4 keys to victory for Commanders vs. Cowboys in Week 4
It’s Dallas week for the Washington Commanders [1-2], who look to end a two-game losing streak on Sunday against the Cowboys [2-1]. Dallas will be without starting quarterback Dak Prescott for the third consecutive game as backup Cooper Rush looks to go 4-0 as a starting quarterback.
On the other side, Washington quarterback Carson Wentz looks to get back on track after taking nine sacks last week against the Eagles. In his first two games with the Commanders, Wentz passed for 650 yards and seven touchdowns before last week’s debacle.
Can Washington slow down Dallas’ NFL-leading pass rush? Or will the Cowboys be too much for the Commanders’ offensive line?
We’ve identified four keys to a Commanders’ victory Sunday.
Make Cooper Rush beat you
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush (10) looks toward the Cincinnati Bengals sideline after throwing a touchdown pass to Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard (20).
Nfl Cincinnati Bengals At Dallas Cowboys Sept 18, 2204
Remember when Washington’s defense was supposed to be a team strength? Look, if the Commanders expect to turn their season around, they’ll need the defense to play much better. That includes beating backup quarterbacks. That’s not meant to disparage Cooper Rush, who has done a nice job. He isn’t Prescott, who has had plenty of success vs. Washington. The Commanders need to commit an extra defender in the box to limit Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard and force Rush to make throws under pressure.
Find a way to get pressure on Rush
Washington Commanders defensive end Montez Sweat (90). Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
The Commanders need to get more pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Montez Sweat had a terrific Week 1 but has been quiet over the last two weeks. He’s facing a rookie in Tyler Smith — a talented rookie —and needs to take advantage of this opportunity. Remember Sweat’s touchdown in Dallas two years ago? Those are the types of plays he is capable of, and Washington’s defense has lacked.
If the Commanders aren’t winning up front, defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio needs to manufacture some pressure, whether it be from linebackers or safeties. Washington needs to force Rush into mistakes.
Stay out of 3rd and long
Washington Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz (11) prepares to take a snap as Commanders offensive coordinator Scott Turner. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
One of the bigger issues that plagued Washington last week was how much the Commanders were in 3rd and long. You can’t live that way in the NFL. If you want to limit pressure on Wentz, keep him out of obvious dropback passing situations. If Washington struggles to run the ball, there are ways to pick up yards on early downs. Offensive coordinator Scott Turner can feature running backs Antonio Gibson and J.D. McKissic in the short passing game, something that is a strength for both players.
Ideally, you want to run the ball. Regardless, Turner must find ways to keep the chains moving.
Utilize Samuel, McLaurin and Dotson
Washington Commanders wide receiver Jahan Dotson (1) celebrating his touchdown with teammate wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17).(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
In the first three games, the Commanders haven’t done enough to involve Terry McLaurin early in the game. It doesn’t have to be deep shots. McLaurin can dominate at every level on the field, and the rest of the offense plays off McLaurin. The more attention McLaurin draws, the better for Washington’s other weapons.
Curtis Samuel fits in the previous category, too, because Wentz has liked to throw short passes to Samuel and let him use his speed and moves after the catch. The best part of Samuel’s game is he can line up anywhere, including the backfield.
Finally, you have Jahan Dotson. This is the type of player Washington has lacked opposite of McLaurin. Dotson does everything well, and the more Turner finds ways to involve each receiver, the more stress he puts on a terrific Dallas defense.
Of course, none of this matters if Washington can’t protect Wentz or Wentz holds onto the football for too long.
