Commanders vs Cowboys: Key Matchups to Watch in Week 2
The Washington Commanders are gearing up to face the Dallas Cowboys in a critical Week 2 matchup of the 2026 NFL season, with both teams looking to avoid an 0-2 start. The game will take place at AT&T Stadium, where the Commanders will attempt to break a troubling trend against their NFC East rivals, who have won eight of the last ten meetings in Dallas.
For the Commanders to secure a victory, they must address several key matchups that could significantly influence the game's outcome. One of the most pressing concerns is the performance of Washington's offensive line. Critics have pointed to the absence of Laremy Tunsil as a potential liability, but in their previous game against the Eagles, quarterback Jayden Daniels was sacked only once. Despite facing pressure on nearly half of his dropbacks, Daniels managed to evade danger and keep the ball secure against one of the league's top defenses. The Cowboys' defense, while formidable, does not present the same level of challenge as Philadelphia's. Therefore, the Commanders' offensive line must build on their previous performance, ensuring Daniels has the protection he needs to make plays downfield. Additionally, Washington's running game should find more success against Dallas, making this matchup critical for the Commanders' offensive strategy.
Another pivotal matchup to watch is how Washington's cornerbacks will handle the Cowboys' star receivers, CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. Both players had quiet outings in Week 1, but they are due for a breakout performance. In their last encounter, the Commanders managed to limit Lamb and Pickens to 76 and 48 yards, respectively, but Dallas found other ways to exploit Washington's defense. With the Commanders' defense looking improved thanks to a stronger pass rush and linebacker play, the effectiveness of their cornerbacks will be crucial. Expect the Cowboys to target Mike Sainristil until he proves he can hold his own in coverage.
Quarterback Jayden Daniels showed promise in the fourth quarter of last week's game, completing 9 of 11 passes for 100 yards and two touchdowns. The Cowboys' defense, however, struggled against the Giants, and rookie linebacker Jaishawn Barham will be tasked with leading the defense in his second game. Barham's ability to communicate effectively and manage the defense will be vital, especially as he faces a dual-threat quarterback like Daniels, who can hurt defenses both through the air and on the ground.
The Final Whistle
Lastly, the Commanders must find ways to get star receiver Terry McLaurin more involved in the offense. In the opener against the Eagles, McLaurin was targeted only four times and caught just two passes for 14 yards, with his first reception coming in the fourth quarter. The Commanders have emphasized the need to get McLaurin touches early in the game, and Daniels has indicated he will follow his reads rather than force the ball to any one player. This strategy could open up opportunities for other weapons on the team, including Stefon Diggs and rookie Antonio Williams, should the Cowboys focus their efforts on shutting down McLaurin.
As the Commanders prepare for this crucial matchup, the outcomes of these key matchups will likely determine the game's direction. The performance of the offensive line, the ability of the cornerbacks to contain Dallas' top receivers, the effectiveness of Jayden Daniels as both a passer and a runner, and the utilization of Terry McLaurin will all play significant roles in the Commanders' quest for victory. With both teams desperate to avoid an 0-2 start, expect a fierce battle on the field as they vie for early-season momentum.
