Washington Commanders bring Christmas cheer with pivotal rivalry clash against Cowboys
The Washington Commanders might find themselves outside the playoff picture this season, but that won’t diminish the excitement of their Christmas Day showdown against the Dallas Cowboys. As the NFL’s Week 17 slate unfolds, this storied rivalry takes center stage, providing not only a chance for pride but also a significant opportunity for both teams to showcase their skills in front of a national audience.
A Holiday Game with Meaning
Despite the Commanders’ challenging 4-11 record, head coach Ron Rivera expressed enthusiasm for the chance to compete on such a memorable day. “Yeah, I’m glad that you brought up now that I think it’s honestly definitely something that we circled and we thought, man, what a cool opportunity for us,” Rivera said. “And then also to have it at home. That’s a big deal. This is definitely one, division game on Christmas, pretty cool environment, so if you can get some snow mixed into there, all that would be good with us.”
The stakes may not be as high as they could have been, yet the significance of playing a division rival cannot be overlooked. Rivera emphasized that these matchups carry weight for the players, coaches, and fans alike.
A Chance for Redemption and Pride
Though the Commanders’ record has left many feeling disheartened, the team is embracing the spirit of the holiday season. The prospect of facing the Cowboys, one of their biggest rivals, offers a unique opportunity to rally together and put forth their best effort. Rivera remarked on the scheduling, stating, “This is going to be cool how it’s all laid out, division games right here at the end between two games of Philadelphia with a Dallas [Cowboys] game in between. Like that’s pretty cool.”
The importance of these matchups extends beyond mere statistics; they embody the passion and rivalry inherent in the NFC East. Rivera acknowledged, “Playing these division games still means a lot; they mean a lot to the players, the coaches, and the fans.”
Holiday Spirit at Northwest Stadium
As the Commanders prepare to drum up their own holiday spirit, they hope to translate that energy into a competitive performance against the Cowboys. The kickoff is set for Thursday at 12 p.m. ET, and the atmosphere at Northwest Stadium promises to be electric. Fans eager to catch the action can stream the game on Netflix.
With the stage set for a thrilling Christmas Day face-off, the Commanders are ready to embrace the moment and make it one to remember.
