As the Thanksgiving festivities kick off, the NFC East rivalry takes center stage, with the Washington Commanders facing off against the Dallas Cowboys in the middle chapter of a Thanksgiving Day Trilogy. The turkey is on the line, and both teams are hungry for a win. Dallas, coming off a convincing victory against Carolina, is looking to maintain its dominance against sub-500 teams.
Dallas Cowboys Dominance: A Common Denominator
Dallas has been impressive this season, boasting seven wins against teams like the Giants, Jets, Patriots, Chargers, Rams, Giants (again), and the Panthers. Interestingly, none of these teams have an above .500 record. The key to Dallas’ success? Relentless pressure on opposing quarterbacks, as evidenced by Demarcus Lawrence and company wreaking havoc in the backfield.
Washington Commanders’ Struggle: Inconsistent Performances
On the other side of the field, the Washington Commanders enter the matchup with a 4-7 record, having recently suffered a defeat at the hands of the low-scoring New York Giants. Quarterback Sam Howell, despite moments of promise, threw three interceptions last week, emphasizing the learning curve he faces. Washington’s hopes hinge on Howell’s performance, as he aims to lead the team to victory.
Howell’s Challenge: Facing Dallas’s Pass Rush
Sam Howell’s biggest challenge this week is Dallas’s formidable pass rush, led by defensive sensation Micah Parsons. Parsons, with 10 sacks on the season, poses a significant threat to Howell’s pocket presence. Washington’s offensive line must step up to protect their quarterback, who has been sacked more times than any other quarterback in the league.
Hoping to Command a Run Game : Washington’s Ground Attack vs. Dallas’s Defense
Washington’s run game, coming off a strong showing with 174 yards and 6.2 yards per carry, presents a potential mismatch against Dallas’s defense, which has shown vulnerability against the run. Brian Robinson and Sam Howell’s dual threat on the ground could be a key factor for Washington.
Air Assault: Prescott and Lamb vs. Washington’s Secondary
Dak Prescott and his favorite target, CeeDee Lamb, are set to exploit Washington’s secondary, which gave up multiple touchdowns to opposing receivers in recent weeks. Lamb, with a touchdown or 100 yards-plus in each of his last five games, is a significant threat. Washington’s defense needs to step up to counter the aerial assault.
Prediction: Can Washington Upset the Thanksgiving Tradition?
While the Cowboys traditionally shine on Thanksgiving, Washington aims to disrupt the status quo. The matchup promises an exciting clash of strengths and weaknesses, and if Washington can navigate Dallas’s strong offensive line and disrupt Prescott’s rhythm, an upset might be in the cards.
Conclusion: Thanksgiving Tradition and Predictions
As fans prepare to enjoy their holiday feast, the NFC East showdown between the Washington Commanders and the Dallas Cowboys adds an extra layer of excitement to the Thanksgiving celebration. Will Dallas continue its dominance, or can Washington pull off a holiday upset? As tradition dictates, the star will shine bright, but the outcome remains uncertain. Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving filled with football, food, and festivities!
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