3 winners (and 4 losers) from Commanders defeat vs. Cowboys in Week 12
By Dean Jones
Fans were expecting the Washington Commanders to steamroll the Dallas Cowboys and finally turn the tide of this storied rivalry. What followed was their most disappointing performance of the season en route to a third-straight loss.
The Commanders now find themselves at 7-5 with their postseason aspirations hanging by a thread. This was the clearest sign yet of how much hard work remains despite a promising start to general manager Adam Peters' long-term plan for growth.
Questions are now being asked. Accusations of having a fraudulent record were quick to arrive following the defeat. The Commanders were double-digit favorites heading into the contest, so to lose in this manner was deeply concerning.
This is a time for big characters and stern resolve. It's a good group with the right blend of youth and experience, but the confidence that exuded from the Commanders earlier in the campaign has vanished, replaced by tentativeness and poor execution at the worst possible time.
A huge effort is needed to turn things around. Before then, here are three winners and four losers from Washington's dismal reverse to the Cowboys in Week 12.
Winners and losers from Commanders' defeat vs. Cowboys in Week 12
Loser No. 1
Commanders offensive line
After an encouraging first half of 2024, things are coming apart for the offensive line. They are banged up and disjointed, which is a far cry from what rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels had in front of him earlier in the campaign.
The Dallas Cowboys' defensive front was eager to gain the early advantage. Once they achieved this feat, Mike Zimmer's unit kept their foot on the gas and made life extremely difficult for the Washington Commanders' protection.
Daniels was sacked four times, and things could have been a lot worse had it not been for the signal-caller's elusiveness. The Commanders couldn't get any legitimate push in the run game. This was arguably the most concerning element of the equation when one considers how lackluster Dallas has been in this key discipline.
This group desperately needs the bye week to rest, heal up, and adjust heading into their crucial stretch of games down the stretch. But one big effort is needed before then against stud defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons and the Tennessee Titans.