneeland (knee), CB Jourdan Lewis (neck), FB Hunter Luepke (calf), CB Trevon Diggs (groin, knee)

Full participants: CB DaRon Bland (foot), T Chuma Edoga (toe), T Tyler Guyton (shoulder), LB Eric Kendricks (shoulder)

Kliff Kingsbury offers hilariously sarcastic way for Commanders to avoid 2nd-half slump

Kliff Kingsbury’s got jokes.

For the first half of this season, the Washington Commanders were breaking offensive records. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels looked like the next NFL superstar but over the last few weeks, the offense hasn’t been as dominant.

There are reasons. Daniels suffered a rib injury in the Week 7 win over Carolina, missed some critical practice time, and has been less sharp in recent weeks. The Commanders have also played a more difficult schedule, facing two of the NFL’s top defenses in the past two games.

Others believe Washington’s recent offensive slowdown is due to teams figuring out offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. In his history at Texas Tech and with the Arizona Cardinals, some of Kingsbury’s teams haven’t been as effective in the second half of seasons.

Context is required, though. Kingsbury’s teams sometimes had terrible defenses or injuries, particularly at quarterback. Regardless, there is a bit of a trend.

Kingsbury met with the media on Thursday and was asked about those trends. He said he has no plans to break those trends, and he’d need to see “what years” the offensive declines occurred.

He then offered a solution.

“I was thinking about doing triple option,” Kingsbury said. “We’re going to do what we do.”

We think Kingsbury was joking, but no offensive coordinator in the NFL has been more creative this season. In looking at Washington’s offense the past few weeks, Kingsbury’s schemes and play-calling have not been the problem. It’s been the execution.

Don’t be surprised if the Commanders run the triple option on a play or two this week, either.

 

 

 

Texans-Cowboys Week 11: Offense, defense and special teams snap counts

Here’s the snap count total from the Houston Texans’ 34-10 win over the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on Monday Night Football.

That’s more like the Houston Texans fans expected to see in 2024.

Behind a three-touchdown performance from running back Joe Mixon, the Texans secured bragging rights in the Lone Star State with a 34-10 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on “Monday Night Football.”

Mixon, who’s averaged 101.3 yards per game over his last five outings, finished with 109 rushing yards and 53 total yards while helping Houston break its nine-quarter drought without a touchdown in the second half.

“Joe, when he’s on, he’s a force for us,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “The run game starts with our offensive line. I challenged them to play fast, play aggressive. I thought they did a really nice job. I really like the way we just kept churning it in the run game, and proud of the guys for stepping up to the challenge.”

Mixon tied a Texans single-game record for rushing touchdowns, becoming the fourth player in franchise history to accomplish the feat. He also secured his 10 rushing touchdown of the season, which marks the highest number of rushing scores by a Texans player since Arian Foster in 2012.

The 24-point victory margin was the Texans’ largest win since a 31-point swing over the Cleveland Browns during last year’s postseason run. It was also Houston’s most lop-sided victory over the Cowboys in seven meetings dating back to its inaugural season.

To emphasize how Houston looked, the Texans’ defense scored as many points as Dallas’ offense in one drive compared to 60 minutes. Defensive end Derek Barnett strip-sacked Cooper Rush in the fourth quarter, but the ball was recovered by Cowboys offensive tackle Tyler Guyton.

The rookie left tackle was then stripped by safety Jalen Pitre, landing in Barnett’s hands en route to the end zone for a 28-yard scoop-and-score.

“They flipped the momentum and got everybody juiced up on the sideline. It was just a huge play,” Ryans said.
Here’s the snap count from Monday night’s success:

Offensive snaps: 64
Defensive snaps: 83
Special teams snaps: 18

Nico Collins, who returned for the first time since Week 5 and finished with four catches for 54 yards, played only 32 snaps. John Metchie III, who caught three passes for 33 yards, finished second among receivers with 39 snaps while Tank Dell was credited with 41.

Mixon, who now ranks eighth overall in rushing yards despite missing three games, saw action on 81% of reps and finished with 153 total yards. Tight end Dalton Schultz was credited with 48 snaps while Cade Stover saw action on 45% of plays.

Defensively, Calen Bullock totaled his fourth straight game with 100% of reps. Derek Stingley Jr, who intercepted Rush and broke up a pair of passes intended for CeeDee Lamb and Jalen Tolbert, played 74 snaps along with linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair.

The Texans return home next week to face off against the Tennessee Titans in an AFC South showdown. They could have back defensive end Will Anderson Jr., who’s missed the previous two games while dealing with an ankle injury.

Kickoff from AT&T Stadium is scheduled for noon CT.

K Chris Boswell on track to break the single-season field goal record

Chris Boswell is on pace to break the NFL single-season field goal record, fueling the Steelers’ strong start to their 2024 campaign.

