Dallas Cowboys 'Make it Tough!', Says Washington Commanders' Sam Howell

Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell fell short against a beleaguered New York Giants team. What kind of challenge do the Dallas Cowboys provide in Week 12?

The Washington Commanders rendered themselves NFC fodder when they traded away edge rushers Chase Young and Montez Sweat at the trade deadline. Now, they’ll try to avoid becoming a Thanksgiving appetizer for the Dallas Cowboys.

In Week 11, Washington fell to the New York Giants 31-19. Against undrafted quarterback Tommy Devito, the Commanders' defense continued to give up big gains, allowing explosive plays to four different targets through the air (and once on the ground).

This is a team heading in the wrong direction and it’s hard to feel optimistic about stopping the bleeding when visiting Dallas. The Cowboys' defense is still dynamic, even without corner Trevon Diggs and linebacker Leighton Vander Esch. Cornerback DaRon Bland is lurking for a record-setting pick-six, and with Dallas’ pass rush, opportunities should be ripe for turnovers.

Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons attempts to rush the passer against the Cincinnati Bengals / Jerome Miron, USA Today

Quarterback Sam Howell, who struggled in Week 11’s loss, spoke about Thursday’s opponent.

“They have so many good players on that defense, obviously [Dallas Cowboys LB] Micah Parsons, and they do a really good job getting after the quarterback,” Howell said. “You definitely got to have a really good protection plan against them. They make it tough.”

Only four teams have more than Dallas’ 3.3 sacks per game. Edge rusher Micah Parsons is playing incredible football, but defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence and tackle Osa Odighizuwa have played well, too. The Cowboys’ pass rush is explosive, deep, and licking their chops against Washington’s offense.

Despite improvement in recent weeks, Howell is still tied for the highest rate of pressures turned into sacks among starting quarterbacks (26 percent). He’s taken 51 so far, easily the worst mark in football, and found himself grounded four times against New York’s poor pass rush.

In all, he went 31-of-45 for 255 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions on Sunday. He also added 35 yards and a score with his legs.

Whether it’s getting the ball out quickly or continuing to run as a way to mitigate pressure, Howell has a tall task in front of them. The Cowboys dominating the trenches could end this game before it gets rolling, and the Commanders' offensive line hasn’t been promising in 2023.

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Taking on a tough Dallas defense on Thanksgiving, with the nation watching, could be an important data point in Howell’s future with Washington.

The Commanders game will kick off at 4:30 p.m. ET on Thursday.