The Dallas Cowboys look to rebound from a disastrous 30-27 Week 6 loss against the Washington Commanders, a team coming off of its own last second loss in Week 6, losing 25-24 to the Chicago Bears.

There’s quite a few common threads between these divisional rivals moving into Week 7. Both have franchise quarterbacks enjoying great seasons, both have suffered their fair share of injuries, and both are being held back by poor defenses. 

We’ve covered Dak Prescott’s fantastic season quite a bit this year. He’s on pace for a career-high in completion percentage and touchdowns, his highest yards per game since 2021, and his lowest interception percentage since he was a rookie in 2016.

On the other side of the matchup, Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels missed two games due to injury but is throwing for more yards per game while cutting his interception rate by more than half in the follow up to his spectacular rookie campaign. He’s also still proving to be an effective dual threat, averaging 44 rushing yards per contest. 

For as good as these signal callers have been, their defenses are doing everything they can to limit the team’s ceilings. Washington’s defense ranks No. 26 in yards given up per game at 356.8, but still ranks at a respectable, albeit unsustainable, 13th points per game by surrendering 20.4 per week. 

Not to be outdone, Dallas ranks No. 32 (411.7) and No. 31 (30.7) in those categories, respectively. These stats are supported by PFF, with Dallas having the worst defensive grade at 49.7 and Washington landing at No. 18 with a 65.3 mark. 

Looking ahead towards the rest of the season, this game is pivotal for both teams. Washington still has its sights set not just on the postseason, but the division. While they do have three losses, none are within the division and they’re only a game behind the division-leading Philadelphia Eagles. 

A loss in this game wouldn’t be season-ending, but it would put them behind the eight ball while adding to the negative momentum emanating after their Monday night disappointment.

The Cowboys, meanwhile, are as close to being up the creek without a paddle as they can be without actually drowning. Realistically, their season is likely already over as their defense is just too flawed both on the field and on the sidelines. 

But, if they can pull off the upset, they’ll be 2-1 in the division and at .500 while sitting second in the NFC East. So, the question remains for this beleaguered Dallas team: if not now, then when?