The Washington Commanders are hoping a mini bye can assist them get again on target Sunday once they host a fading Dallas Cowboys crew coming off a brief week.
The Commanders (7-4), sitting in 2nd position within the NFC East, have now not performed since taking a 26-18 loss to the first-place Philadelphia Eagles on Nov. 14. The Cowboys (3-7) took their 5th immediately loss on Monday night time, falling 34-10 to the Houston Texans.
After a one-point loss to the rugged Pittsburgh Steelers, adopted via the compressed time table that led into the Thursday night time recreation at Philadelphia, the Commanders had been in a position to relaxation and get wholesome with the additional days.
“I used to be in a position to reset and refocus, restart,” rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels stated Wednesday. “It is roughly wanted in an extended season like that. It used to be nice to break out for a bit bit, however I am happy that we are again now.”
The offense can use a reset. Daniels finished simply 59.1 p.c of his passes towards the Steelers and Eagles with a landing and an interception. He posted two of his 3 lowest passer rankings of the season in the ones video games.
The Commanders are averaging 22.5 issues over their previous 4 video games, greater than a landing not up to over the 1st seven video games of the season (31.1).
“I do not believe any person is hitting the panic button, however on the similar time there is a lot to strengthen on,” Washington tight finish Zach Ertz stated. “There may be a large number of urgency that is going with that.”
It is going to be a reunion of varieties for Commanders head trainer Dan Quinn, who served as Dallas’ defensive coordinator for the former 3 seasons.
The Cowboys went 2-0 towards the Commanders closing season however arrive in D.C. a double-digit underdog after shedding 5 video games via a mixed 172-70.
“Now we have a large number of transferring portions happening, and we simply need to be cleaner and extra detailed in sure spots,” Cowboys trainer Mike McCarthy stated. “We are not taking part in neatly sufficient, now not executing neatly sufficient, training neatly sufficient to conquer probably the most errors we are making in crucial occasions of the sport.”
The Cowboys’ minus-11 turnover differential is tied for 2nd worst within the league.
On protection, Dallas ranks 6th from the ground within the NFL, permitting 365.7 yards according to recreation, and 2nd to closing in issues allowed (29.3).
The Cowboys have additionally been afflicted via gradual begins. Dallas has produced the hole ranking in simplest 3 of its 10 video games.
Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush is anticipated to make his 3rd consecutive get started after throwing for 354 yards, one landing and one interception towards Houston.
“We’ve got were given seven losses. We gotta pass,” McCarthy stated. “Backs towards the wall. Gotta battle, claw, scratch. Gotta do the whole lot we will to head win the following recreation. That is the place my thoughts’s at. That is the method we trainer and that’s the reason the expectancy.
With regards to excellent information for Dallas, All-Professional cornerback DaRon Bland (foot) returned to follow and used to be a complete player on Wednesday. As well as, huge receiver Brandin Chefs (knee) and defensive finish Marshawn Kneeland (knee) are eligible to come back off IR.
Amongst the ones now not working towards for Dallas on Wednesday had been tight finish Jake Ferguson (concussion), fullback Hunter Luepke (calf) and guards Zach Martin (ankle/shoulder) and Tyler Smith (ankle/knee). Broad receiver CeeDee Lamb (again/foot) used to be restricted.
Washington protection Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) didn’t follow Wednesday, doing his paintings on a facet box, however seems to be trending in the suitable course with regards to taking part in Sunday. Linebacker Nick Bellore (knee) used to be absent from the Wednesday consultation.
–Box Stage Media
