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3 Cowboys weaknesses that can help Commanders pull off Week 4 win

By Jerry Trotta

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 26: Saquon Barkley #26 of the New York Giants scores a 36 yard touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during the third quarter in the game at MetLife Stadium on September 26, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 26: Saquon Barkley #26 of the New York Giants scores a 36 yard touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during the third quarter in the game at MetLife Stadium on September 26, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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The last time the Washington Commanders traveled to Arlington they got embarrassed in primetime. You remember how the game went. With the entire country watching on Sunday Night Football, the Commanders fell behind 21-0 after the first quarter and ultimately trailed 42-7 by the end of the second quarter.

The good news? The Cowboys will likely be without Dak Prescott, who’s owned Washington in his career but is still recovering from thumb surgery.

There should also be a sense of desperation in Ashburn after the Commanders got pummeled by the Eagles last Sunday and witnessed Philly fans take over FedEx Field and create a home game atmosphere for Jalen Hurts and Co.

The ingredients are certainly there for the Commanders to “upset” the Cowboys on the road. Though Ron Rivera will have to implement his own game plan, these Dallas weaknesses could set the stage for a season-changing win for Washington.

3 Cowboys weaknesses that bode well for the Commanders

3. Cooper Rush isn’t mobile

If you’ve watched the Cowboys the last two games, you know Cooper Rush is better than seemingly everyone gave him credit for. Give him time in the pocket and the former Central Michigan standout will pick apart a secondary.

That’s certainly a cause for Washington, which hasn’t been able to stop Jacksonville, Detroit or Philadelphia through the air. Having said that, Rush is as stationary as they come in the pocket. If the Commanders’ pass rush, which has underwhelmed thus far, is able to get home, they should  stymie Dallas’ limited aerial attack.

That’s easier said than done, especially with Montez Sweat performing well under expectations to start the year. Through three games, the former first-round pick has zero sacks, zero tackles for loss and five quarterback hits. In Week 3 vs Philly, Sweat didn’t manage a single hurry, pressure, or QB hit on 31 pass-rushing snaps.

Luckily for Washington, the interior of Dallas’ offensive line is highly suspect so Jonathan Allen, who didn’t have a huge impact against the Eagles, and Daron Payne, maybe the Commanders’ player of the season thus far, should be able to wreak some havoc and get into the backfield.

It’s a big if, but if Washington can manufacture consistent pressure, Rush will either coil up, throw the ball away or force unnecessary passes.

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