Dallas Cowboys 2023 opponent preview: 2 Commanders to keep an eye on

: 8-8-1 (2023 record: 4-7)

Last Meeting:

Head Coach: Ron Rivera (102-97-2)

Key Additions: QB, Jacoby Brissett, OT Andrew Wylie, LB Cody Barton

Key Departures: DL, Chase Young, DL Montez Sweat, QB Taylor Heinicke

The Washington Commanders in 2022 were a middle-of-the-pack team that showed glimpses of talent at times, while also showing the ability to fall flat on any given Sunday. Fast forward to 2023 and the current day, and much of the same could be said for them once again.

A team that has shown the ability to fight the Philadelphia Eagles hard into an overtime loss, will turn around and lose to the New York Giants in embarrassing fashion. While it is hard to get a bead on just what type of Commanders team you are going to get on any given week, one thing is clear - they get up to play the Dallas Cowboys .

This is a team and a game the Cowboys should win handily, but with it being a holiday, against a very familiar opponent, you can leave a little bit of room for some interesting possibilities.

Player to watch... QB, Sam Howell Sam Howell is the true definition of a gunslinger. He is unafraid to take shots downfield, and he can be a bit careless with the football at times. He plays with a swagger that he is willing to attempt any throw and has confidence in his arm. It’s a gift and a curse, and it is something the Cowboys secondary needs to be prepared for.

The Commanders do have offensive talent and the benefit of nothing to lose allowing for them to play free. While they are still in the playoff hunt, the hourglass is running out quickly and they may be forced to play aggressively in games to stay in the mix. Either way, Howell’s performance will be a key factor in the Thanksgiving outcome.

Don’t forget about... WR, Dyami Brown When you talk about Commanders’ weapons it usually starts with Terry McLaurin or Curtis Samuel, but the one that seems to have the most trust from Howell is Dyami Brown. Brown and Howell played together at UNC and have carried that connection over to the NFL.

Brown hasn’t exploded on the season just quite yet, but it’s something that has been building, and if you are a Cowboys fan then you know it would be classic Cowboys to have a rookie wide receiver have the biggest game of his life on the world stage against them on Thanksgiving.

I’m not saying he is their best option, I'm simply stating that the Cowboys cannot afford to forget about him.