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Christmas Day was supposed to be a measuring stick for the Washington Commanders. They were supposed to show resilience, pride, and progress in a season that’s been anything but smooth. Instead, it became another reminder of how far this team still has to go. Against the Dallas Cowboys, Washington showed flashes of fight but was ultimately undone by structural flaws that have lingered all season. The loss wasn’t about one bad bounce or one unlucky break. It was about a defense that couldn’t hold firm when it mattered and a roster that still lacks reliable difference-makers in the trenches.
The Commanders dropped a 30-23 decision to the Cowboys on Christmas Day after falling behind early and never fully recovering. Forced to start third-string quarterback Josh Johnson due to injuries, Washington was buried in a 21-3 hole before settling into the game. A spirited second-half rally brought the Commanders within seven points on two separate occasions. However, the comeback stalled each time. Dallas controlled the game’s critical moments by converting all six of its fourth-down attempts and dominating time of possession late. They bled the clock dry and sealed Washington’s fate. The final score flattered the Commanders slightly. The flow of the game belonged to Dallas.
Here we’ll try to look at and discuss the Washington Commanders most to blame for their week 17 loss to the Cowboys.
Washington’s front office made a bold statement in the offseason by handing Javon Kinlaw a three-year, $45 million contract with $30 million guaranteed. The expectation was clear: Kinlaw would step into a leadership role along the defensive line. That, though, vision has yet to materialize.
Against Dallas, Kinlaw was largely invisible in the moments that mattered most. The Cowboys repeatedly ran straight at the heart of Washington’s defense. Kinlaw failed to consistently hold his ground or reset the line of scrimmage. There was no dominant presence, no tone-setting snap that changed momentum.
Even more concerning was his lack of impact as a pass rusher. With Dak Prescott operating comfortably in the pocket on key downs, Washington’s interior pressure simply wasn’t there. For a player paid to be an alpha, Kinlaw has too often blended into the background. The contract ensures he’ll be around. That said, performances like this one guarantee scrutiny will only intensify.
Frankie Luvu has been one of Washington’s emotional leaders this season. However, Christmas Day highlighted how he’s being asked to do too much in roles that don’t suit his strengths.
Rather than operating as an off-ball linebacker where his instincts and physicality shine, Luvu has frequently been deployed on the edge. Against Dallas, that decision backfired again. He struggled to set the edges and found himself out of position on several critical plays.
This wasn’t a lack of effort. It was a lack of fit.
The Cowboys exploited Washington’s defensive alignment. They attacked Luvu’s area with misdirection and power runs that neutralized his aggressiveness. Sure, Luvu deserves...
