The Washington Commanders suffered a disappointing Week 1 loss at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles.
It was a tough game, but there were positives to take away from the Commanders. However, losing division games always stings a little bit more. The Commanders luckily have another opportunity this weekend, though, as they will head to Dallas to take on the Cowboys.
Falling into a 0-2 hole, especially starting 0-2 in the division, would be highly concerning for the Commanders. However, the Cowboys are in the same boat after losing the opener to the New York Giants, so this game could definitely have postseason implications.
Today, let’s identify the four keys for the Commanders to win this game.
Establish the run game
The Commanders were not good enough on the ground
in Week 1. Bill Croskey-Merritt did have 63 yards and a touchdown, but he also fumbled and averaged under four yards per carry. Rachaad White was pretty much a non-factor.
The Giants had no problem running the ball against the Cowboys in Week 1. The team finished with 165 total rushing yards, and Cam Skattebo put the game away in the second half. This is a team that can be hurt on the ground, and it also makes life easier for Jayden Daniels.
Get Terry McLaurin involved
Terry McLaurin was uncharacteristically quiet in Week 1. The veteran had only two passes for 14 yards. Granted, Antonio Williams and Stefon Diggs were great, but still, McLaurin needs to be involved.
The Cowboys have a ton of offensive firepower, so the Commanders will have to score points. McLaurin is a security blanket for Daniels, and I can imagine him extending some drives. We know Diggs will be involved, so if McLaurin has a good game as well, it’s hard to see the Commanders losing.
Find a way to pressure Dak Prescott
The Cowboys have a very good offensive line. Despite having impressive pass-rushers like Brian Burns and Abdul Carter, the Giants didn’t get a single sack in Week 1.
It didn’t hurt the Giants too badly, but it’s not wise to let Dak Prescott make plays. If the quarterback is comfortable in the pocket, he could pick apart this secondary. The Commanders did collect three total sacks against the Eagles, so we know the defensive front can impact the game.
Secondary has to be better
The Commanders’ secondary wasn’t horrible on paper in Week 1. Jalen Hurts only threw for 203 yards, but they came in chunks, and the Commanders gave up too many big plays. Dallas Goedert and Dontayvion Wicks both scored touchdowns on coverage busts.
Mike Sainristil was flat-out horrible. The corner earned a 30 PFF grade, the worst mark among 89 qualified corners. The Cowboys receivers are far too talented to not take advantage of a mismatch like this. The Commanders have to figure out how to avoid putting Sainristil in bad positions in Week 2.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: 4 keys to a Commanders' Week 2 victory over the Cowboys
