FRISCO, Texas – Entering the final three-game stretch of the regular season, the Dallas Cowboys have clinched a playoff berth thanks to the 49ers 20-17 loss to the Titans on Thursday night. Dallas (10-4) has a chance to seal the division on Sunday as they host the Washington Football Team (6-8). The Cowboys are undefeated on the road in December and will look to improve to 5-0 against a division opponent. Currently, the Cowboys are the No. 2 seed behind the Packers (11-3) and they have an opportunity to lock up the NFC East this weekend. Here are several storylines heading into Sunday’s primetime matchup at AT&T Stadium.
- Over the last several weeks, the Cowboys’ offense has taken the backseat to the team’s star-studded defense. Over the last three weeks, Dallas posted a 31 percent efficiency in the red zone (fourth worst in the NFL). With a struggling run game, defenses are not allocating resources to defend the run. Opponents are not blitzing, rushing four and using a two-high shell on the back end (Cover 2). This tactic has limited big plays downfield, forcing Dak Prescott to be more patient on drop backs as he scans the defense. Defenses are trying to force everything underneath, which has created opportunities for Dalton Schultz over the middle of the field. This week against Washington, Dallas needs to get the offense back on track and employ Cover 2 beaters, starting with establishing the run. The Cowboys’ ground game took strides forward against the Giants in Week 15 with additional pulling up front. Tony Pollard’s slash running style ignited a perimeter-based attack in the first half and his quick jump cuts inside powered the ground game. He impressed in his first game back (foot) and Ezekiel Elliott (knee) looked as healthy as he has been in weeks. Being able to consistently run the ball like the team did in Weeks two and three of the 2021 season, will create favorable one-on-one matchups down the field. Additionally, dialing up four vertical routes would stress Washington’s secondary. As the postseason nears, the Cowboys will try to regain their offensive identity.
- Against the Giants, the offensive line significantly improved with Connor Williams back in the lineup at left guard. He started the first nine games but due to an ungodly number of holding penalties, was replaced by Connor McGovern in the last four contests. Williams allowed just one pressure on 71 snaps at New York. His athleticism contributed to effective pulls up front with McGovern coming in as the fullback. A rotation began at left tackle, while Tyron Smith nursed an aggravated ankle injury. Terence Steele and Ty Nsekhe rotated at left tackle in his absence. The staff evidently likes what Nsekhe brings on third down passing situations and the carousal will likely continue Sunday if Smith cannot play. Smith underwent rehab work with director of rehabilitation, Britt Brown during Wednesday’s practice. Mike McCarthy said his ankle is “getting better” and the staff will “push it a little more” on Thursday with his rehab.
- During the three-game win streak, Dan Quinn’s squad has registered four takeaways in each. The defense is playing at an elite level and Quinn’s energy, hands-on approach and 4-3 hybrid sub package scheme have maximized players’ strengths. Dallas has been able to string wins together thanks to the defensive production without the offense lighting up the scoreboard. The sequential return of DeMarcus Lawrence, Randy Gregory and Neville Gallimore have allowed Dan Quinn the freedom to put six pass rushers at the line, creating favorable one-on-one matchups. The line’s pressure up front has freed things up for linebackers at the second level and forced errant throws by quarterbacks, setting up interceptions with cornerbacks/safeties in prime position. They are a menacing crew putting the league on notice with dominance week-after-week. Washington activated Taylor Heinicke from the Reserve/COVID-19 list and he will resume his starting role. Dallas registered five sacks on Heinicke in Week 14, consistently harassing him in the pocket. Quinn will have pressure packages up his sleeve and Washington will likely utilize a short passing attack to try and mitigate the Cowboys’ formidable pass rush.
- Several additions were made to COVID protocols this week. Safety Malik Hooker is now on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, joining running back JaQuan Hardy. Against the Giants, Hooker had his most productive day donning the Star, posting an interception and six tackles. Defensive line coach Aden Durde was added to COVID-19 protocol on Tuesday afternoon, along with assistant special teams coach Matt Daniels. He joined Quinn’s staff in 2021 after spending time under Quinn’s leadership with the Falcons. He previously interned for the Cowboys under Jason Garrett after playing in the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program. Durde deserves credit along with Quinn for the development and cohesion of the defensive line this season. Defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa was cleared to return to the practice facility on Wednesday. The staff is taking precautionary measures with his conditioning as he resumes on-field work. Wide receiver Simi Fehoko (illness), safety Israel Mukumau (illness), and cornerback Nahshon Wright (illness) were added to Thursday’s injury report and did not practice.
