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

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.

Winner No. 1

Bobby Wagner - Commanders LB

There wasn't much to cheer for the Washington Commanders in this one. They almost stole it late before more individual errors caused their demise. But in all honesty, Dan Quinn's men got what they deserved.

If there was one shining light from the contest, it came at the defensive second level. Bobby Wagner was once again firing on all cylinders, securing eight tackles after another accomplished performance from the future first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer.

Wagner also managed to generate some encouraging pressure when called upon. Cooper Rush getting the football out quickly restricted this as the contest progressed. This made things more difficult for the former second-round pick given the pass rush was almost non-existent from their defensive line.

There's no doubt Wagner has more than enough solid production to warrant another one-year extension if he wants to continue playing. That's to be determined, but his veteran leadership and ability to motivate will be integral to steering this squad through their most turbulent spell of the campaign.

Loser No. 2

Commanders third-down offense

The Commanders' offense did not have a good day. A late rally padded the statistics to a certain degree, but Kliff Kingsbury unit didn't pass the eye test for arguably the fourth consecutive week.

This is a big problem. They set a high bar for themselves with one of the league's most efficient offenses earlier in the campaign. The drop-off is significant and concerning in equal measure. Some soul searching is needed or the Commanders' hard work to give them a fighting chance of making the postseason will be for nothing.

Washington's complications on third down were there for all to see. They converted 4-of-12 third downs and were completely lackluster during the opening exchanges. Kingsbury couldn't get his unit into a rhythm and paid a heavy price despite a fightback in the closing stages.

Not having an effective offense is having a ripple effect everywhere else. If anyone had said the Dallas Cowboys converted just 2-of-11 of their third downs before the game, an easy Washington victory would be the next prediction. That wasn't the case, so Kingsbury needs to come up with better solutions to this increasing frustration.

Winner No. 2

Frankie Luvu - Commanders LB

In fairness to the defense, it was another decent afternoon for the group. They were dealt a bad hand considering the offense didn't get anything going, but there were positives to take despite the result not going their way.

Frankie Luvu was at his relentless best throughout. The Washington Commanders are getting more than they bargained for from the ferocious linebacker. He's an integral part of the team's long-term plans and is the beating heart of this defense until further notice.

Luvu was around the football consistently against the run. Perhaps more impressive was his ability to make an impact in coverage, securing three pass breakups to continue his emergence into a legitimate total package.

The former Washington State standout will be needed more than ever in the coming weeks. Luvu's inspirational leadership is equally important given how confidence is fading rapidly. This is all about digging deep and showing the right resolve. And make no mistake, the Commanders' second-level enforcer will be at the forefront.

Loser No. 3

Commanders special teams

It's unfair to single out one person for the special teams' failings. The Commanders have gotten decent production from this unit overall throughout the campaign. Unfortunately, this trend didn't continue at the worst possible time.

Things started well enough. Phidarian Mathis blocked a field goal attempt early in the contest, but it didn't take long for things to unravel.

The coverage in the return game was troublesome. Austin Seibert missed two crucial extra points that could have turned the tide. They allowed a 99-yard kickoff to go to the house, which negated any opportunity the Commanders had to salvage something from the contest.

On the second and most critical extra-point miss, long-snapper Tyler Ott's distribution to Tress Way was abysmal. The Pro Bowl punter - who was the only one to emerge with any credit - did remarkably well to get the football into position. However, the damage had been done.

This should be a blip rather than anything too concerning. A lot of those at fault were taking things personally and seemed emotional after the defeat. Letting this define them is not an option with the Commanders still having plenty to play for down the stretch.

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.

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