Hope. That’s what every Washington Commanders fan had for the 2026 season. Sunday’s loss to the Dallas Cowboys tested that hope. In one play, Washington’s entire season trajectory changed. Quarterback Jayden Daniels was one play away from tying the Cowboys before halftime, until left guard Chris Paul stepped on his foot, causing Daniels to trip, go to the ground, and dislocate his left elbow.
The Commanders eventually lost the game, falling to 0-2.
One other area of hope for Washington this offseason was its defense. The Commanders added several new starters, including edge rushers Odafe Oweh, K’Lavon Chaisson, linebacker Sonny Styles and safety Nick Cross, among others. In Washington’s Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Commanders’ defense looked
much improved but still proved susceptible to explosive plays.
In Sunday’s loss to Dallas, the defense completely regressed, looking like the 2025 version, even with a new coordinator and several new starters.
Need proof?
the voids in the middle of the Commanders coverages is startling pic.twitter.com/aadrt24X6F
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) September 22, 2026
The amount of open space is startling. And Dak Prescott made them pay. How could he not? Prescott completed 26 of 31 passes for 279 yards and four touchdowns. He continued his NFC East dominance, specifically against the Commanders. Part of the problem was that Prescott faced very little pressure. Defensive coordinator Daronte Jones was far less aggressive against the Cowboys than he was against the Eagles. Jones relied on Washington’s four-man rush to create pressure, but it rarely came, making it an easy day for Prescott.
Heading into the season, the secondary remained a question mark. However, the hope was that an improved pass rush would make life easier for the back end. That could still happen as the unit continues to build cohesion, but the pressure is on. The Commanders are 0-2 and set to host the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.
But if Washington wants a chance to upset Seattle, or any team with an offensive heartbeat, it must make life harder for opposing passers.
NFL Teams with 2 games played and 0 sacks
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) September 21, 2026
🏈 Miami Dolphins
NFL Teams with a passer rating allowed of 118.5 or worse
🏈 Miami Dolphins
🏈 Washington Commanders
Via Football Reference
In Week 1, despite consistent pressure on Jalen Hurts, he finished with a 122.2 quarterback rating. In Week 2, with almost no pressure on Prescott, he managed a 143.8 quarterback rating.
Also, in two games, the Commanders have yet to come close to forcing a turnover.
Something must change — and soon.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders' defensive futility on full display in Week 2 vs Cowboys
