Heading into Sunday’s game, both the Washington Commanders and the Dallas Cowboys were plagued by injuries. Dallas was without cornerback Trevon Diggs who was inactive today because of a concussion. Meanwhile, the Commanders had it a bit worse, playing without both of their top receivers, Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel. It was a matter of which team could navigate their injury report better and take advantage of a depleted opposition.
We should be very pleased that the Cowboys did just that and crushed the battered Commanders for an important NFC East win. Here are the players who helped deliver the Cowboys to victory. We’re not going to include Dak Prescott here, we’ve already discussed his unbelievable play earlier. So we’re going to spread the credit around to some other players.
DaRon Bland
Without Diggs, the Cowboys were thin at cornerback. Players like Kaiir Elam and Trikweze Bridges were tasked with getting significant snaps, making DaRon Bland’s presence even more important. Bland filled the void as a decorated starter with terrific ability. Bland was great in all phases and showed great versatility. First, he provided a lot in tackling in open space. Early in the game, after Washington went up 8-7, Bland chased down Jayden Daniels on the quarterback keeper during a two-point conversion attempt to make sure Daniels didn’t convert the try. He also made a tackle on Jeremy McNichols to ensure that the defense forced a punt.
Then, Bland was tasked with defending Washington’s best available receivers and was also matched up on Zach Ertz, who played very well against him in man coverage. Bland also capped off a physical afternoon with a pick-six on Marcus Mariota, playing in relief of Daniels, to record his first interception return for touchdown since 2023, when he had five and earned All-Pro honors. It’s a welcome return to form for a defense that desperately needs turnovers.
Shemar James
Because the numbers were inflated toward the end of the game, it may not look like it, but the Dallas run defense was much better against Washington. It all started with players being in their right spots. One of the biggest concerns was how Dallas would contain rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt. He was a non-factor, running for only 33 yards on 13 carries. Jayden Daniels also didn’t do much as a runner before leaving the contest either.
A special nod should go to Shemar James for his efforts and to a lesser extent, Kenneth Murray, who played his best game in some weeks. James and his linebacker counterparts did a great job of filling holes and not falling for the misdirection of Washington’s offense. Tied with Murray for the team lead, James had nine tackles, including a sack and forced fumble that was recovered by Jadeveon Clowney.
After Washington failed to communicate who had James on the blitz, he had a free run at Daniels, and James capitalized on the play. With DeMarvion Overshown’s return expected in the next month, the Cowboys’ linebacker group is getting James valuable experience, and the rookie linebacker is making the best of it. James has more to learn in playing more disciplined with his eyes, but his physicality is a positive that will help him improve the totality of his game with time.
Javonte Williams
With each passing week, Javonte Williams continues to prove why he’s such a bargain. After Sunday, Williams has now his fourth game with the Cowboys of at least 80 yards rushing or more. While yes, he does have enough speed to break away runs and evade defenses, as was the case when he made a smooth jump cut to leave Frankie Luvu reaching for air, then bounce to the outside for a 17-yard gain, Williams can also run with power and put a team on his back like he literally did here:
This run at the end of the half set the Cowboys up for a touchdown pass to Jake Ferguson, and it was huge after Washington scored a touchdown with less than one minute left in the second quarter. As of now, Williams has 592 yards rushing on the season, good for second in the NFL.
Williams does such a good job of finding hidden yardage, turning a one-yard gain into three or four yards, allowing the offense to stay on schedule and be more potent and unpredictable. When coach Schottenheimer mentions marrying the run and pass plays to look similar, it benefits Williams and the next star on this list.
Jadeveon Clowney
Ever since the trade of Micah Parsons, the Cowboys have been looking for production from their other defensive ends. They also brought in a little help along the way when they signed free agent Jadeveon Clowney. Before Sunday, the veteran had yet to have a true impact game. That’s no longer the case.
Clowney had his most active game against the Commanders and was all over the stat sheet. He was solid against the run with five tackles; that has been his calling card for a while in his career. He added a sack, and was even credited with two passes defensed. Plus, he recovered the fumble caused by Shemar James. It was a big day for the veteran.
CeeDee Lamb
Seeing how the offense was faring without Lamb, everyone expected the offense to take the next step once the All-Pro receiver returned from his multi-week absence, and man, we were proven right. Immediately, Dak Prescott and Lamb got on the right track with Lamb working the middle of the field and being a prime target for short to intermediate areas of the field. Lamb had the play of the day when he and Prescott connected on a 74-yard strike.
Lamb actually beat the secondary not once, but twice before making the catch in front of Marshon Lattimore, who collides with Quan Martin, before Lamb jogs alongside George Pickens for 35 yards for the touchdown. Right now, the Cowboys have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to offensive options. With Pickens demanding attention from the safeties over the top, it opens up a lot of green grass for Lamb to dominate. Welcome back, CeeDee Lamb.
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