Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders: Bryan Broaddus Breaks Down Key Matchups | Scout’s Eye
Updated: Sep 29
The Dallas Cowboys face the Washington Commanders in Week 2, and there are several matchups I'm watching closely heading into Sunday.
The biggest question for me starts with how Washington chooses to attack Dallas defensively—and whether the Commanders will lean on the running game, Jayden Daniels' ability as a runner, and heavier personnel to put pressure on the Cowboys' defense.
On the other side of the ball, Dallas has some opportunities of its own. Washington will be without linebacker Frankie Luvu and tight end Chig Okonkwo, while the Cowboys will have to find ways to take advantage of favorable matchups on the outside and create pressure against the Commanders' offensive line.
Here are the matchups and personnel decisions I'll be watching when these NFC East rivals meet at AT&T Stadium.
Can the Dallas Cowboys Stop Jayden Daniels and Washington's Running Game?
The New York Giants showed a potential blueprint by attacking Dallas with the running game and heavier personnel. Now we’ll see if Washington tries something similar.
The difference is Jayden Daniels.
Daniels gives the Commanders a legitimate running threat at quarterback, which puts additional stress on the Cowboys’ defense. Washington can combine its running backs with Daniels’ ability to keep the football and force Dallas to defend every gap.
Another thing to watch is personnel. Will Washington use 12 personnel and other heavy packages the way the Giants did?
With Chig Okonkwo unavailable this week, that could complicate some of what Washington wants to do with two-tight-end sets. Still, with Croskey-Merritt and White carrying the football and Daniels as an additional runner the Commanders have enough options to test the Cowboys on the ground.
Dallas Cowboys Secondary vs. Terry McLaurin and Stefon Diggs
Terry McLaurin has been Washington’s best wide receiver for years, and the addition of Stefon Diggs gives the Commanders another proven target.
That creates an interesting challenge for the Cowboys.
Dallas can’t become so concerned with Daniels and the running game that it leaves favorable opportunities for McLaurin and Diggs outside. Containing Daniels while remaining disciplined in coverage will be an important part of the defensive plan.
How the Cowboys Can Attack Washington's Offensive Line
When studying the Commanders’ offensive line, Sam Cosmi stands out.
Cosmi began his career as a tackle but has developed into a very good guard. He’s a veteran player and, in my view, the best offensive lineman Washington has.
If the Cowboys are looking for areas to attack, I’d focus on Brandon Coleman and Josh Conerly Jr.
Dallas needs to find ways to create pressure from those matchups rather than allowing Daniels to sit comfortably in the pocket. And when pressure does arrive, maintaining rush-lane discipline becomes critical because Daniels can turn a broken play into a big gain.
FLIP IT OVER: WHEN DALLAS HAS THE BALL
Frankie Luvu Injury Changes the Washington Defense
Washington will be without Frankie Luvu, and that’s an important loss for this defense.
Luvu is one of the better blitzing linebackers in the league. He has a natural feel for pressure particularly attacking the middle of the pocket and finding openings before the protection can account for him.
With Luvu unavailable, Leo Chenal will step into the picture alongside Sonny Styles, the talented rookie from Ohio State.
Dallas needs to determine how Washington plans to compensate for Luvu’s absence and whether the Commanders can generate the same type of pressure without him.
CeeDee Lamb and Cowboys Receivers Can Exploit Washington's Smaller Corners
The Commanders have Amik Robertson and Mike Sainristil at cornerback. Both are shorter players.
That’s something Dallas should try to exploit.
The Cowboys need to create opportunities where their receivers can use their size, whether that’s on contested throws, back-shoulder routes or opportunities in the red zone.
Nick Cross is another player to watch. He’ll work in the nickel and can also show up around the line of scrimmage. He’s a good tackler, so Dallas needs to account for him when attacking underneath or trying to create yards after the catch.
Don’t Forget Washington’s Front
The Cowboys also have to be ready for Washington’s defensive front.
Javon Kinlaw and K’Lavon Chaisson can create problems, while Charles Omenihu is another defender who has gotten off to a strong start.
Dallas cannot allow this front to control the game.
If the Cowboys protect well and take advantage of favorable matchups against Washington’s secondary, there should be opportunities to move the football.
THE SCOUT’S EYE
For me, this game starts with Washington’s running game.
Can the Cowboys handle the combination of the Commanders’ backs and Jayden Daniels without committing extra resources to the box?
If they can, it gives them a much better opportunity to deal with McLaurin and Diggs on the outside.
When Dallas has the football, I’m watching how Washington replaces Frankie Luvu and whether the Cowboys can use their size against the Commanders’ corners.
Those are the matchups I’ll have my eye on when the Commanders come to town.
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