Latest news gives DC Matt Eberflus nothing to gain, everything to lose scenario on the Cowboys’ Christmas Day matchup
The Dallas Cowboys’ Christmas Day matchup just got easier, but there is more pressure on Eberflus.
The Dallas Cowboys are intent on playing their starters on Christmas Day despite being eliminated from playoff contention, including quarterback Dak Prescott.
The Washington Commanders don’t really have a choice. Not only is starting QB Jayden Daniels done for the year, but now it won’t even be QB2 Marcus Mariota taking the field on Thursday.
Josh Johnson to face Cowboys defense
Long-time NFL journeyman Josh Johnson will start at quarterback for the Commanders, Washington head coach and former Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn announced on Wednesday.
Mariota is dealing with a hand injury and he entered the concussion protocol in the third quarter of the Commanders’ loss to the Philadelphia Eagles last weekend. Johnson recorded a 28.7 passer rating in his relief, completing five of nine pass attempts for 43 yards and an interception.
Johnson is better known for having played for 14 NFL teams, the most in league history. The last time he recorded a start was in 2021 for the Baltimore Ravens, when he completed 70% of his passes for 304 yards, two touchdowns, and a pick in a 41-21 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.
Matt Eberflus can’t afford a bad game
Talk about a nothing to gain, everything to lose scenario for defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus.
The front office’s comments have already made it clear that Eberflus is on the hot seat. Prior to Week 16, Jones said the team’s final three-game stretch would be big criterion when deciding on the defensive coordinator’s fate. So far, it’s not going great after J.J. McCarthy put on a career performance against Dallas last weekend.
And here’s the thing: I don’t see how a good game against Johnson would raise his stock. The guy is about to start his tenth career game since first arriving in the league in 2009. But a bad outing? It could drive Eberflus’ stock into the ground.
Cowboys owner and GM Jerry Jones recently pointed out how struggling quarterbacks have consistently outperformed expectations when facing the defense. It can’t happen on Thursday, right?
Right?
QB news a part of NFL’s nightmare before Christmas
When the NFL announced its season schedule in May, it was praised for a strong holiday slate of games. It has turned out to be a pretty bad one, as it’s expected to feature the following quarterbacks:
- Josh Johnson (Commanders)
- Max Brosmer (Minnesota Vikings)
- Chris Oladokun (Kansas City Chiefs)
Not great, Bob. Well, at least the league can count on the Cowboys’ ratings superpowers, which seem to deliver even when playoff hopes aren’t really there. We’ll see how Netflix and the league do when it’s all said and done.
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