The Washington Commanders renew their historic rivalry with the Dallas Cowboys this weekend. And it'll take a collective effort if head coach Dan Quinn's squad wants to avoid going into an early 0-2 hole this season.
Dallas hasn't been Washington's happiest hunting ground in recent years. Things are different now, but it is still a legitimate coin flip with many unknowns.
Everyone has to meet or exceed expectations. The Commanders must start a lot better than they did against the Philadelphia Eagles, especially on offense. But if they can quiet the crowd and bring the urgency needed to make the Cowboys a little nervous, they stand a good chance of pulling off a morale-boosting win.
Before then, here are eight Commanders players who must step up and increase their contributions against Dallas in Week 2.
Washington Commanders players who must raise their game against the Cowboys in Week 2
Jacory Croskey-Merritt - Commanders RB
The Commanders need running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt to protect the football. He fumbled again against the Eagles, and even though Washington recovered it, Dan Quinn still took him out of the firing line.
This was a strong message to Croskey-Merritt. It doesn't matter how bigger or more explosive he gets; if he cannot hold onto the football, this is only going to end one way.
Croskey-Merritt knows it, and he'll strive to improve moving forward. But the Cowboys will also know they can capitalize on his ball security for potential turnovers.
The 2025 seventh-round pick needs a big game. The Commanders need to control the clock, and running the ball effectively is the best way to do it. Anything less, and sixth-round rookie Kaytron Allen may be thrown into the fire.
Nick Allegretti - Commanders OL
Arguably no player is being scrutinized more than Nick Allegretti right now.
The Commanders took a massive risk by making him the starting center, with no real competition for his job. Missing almost all of training camp wasn't ideal, and his poor performance against the Eagles did nothing to ease concerns.
Washington just has to hope Allegretti responds positively.
He won't face a tandem like Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis every week, but Washington cannot afford for the Illinois product to become a weak link. Signing Lucas Patrick this week also gives them an experienced contingency plan if the same struggles continue.
Snapping the football better is crucial. Allegretti must do his job, communicate well pre-snap, and stop blowing his assignments. And with Pro Bowl defensive lineman Quinnen Williams looking to make his presence felt, it will be another long afternoon at the office for the Super Bowl winner if he cannot be more consistent.
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