The Washington Commanders are hoping a mini bye can help them get back on track Sunday when they host a fading Dallas Cowboys team coming off a short week. The Commanders (7-4), sitting in second place in the NFC East, have not played since taking a 26-18 loss to the first-place Philadelphia Eagles on Nov. 14.
The Cowboys (3-7) took their fifth straight loss on Monday night, falling 34-10 to the Houston Texans. After a one-point loss to the rugged Pittsburgh Steelers, followed by the compressed schedule that led into the Thursday night game at Philadelphia, the Commanders were able to rest and get healthy with the extra days. "I was able to reset and refocus, restart," rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels said Wednesday.
"It's kind of needed in a long season like that. It was great to get away for a little bit, but I'm glad that we're back now." The offense can use a reset.
Daniels completed just 59.1 percent of his passes against the Steelers and Eagles with a touchdown and an interception. He posted two of his three lowest passer ratings of the season in those games.
The Commanders are averaging 22.5 points over their past four games, more than a touchdown less than over the first seven games of the season (31.1).
"I don't think anyone is hitting the panic button, but at the same time there's a lot to improve on," Washington tight end Zach Ertz said. "There's a lot of urgency that goes with that." It will be a reunion of sorts for Commanders head coach Dan Quinn, who served as.