The ‘Wizard of Boz’ is truly onto something special in this spectacular start to the 8-2 Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2024 season. K Chris Boswell has all but locked up a potential third-straight AFC Special Teams Player of the Month award for November, and he is currently on pace to shatter one particular NFL record.

The single-season field goal record is held by David Akers, who made 44 field goals during the 2011 season. Akers had previously broken the 2005 record of 40 set by Neil Rackers, but Boswell is on pace to leave Akers’ record in the dust.

Through ten games played, Boswell has attempted 30 field goals and made 29 of them. He is averaging three attempts per game and is currently on pace to hit 49 field goals in the 2024 17-game season after his six field goals made in Week 11.

If Boswell achieves this historic feat, should the kicker at least be considered in the 2024 MVP race? After all, Boswell is perhaps the most responsible for the Steelers’ fantastic start to this season.

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Legendary NFL quarterback says injury is impacting Jayden Daniels’ play

Legendary former NFL QB says Jayden Daniels isn’t the same since injury.

When you’re hurt, you often overcompensate to make up for where you are hurting. That’s not just football; that’s with anything, whether you’re an athlete, mechanic, plumber, etc. But imagine being an NFL player, specifically a quarterback. That’s the predicament Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is currently in.

Daniels injured his ribs in a Week 7 win at Carolina. He played just one series before sitting out the remainder of the game. Daniels didn’t practice the following week but did play in the Week 8 win over the Chicago Bears. He completed 21 of 38 passes for a career-high 326 yards, including the game-winning Hail Mary to wide receiver Noah Brown.

Daniels looked limited as a runner but didn’t appear overly impacted throwing the football. However, in the weeks since, Daniels has missed throws he never misses. He’s missing easy routes over the middle — too high, too low, or just wide. It’s very unlike Daniels.

Daniels insists he’s fine, but what do you expect him to say?

Legendary former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Ron Jaworski said this week that Daniels was the best rookie quarterback he’s ever seen.

“He’s the best rookie quarterback I have ever seen,” Jaworski told the 94WIP Morning Show this week via Andrew Porter of Audacy. I’ve seen a lot of them. The guy has been absolutely phenomenal. His calmness, his ability to throw the ball deep, short, his anticipation. I look at his feet; he’s very calm in the pocket.”

Jaworski works as an analyst covering Eagles games these days and saw a different Daniels in Philly’s 26-18 win over Washington on Thursday night.

“The quarterback needs to be protected, and quite honestly, the last couple of weeks, he’s not the same guy that I’ve been looking at for the early part of the season,” Jaworski told BMitch & Finlay on 106.7 The Fan in Washington, D.C. on Friday, via Lou DiPietro of Audacy.

“The quick twitch out of the backfield isn’t there when he’s forced to run or when he’s got defenders attacking him, and that’s because of the injury. I’m not sure if it’s his ribs or chest, but he’s not been the same guy since he’s been hurt, and if you put a wounded quarterback in harm’s way, he’s not gonna perform the way he was. Jayden is the best young quarterback I’ve ever seen, and he’s gonna be a superstar, but if you keep putting him in harm’s way and he’s getting hit the way he’s getting hit, he’s not gonna be around.”

That is a good analysis from Jaworski, who has seen plenty of talented quarterbacks since he first joined the NFL 51 years ago. Daniels isn’t going to admit it or allow others to make excuses for him, but he’s clearly hurting.

The good news for the Commanders is that they had a few extra days off after Thursday’s game. Three weeks from now, they will finally have their bye week, giving Daniels time to get fully healthy for Washington’s playoff push.

Are the Commanders worn out and tired?

Are the Commanders’ recent struggles due to them badly needing a bye week?

The Commanders won’t get their bye until December 8.

Two weeks ago, the Commanders were 7-2, 2-0 in the NFC East divisional games. Today, they are 7-4, having led both of the last two games in the second half but lost both games in regulation.

Jayden Daniels looks tired and lacks the same energy. The offense actually only generated ten points until that final possession, when surely every Commanders fan noticed the Eagles were playing with less intensity, simply seeking to keep everything in front of them, chew up more clock, and end the game quicker.

Daniels played so well earlier in the season that we forgot he was a rookie. Thus, he is going through an NFL season for the first time. Thursday, he missed some open throws that he did not miss early in the season. Yet, in the last two games, we have seen him appear much more human.

Suddenly, Kliff Kingsbury’s offense has significantly slowed, scoring less. But then again, the Eagles are very talented defensively. How much of what is happening to the Commanders’ offense might be because there are now 11 games on film that are being watched closely by NFL opposing coaching staffs?

Thursday, the offense did not come easily. It struggled for the entire game. Did you notice that when Washington trailed 12-10, the Eagles’ defense suddenly made the Commanders’ offense look very weak?

