In Arlington, Texas, the Washington Commanders delivered a thrilling 23-19 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, exceeding preseason expectations. Yet, beneath the win, concerns about their roster’s weaknesses loom, especially with the playoffs on the horizon. Let’s delve into the game and see what it means moving forward.
The Commanders’ struggles on both sides of the trenches were evident, as their defensive line faced challenges pressuring the Cowboys’ quarterback Trey Lance and containing the run game. Offensively, Washington’s line found it tough to carve out space for their running backs, limiting their ground attack. Not exactly fresh issues for the Commanders, as these have lingered since the bye week. Ranking 23rd in pressure rate and dead last in running back yards per carry paints a worrisome picture, particularly with the third-seed Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7) up next. Tampa’s strengths in run defense and inside rushing could exploit these Washington vulnerabilities.
However, the Commanders have proven resilient, thanks in large part to the mettle of quarterback Jayden Daniels. Riding a five-game winning streak, Washington’s knack for clutch performances has defined them. Coach Dan Quinn praises his team’s ability to shake off frustration without pointing fingers, always ready to fight back.
Nick Allegretti, who knows a thing or two about playoff pressure from his Super Bowl-winning days with the Kansas City Chiefs, voices the significance of confidence in postseason games. For the Commanders, doubt isn’t part of the game plan.
But make no mistake, their challenges are real and could be exploited by Tampa Bay’s potent offense, led by a rejuvenated Baker Mayfield. Expect Tampa’s defense to pressure Washington heavily, especially if center Tyler Biadasz, dealing with an ankle injury, remains sidelined. Backup Michael Deiter will have to fend off Tampa’s aggressive schemes, orchestrated by their blitz-happy coach Todd Bowles.
On offense, Washington’s run game woes persist, with even the return of Austin Ekeler from concussion falling flat against the Cowboys. Despite the struggles, Coach Quinn remains optimistic, stressing the importance of balance and believing in potential improvements.
Offensive Coordinator Kliff Kingsbury echoes confidence, though highlighting that winning without a strong run game hinges on a healthy Daniels, who earlier dealt with leg soreness but seemed unfazed after Sunday’s skirmish. Playoff victory will require surmounting the chains’ challenges, especially when their second down distances on average stretch to nearly ten yards.
Zach Ertz, tight end, emphasizes the need for faster game starts, acknowledging there’s room for improvement as the Commanders aim to avoid scenarios where only a comeback can save them.
Even if Daniels is back to his best and the Commanders hold their own in a shootout, the Buccaneers might have an edge. Rookie running back Bucky Irving is thriving in Tampa, especially between the tackles, showcasing his ability to power through defenses.
Commanders defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. knows the challenge at hand — to excel in playoff football means stopping the run effectively. He stresses proper alignment and blocking, staying alert to avoid being caught out by fast motions and maintaining edge control.
But these adjustments weren’t fully realized in Dallas. The Cowboys, though having struggled in yards per carry all season, exploited these Commanders’ issues with effective situational runs, including critical conversions before halftime.
As the Commanders look towards a high-stakes clash in Tampa, the solution lies in mitigating these running game deficiencies. However, Jayden Daniels’ brilliance could be the ultimate game-changer, potentially overshadowing any deficiencies the team may face.
