The Cowboys will prepare for the final game of their 2024 season, as Sunday they play a playoff-bound Washington Commanders team.
Washington has 11 wins, with two Pro Bowlers in Terry McLaurin and rookie QB Jayden Daniels. I linked the film review done previously on the Commanders this season, and will add some new information below.
Washington will play their starters Sunday, as they are still playing for seeding and want more experience for Daniels.
“We’re going to go after as hard as we can. I think the seeding portion of this is really important, and that’s what we discussed as a team,” Quinn said. “We thought last night the vibe was awesome at the game.
Referring to Washington’s 30-24 OT win against the Falcons on Sunday Night Football. Quinn is prioritizing keeping up the momentum and gaining experience heading into the playoffs.
“We thought we left some plays out there, and so for us that leveling up as we’re heading into this week with Dallas would be really important. But we recognize having a six seed and going into the playoffs with that is a good thing. And so, we’re going to fight like hell to keep that.”
For Washington, a win secures the 6 seed and will likely set a matchup against the Rams, though there is a scenario where Tampa Bay moves up and would play Washington.
The main thing, is avoiding the Eagles, as the 7 seed would mean a trip to Philly. Though a last second win in Week 16, Washington surely has no fear of the Eagles.
Jayden Daniels
The main story of the Commanders season, the rookie QB Jayden Daniels. He was named the primary starting QB for the NFC Pro Bowl this week. Daniels becomes the first Washington offensive rookie and first Washington rookie quarterback to be named to the Pro Bowl since Robert Griffin III in 2012.
Daniels is the 15th QB in Washington’s history to be named as a Pro Bowler. He more than earned the selection this year, turning around a franchise that has been looking for an identity for many years.
Daniels has 31 offensive touchdowns in 2024, which are the 3rd-most by a rookie in NFL history. Only Justin Herbert (36 in 2020) and Cam Newton (35 in 2011) have had more, both winning the Offensive Rookie of the Year.
ROTY is in the horizon for Daniels and this final regular season game can make the final impact on the conversation. Bo Nix, who is playing to clinch a playoff spot in the final week, is the only other rookie QB contending for the award.
Jayden Daniels has 3,530 passing yards and 864 rushing yards in 2024, making him one of two players in NFL history to have at least 3,500 passing yards and 850 rushing yards in a season (Lamar Jackson also in 2024).
The Game
For both sides playing their starters, we will see Micah Parsons provide a good test for Washington as he will bring the pressure. The Commanders double-teamed Micah Parsons on 28.9% of his pass rushes in Week 12, the highest rate he has faced this season.
Jayden Daniels completed only 1 of 9 passes under pressure for 4 yards, a touchdown and 2 interceptions in Week 12 against the Cowboys, his lowest completion percentage (11.1%) and fewest passing yards under pressure in a game during his rookie season.
The Cowboys were a problem for Washington in Week 12, and brought a wild finish to the game. But overall, Washington is looking ahead at bigger dreams…The Post-Season.
The Commanders have won 11 games for the first time since 1991 when they won Super Bowl XXVI.
The 32 consecutive seasons without an 11-win season was the longest active drought in the NFL entering the 2024 season. Every other NFL team had won 11 games in a season at least twice in that same span.
Otherwise it will be the 7 seed for Washington.
For the playoff matchup, depending on the seeding:
Brett's Cowboys Corner 
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