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

2. Cowboys cant’ help but give up penalties

Penalties are a huge reason why Dallas crashed out of the first round in the playoffs last campaign. Wouldn’t you know it, that problem hasn’t gone away, which isn’t at all surprising given Mike McCarthy is still piloting the Cowboys’ operation.

Here’s a week-by-week breakdown of Dallas’ penalty woes:

• Week 1: 10 penalties for 73 yards
• Week 2: 5 penalties for 45 yards
• Week 3: 8 penalties for 57 yards

That’s 23 penalties in three games, folks. While there isn’t really a way the Commanders can exploit this, all they have to do is keep the game close. As sure as tax season returns every year, the Cowboys will shoot themselves in the foot with penalties. It’s almost like penalty roulette every week. Whether it be a false start, holding, pass interference or unsportsmanlike conduct, you never know what it’s gonna be.

The Cowboys led the NFL in penalties last year, racked up a whopping 17 in their first preseason game and have 23 through three games. Only the Broncos (30) and Saints and Giants (both at 24 flags) have more than McCarthy’s squad.

If the Commanders keep Sunday’s game close, a couple of penalties against the Cowboys could end up making all the difference. At the very least, Dallas will commit a couple boneheaded flags that will swing momentum in Washington’s favor.