Cowboys Micah, CeeDee & ‘TP’: ‘3 to Watch’ at Commanders
Despite having secured a playoff berth, the Dallas Cowboys still have the chance to capture the NFC East title in the final week of the 2023 NFL regular-season. As such, they have plenty for which to play as they prepare to face off against the Washington Commanders at 3:25 p.m. CT at FedEx Field.
While simply a loss by the reeling Philadelphia Eagles to the New York Giants would technically be enough to secure their Division championship, the Cowboys are not a franchise content to let others decide their fate. Dallas can emphatically bring home the NFC East for the 22nd time in franchise history with a win.
Of course, there is also the unlikely scenario in which both the Cowboys and Eagles tie their Week 18 opponents, respectively.
Though many of Dallas’ most notables are expected to garner some attention during this upcoming matchup, here are three players that might raise an eyebrow when the Cowboys take the field against the Commanders.
Micah Parsons and Sam Howell
Micah Parsons
Through 16 games in 2023, Parsons remains one of the premier defensive threats in the NFL. The 24-year-old has compiled 59 total tackles, 11 run-stuffs, one forced fumble and 13 sacks. In Week 18, the Penn State product will be charged with disrupting the rhythm of Washington quarterback Sam Howell, who is getting the nod in place of injured starter Jacoby Brissett. As a result, the Commanders’ offensive line is expected to double-team at the line of scrimmage. While they may be able to theoretically slow his production by doing so, Parsons’ occupying at least two offensive blockers on each play may allow several of Dallas’ other defenders the freedom to make plays.
Additionally, as Cowboys Country’s own Mike Fisher pointed out earlier this week, defenisve coordinator Dan Quinn is likely to enact a game plan with the “singular intent of getting Parsons to Howell.” In light of Washington’s recent struggles in protecting the quarterback, Howell may be in for a long Sunday afternoon.
CeeDee Lamb
Following a 13-catch, (one of which went for a 92-yard touchdown) 227-yard (career-best) performance against the Detroit Lions in Week 17, one might be wondering what Lamb could possibly do for an encore.
The freshly-minted Pro Bowl selection has already set the Cowboys' single-season record for both receptions (122) and yards (1,651) with his standout showing against the Lions. Though his prowess stems from his effectiveness in the slot, Lamb will be a mismatch for any of the Commanders’ quartet of cornerbacks: Jartavius Martin, Benjamin St-Juste, Nick Whiteside and rookie Emmanuel Forbes. Dallas will want Lamb well-fueled for the playoffs, which may limit his snap total. However, he will be a key factor on offense when he does see the field.
Tony Pollard
Despite having performed adequately in his first full season at the top of Dallas’ running back depth chart, Pollard’s 2023 has statistically fallen short of expectations. The 26-year-old has compiled 935 rushing yards, five rushing touchdowns and 295 receiving yards — all of which are short of his career-highs. Against the Lions in Week 17, he carried the ball 16 times for 49 yards, while adding one reception on three targets for zero yards.
However, Pollard should be able to flex his dual-threat capabilities against Washington’s defense. Though he has been held out of the end zone and kept under 60 rushing yards in four consecutive contests, the Commanders rank No. 25 in the NFL in rushing defense, allowing an average of 126.5 yards per game and 14 rushing touchdowns. Needless to say, Pollard will be looking to reverse his fortune as Dallas preps for a hopefully deep playoff run.
