3 winners (and 4 losers) from Commanders defeat vs. Cowboys in Week 12

Winner No. 3

Terry McLaurin - Commanders WR

It was a frustrating first half for Terry McLaurin. The Washington Commanders' offensive difficulties meant the Pro Bowl pass-catcher became an afterthought going up versus DaRon Bland. This changed in the second half, which almost took the home team to an unlikely overtime.

McLaurin showed his outstanding elusiveness to take a Jayden Daniels completion 86 yards to the house. Northwest Stadium went into delirium once again, but kicker Austin Seibert was unable to close the deal after missing the extra point to seal their fate.

The former third-round pick out of Ohio State brought in five receptions from six targets for 102 receiving yards and a score. McLaurin was double-teamed almost constantly, which was expected considering there isn't anybody else to strike fear into the hearts of opposing defenses in the passing game.

Kliff Kingsbury needs to do a better job of scheming McLaurin open. He's the team's most consistent wide receiver by a considerable margin. If others lived up to their end of the bargain, the Commanders would have had a much easier time of it versus their struggling division rivals.

Loser No. 4

Kliff Kingsbury - Commanders OC

Dan Quinn was quick to bemoan the lack of execution rather than teams figuring out what the Commanders were doing offensively as the reason behind their regression. However, it's clear for all to see that something has shifted over the last month.

The scheme looks predictable. Opposing defenses are figuring it out quickly and coordinator Kliff Kingsbury doesn't make the right adjustments.

They were too conservative right out of the gate in this one, which caused complications. Not having running back Brian Robinson Jr. firing on all cylinders after he got injured on Washington's first offensive drive wasn't ideal, but the Commanders had more than enough to dispose of the depleted Cowboys.

Only when the Commanders were chasing the game and Dallas went to a more preventive defense did the scheme open up slightly. There's hesitancy from Kingsbury's standpoint where once there was nothing but conviction. The honeymoon period is over and changes need to be implemented as a matter of urgency.

Kingsbury is an accomplished coach. Hopefully, he'll find the right solutions to secure better fortunes in Week 13 against the Tennessee Titans.

More Commanders news and analysis