  • 2nd-and-1 at the Eagles 25. Brian Robinson carry gets zero yards.
  • 3rd-and-1 at the Eagles 25. Brian Robinson loses one yard.
  • 4th-and-2, the entire play was a mess with the snap, missed blocks, and Daniels, having no place to go, was hit hard.

What now?

Some of this is the last two teams are better than most opponents this season.

Some of this is that Daniels is injured, beat up, and needs rest.

So, keep perspective: Did you forget Washington has not had a winning regular season since Kirk Cousins was starting in the 2015 and 2016 seasons?

 

Texans vs. Cowboys injury report: Latest updates, news for Friday

Several Texans players were not at practice on Thursday afternoon in preparation for Week 11’s showdown against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday

The Houston Texans have an extra day to prepare for their matchup against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium.

That means an extra day to get players healthy enough for action.

Receiver Nico Collins and defensive lineman Mario Edwards Jr. practiced in pads for the first time in nearly a month after being added back to the active roster.

Collins, who led the NFL in receiving yards with 567 during the first five games, missed the past five weeks with a hamstring injury. Collins, who was limited on Thursday, was a full participant on Friday and plans to be “good to go” against the in-state opponent.

Edwards, who started the first six games for the Texans, was recently activated after serving a four-game suspension without pay for violating the NFL’s substances of abuse policy.

The same might not be said about rookie cornerback Kamari Lassiter, who did not practice Tuesday afternoon.

Lassiter, Houston’s No. 2 cornerback, left during the third quarter of Week 10’s 26-23 loss against the Detroit Lions with a concussion. He’s currently in the protocol stages before being cleared to return.

Defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (ankle) and defensive tackle Foley Fatkukasi (foot) didn’t practice and might not make the trip north. Offensive tackle Blake Fisher (concussion) went from being is expected to be back on Friday.

Here’s a look at the injury report for the Texans and Cowboys after Friday’s practice:

Texans coach praises Cowboys backup QB Cooper Rush entering Week 11’s showdown

DeMeco Ryans sees the potential in Cooper Rush entering Week 11’s showdown between the Houston Texans and Dallas Cowboys.

Cooper Rush might be a backup quarterback, but it’s best not to doubt a player who’s been a part of a team for years.

It’s worse to doubt a passer who’s proven they can win on any given Sunday.

Rush, who’s served as Dak Prescott’s backup since joining the Dallas Cowboys out of Central Michigan in 2017, has filled in for the latter before because of injury.

Prescott suffered a broken right thumb in a dispiriting opening-day loss in 2022, thus leaving the balance of the regular season in the hands of Rush. He kept morale high, going 4-1 as a starter for an eventual postseason-bound roster.

Sitting at 3-6, the Cowboys would need a comeback for the ages to enter the NFC postseason race, but Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans isn’t rushing to conclusions on Rush.

“Cooper has been there a while and he understands how to operate the offense very efficiently,” Ryans said Thursday. “When it comes to everything, every operation that goes with the offense, the checks, getting them in the proper plays, Cooper does a great job of managing all of the pre-snap operations and he does a great job of getting the ball out, finding his playmakers, making really good decisions with the football.”

Prescott will miss the remainder of the regular season after undergoing hmastring surgery. Despite having former No. 3 overall pick Trey Lance on the roster, the Cowboys are sticking with Rush for another week.

Rush, who’s started six games in eight seasons, completed 13 of his 23 pass attempts for 45 yards and fumbled twice in Sunday’s 34-6 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy acknowledged that he “didn’t get Cooper into a rhythm” and said that Dallas needs to execute quicker if it plans on setting a tone.

For his career, Rush has completed 178 of 298 passes for 1,831 yards with nine touchdowns and six interceptions.

Ryans, who’s looking to get Houston back to its winning ways, isn’t paying attention to a Week 10 loss against the NFC East favorites. He’s looking at the body of work, which features Rush sitting at 4-2 all-time in the starting job.

“Cooper has a great record,” Ryans said. “When he’s started, he’s won a lot of games. So, we’re going in with the mindset of it being about the Texans and about us executing the right way.”

Kickoff from AT&T Stadium is scheduled for 7:15 p.m.

Commanders vs. Eagles: Best photos from Week 11

Here are the top photos from Thursday night’s NFC East battle between the Commanders and Eagles.

The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Washington Commanders 26-18 on Thursday night, increasing their NFC East lead to 1.5 games.

Eagles running back Saquon Barkley rushed for 146 yards and two touchdowns, with most of that damage coming in the fourth quarter. Washington entered the final quarter holding a 10-6 lead before the Eagles scored 20 points over the next seven minutes to pull away from the Commanders.

Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels struggled, completing 22 of 32 passes for 191 yards with a touchdown and interception, but most of those completions came on checkdowns or short passes.

Here are some of the best photos from the Week 11 edition of Thursday Night Football.