NFL Power Rankings: Inconsistency Highlights Washington Commanders' Struggles

The Washington Commanders continued their tumble down Sports Illustrated's power rankings after their loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving.

No game illustrated the up-and-down nature of the Washington Commanders than their 45-10 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving. 

With Washington's (4-8) collapse leading to its third-straight loss, it landed at 28th in Sports Illustrated's power rankings. 

"How wild is it that the Commanders-Cowboys game was close going into the fourth quarter (well, 10 points close) and a four-point game just before half?" SI writes. "As we’ve said a million times, there are very brief stretches where this football team looks nearly complete and others where they look completely bewildered and overmatched. A 25-point fourth quarter for the Cowboys, including a deflating pick-six, is evidence to the latter."

Sam Howell completed 28 of 44 passes for 300 yards and an interception against the Cowboys / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The Commanders' 35-point loss to Dallas (8-3) came at a price on the defensive side of the ball. Former defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio and defensive backs coach Brent Vieselmeyer were relieved of their duties on Friday. Washington head coach Ron Rivera will assume playcalling duties for the defense. 

Washington's defense has allowed an average of 29.2 points per game, which is the most in the NFL. 

Commanders Coach Ron Rivera Reveals Plan After Jack Del Rio Firing

The Commanders' inconsistencies has included going toe-to-toe twice in two losses to the Philadelphia Eagles (10-1) and losing to the New York Giants' (4-8) second and third-string quarterbacks in their two matchups. 

Washington also pushed the Seattle Seahawks (6-5) to the brink before losing on a game-winning field goal as time expired. 

While the Commanders' disappointing season has already cost two coaches their jobs, it remains to be seen if the in-season changes stop there. Another embarrassing loss after the season already being a lost cause could be the final straw for Rivera as owner Josh Harris looks to put his on the organization. 

Washington will look get snap its three-game skid when it hosts the Miami Dolphins (8-3) on Sunday at FedEx Field at 1 p.m. ET.