Cowboys could have very familiar problems vs the Commanders in Week 7, but it could be a huge day for Dak Prescott
Learning what the Dallas Cowboys are up against in Week 7 via Washington Commanders expert.
When you’re a two-win team entering Week 7 of the NFL season, every game is a must-win game. But for the Dallas Cowboys, the importance of their upcoming matchup vs. the Washington Commanders is crucial. After all, their blurry path to the playoffs is likely to require winning the division.
We know about the Cowboys’ defensive woes and offensive prowess. How do they match up against the 3-3 Commanders? I reached out to A to Z Sports’ Commanders expert Josh Taylor for answers.
Let’s dive in.
1. The Cowboys defense seems unable to stop the run in 2025 and the Commanders have been solid running the football. What makes Kliff Kingsbury’s rushing offense the sixth best in success rate and what should Dallas be ready for?
Taylor: Kliff Kingsbury does a great job of mixing of blocking schemes and putting stress on the defense with Jayden Daniels’ legs as well. Bill Croskey-Merritt becoming the lead back has also helped the offense create explosive plays in the run game. He’s due for a homerun play anytime he touches the ball. You’ll see the offensive line pull out in space a lot with TE John Bates, so teams struggle to cut off run lanes.
Cowboys run defense facts foreshadow trouble vs Commanders
- Cowboys give up 4.7 yards per rush attempt (7th worst in the NFL).
- Cowboys allow 34.4% of opponents’ rushes to gain a first down (worst in the NFL).
- Cowboys have the lowest run defense grade in the NFL, per PFF.
- Cowboys give up missed and broken tackles at the fourth-highest rate in the NFL, via Sports Info Solutions.
2. The Commanders defense ranks 21st in EPA/play while the Cowboys enter the contest as the top offense. What weaknesses should Dallas focus on attacking?
Taylor: If CeeDee Lamb returns, it’ll be a long day for the Commanders’ defense. The secondary has struggled big time. Pickens on the outside and Lamb in the slot would create mismatches for the defense all game. The secondary struggles with crossing route and mesh concepts that cause them to fight through traffic. Dak should be able to find open receivers early and often.
3. The Commanders sitting at 3-3 is rather surprising. Has your expectations for the team changed since the start of the season?
Taylor: It’s been a roller coaster of a season with the injuries to both Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin, and hopefully McLaurin returns this week. The Bears loss really put a dent in the vibes around the team, and the Cowboys game will be a test to see how they respond. Expectations are still high, because the team can do anything when Daniels is at quarterback and playing at his best.
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