The Dallas Cowboys (3-7) are limping into their Week 12 matchup against the Washington Commanders (7-4) with little more than pride on the line. Washington, on the other hand, is surging under former Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, who has revitalized the Commanders into a playoff contender.
For Dallas, the mission is simple: play spoiler and snap a five-game losing streak. Here are three critical strategies that could help the underdog Cowboys pull off an upset.
1. Pressure the Rookie Quarterback
Jayden Daniels, Washington’s rookie quarterback, is making waves in his debut season. The former LSU standout has thrown for 2,338 yards, 10 touchdowns, and just three interceptions. His 68.7% completion rate and fifth-ranked QBR (67.6) highlight his precision.
🔮 check the date out about me talking about Jayden Daniels being rookie of the year! pic.twitter.com/cAXwMwnOlI
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) November 20, 2024
Daniels isn’t just a threat through the air; he’s electric on the ground. With 482 rushing yards—second only to Lamar Jackson among quarterbacks—he has proven he can beat defenses with his legs.
Dallas must disrupt Daniels’ rhythm early. Linebacker Micah Parsons, who has tallied 12 pressures and two sacks in his last two games, will be key to containing the dual-threat rookie. Second-year linebacker DeMarvion Overshown also brings the explosiveness necessary to challenge Daniels’ mobility.
JAYDEN DANIELS CLUTCH FIRST DOWN RUN
This kid is electric!#HTTC pic.twitter.com/LT2cKVWjyf
— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) September 15, 2024
If the Cowboys can force Daniels into uncomfortable situations, they stand a better chance of neutralizing his game-changing ability.
2. Protect the Football at All Costs
Turnovers have plagued Dallas all season. The Cowboys are tied for first in the league with 20 turnovers, including 11 interceptions and nine fumbles lost. In contrast, Washington’s defense has forced only 10 turnovers, tied for 20th in the NFL.
Dallas cannot afford to gift the Commanders extra possessions. Quarterback play has been inconsistent since Dak Prescott’s injury, and backups have struggled to secure the ball. Over the last two games, the Cowboys have turned it over seven times, including four fumbles in a 34-6 blowout loss to Philadelphia.
Mistake-free football is non-negotiable if Dallas hopes to stay competitive. Winning the turnover battle is critical.
Dallas Cowboys turnover differential over the last 10 seasons:
2015: -22
2016: +5
2017: -1
2018: +3
2019: -1
2020: -3
2021: +14
2022: +10
2023: +10
2024: -10 (on pace for -19)— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) November 11, 2024
3. Strengthen the Run Defense
Washington boasts one of the NFL’s most balanced rushing attacks, ranking sixth in yards per game (148.0) and scoring 19 touchdowns on the ground. Led by Brian Robinson Jr. (524 yards, seven TDs), Austin Ekeler (333 yards, four TDs), and Jeremy McNichols, the Commanders have three backs capable of shredding opposing defenses.
Add Daniels’ rushing prowess, and Dallas faces an uphill battle. The Cowboys’ run defense ranks 31st, allowing 151 yards per game and 18 touchdowns this season. They’ve given up 140 or more rushing yards in six games, underscoring their vulnerability against strong ground games.
To have any chance, the Cowboys’ front seven must tighten up, limit explosive runs, and force the Commanders to rely on their passing attack.
After only 11 games this season, the Commanders have surpassed their rushing totals from all of 2023
2023 (17 games): 1592 yards (4.4 ypa) & 14 rush TD’s
2024 (11 games): 1628 yards (4.8 ypa) & 19 rush TD’s#RTDB pic.twitter.com/P7WkswEc7y
— RefTheDistrict (@RefTheDistrict) November 20, 2024
The Bottom Line
The Cowboys face a daunting challenge on Thanksgiving against a well-rounded Washington team coached by a familiar face. To turn the tide, Dallas must stifle Jayden Daniels, eliminate turnovers, and shore up their run defense.
With little left to play for, the Cowboys have nothing to lose—and that might just make them dangerous. Will they deliver a Thanksgiving miracle, or will Washington continue its march toward the postseason? Stay tuned.
