Hogs Haven
The 3rd straight loss was the low point of the 2024 regular season for the Washington Commanders
Every division game matters, but Cowboys fans seemed to have a sense of fatalism coming into this game, while Commanders fans seemed to be entering with a sense of positive inevitability despite consecutive losses to Pittsburgh and Philadelphia in Weeks 10 and 11.
The Cowboys seasons was practically, if not mathematically, over, and the attention of the Dallas fan base had turned to who would be coaching the team next season, which veterans would be re-signed, and what should happen in the draft. Unfortunately for Commanders fans, the Cowboys players and coaches were still focused on trying to add wins to the team’s record.
Dallas entered with a record of 3-7 on a short week (having played on Monday night and traveled to Landover) with injuries piling up. The Commanders had a “mini-bye” following their Thursday night game, and were relatively healthy given that it was late-November. With a 7-4 record, the Commanders were all but assured of an NFC wildcard playoff berth barring a collapse in their final 6 games of the season. With one of the softest ‘strength of schedule’ paths remaining, one analyst estimated their chances of a playoff berth at 75% ahead of this game.
There was, of course, still the question of whether Washington could yet compete for the division crown. Beating Philly in Week 16 would be essential to achieve that goal, and the Commanders would need some help from at least two other teams beating the Eagles as well.
In short, this game was important to Washington. A home loss to the struggling Cowboys would be an embarrassment, and would extend the team’s losing streak to 3 games. While it wouldn’t necessarily end Washington’s chances for a wildcard seeding, such a loss would raise grave doubts about the Commanders’ legitimacy as a playoff team and would almost certainly eradicate any chance of winning the division and securing a home playoff game.
We know that, ultimately, the Commanders were the only team that would beat Philadelphia in the final 7 weeks of the regular season, and that Washington would win its final 5 games, but none of that would be enough to knock Philly out of the top spot in the NFC East.
Commanders special teams gets an early win
The Commanders kicked off to Dallas; within two plays, the Cowboys had crossed midfield with a first down. After the 3rd play of the drive, the ‘Boys had another first down a the Washington 22-yard line. An offside penalty and a run picked up another first down before the Commanders finally made a play — Dorance Armstrong caught the running back for a loss to bring up 3rd & 5 from the 17-yard line.
An incomplete pass to Tolbert, covered by Michael Davis, forced a field goal attempt.
The next big play of the game was a beautiful kick block by Quan Martin....
