Commanders and Cowboys Face Off in Lackluster Christmas Matchup

The upcoming Christmas Day game between the Washington Commanders and the Dallas Cowboys is shaping up to be far from the marquee matchup the NFL and Netflix envisioned. Originally anticipated as a high-stakes clash featuring prominent quarterbacks Jayden Daniels and Dak Prescott, the reality of the situation is that both teams are now unlikely to make the playoffs. Daniels will not play due to injuries that have sidelined him for the remainder of the season, leaving fans with a matchup that lacks the excitement initially promised.

Head coach Dan Quinn of the Commanders expressed disappointment in the team’s performance, which has seen them drop to a dismal record of 4-11 after losing to the Philadelphia Eagles last Saturday. “You never want a season like this,” Quinn lamented, emphasizing the significance of division games, even when stakes are low. His team has suffered nine losses in their past ten games, and hopes for a competitive finale are fading.

While the Cowboys have not been as poor as the Commanders, their record of 6-8-1 under first-year coach Brian Schottenheimer means they too will miss the playoffs for a second consecutive year. Cowboys’ owner Jerry Jones described the outcome as “disappointing,” stating, “We all underachieved, really.”

With Daniels out, the Commanders will start Josh Johnson, a 39-year-old quarterback who holds the record for playing with the most teams in NFL history. Johnson’s last start was in 2021 with the Baltimore Ravens. Following an injury to Marcus Mariota, who suffered a quad injury and required stitches during the recent loss to the Eagles, Johnson will be thrust into action. He has previously completed 5 of 9 pass attempts for 43 yards with an interception in relief of Mariota.

On the other side of the field, the Cowboys boast impressive offensive statistics, featuring a 4,000-yard passer, a 1,000-yard rusher, and two 1,000-yard receivers for only the second time in franchise history. Despite these achievements, including Prescott’s record-tying fourth 4,000-yard season, the team will not participate in the postseason. The last instance of such a statistical feat without a playoff berth occurred in 2019.

In a move to bolster their offensive line, the Cowboys have shifted Tyler Smith from left guard to left tackle. This decision comes as backup Nate Thomas struggled in place of the injured Tyler Guyton. Smith’s versatility will be crucial as he looks to protect Prescott’s blind side for the remainder of the season.

Defensively, both teams have struggled throughout the season. The defensive coordinators, Matt Eberflus for Dallas and Joe Whitt Jr. for Washington, could find their positions at risk following the season. Eberflus has recently moved from the sideline to the coaches’ box in a bid to improve performance, while Whitt has faced significant changes in his responsibilities.

As the Christmas Day game approaches, the anticipation among fans is tempered by the realities of both teams’ performances this season. What was once seen as a potential highlight is now a contest largely devoid of playoff implications, reflecting a disappointing turn of events for the NFL’s holiday showcase.