5 must-win games for the Dallas Cowboys in 2023
By Lior Lampert
Dallas Cowboys must-win games in 2023: 3. @ Washington Commanders (Week 12)
Another late-season divisional battle, these games hold significant weight when it comes to potential postseason outlook. After splitting the two games they played against one another last year, both teams will look to distance themselves from one another.
The Commanders have been knocking on the doorstep of relevancy thanks to having one of the best defensive units in the NFL. Led by Daron Payne, Jonathan Allen, Chase Young, and co., this team has plenty of pass rushers who can get after the quarterback and wreck their opponent’s game plan.
The quarterback uncertainty in Washington is a major question that may not be answered until the week of the game. Whether Sam Howell starts the season or longtime journeyman Jacoby Brissett remains to be seen, but regardless of who gets the first shot to be the starter, it could change by Week 12 and the Cowboys will need to prepare for either quarterback.
With a new ownership group in place for the Commanders, Ron Rivera is coaching for his job this season. After investing heavy draft capital in the failed Carson Wentz experiment, the Commanders decided to address the quarterback position with a more conservative approach this year. Will it be enough to leapfrog the Cowboys?
The Cowboys need to assert their dominance against the Commanders (and the Giants) if they want to prove to the Eagles that they are a threat to them in the division.