Washington Commanders stumble in red zone against Cowboys on Christmas Day
The Washington Commanders entered their Christmas Day showdown against the Dallas Cowboys with a solid track record in the red zone, converting approximately 60% of their opportunities into touchdowns. This impressive statistic reflected a team that not only understood its identity but was hungry for victory. However, that identity unravelled when it mattered most, leading to a disheartening performance that saw the Commanders finish just 1-for-3 in red zone attempts—a mere 33%.
Creative Misfires in Critical Moments
The Commanders’ struggles weren’t due to a lack of creativity; rather, they misfired with their creativity at crucial moments. Coach Ron Rivera’s frustrations were evident as he emphasized the importance of situational football. “These moments matter,” he noted, emphasizing that when the team finds themselves close to scoring, the objective is straightforward: put points on the board, not to impress anyone with elaborate plays. Rivera referred to these as “hyper focus” moments, where urgency should dictate every snap.
“Sometimes just when the moments of the game change… we’re down inside the two-or-three-yard line, we need points with that,” he said. “Not being able to nail them and recognize this is that play, this is that moment that calls for the hyper focus… that’s been challenging for sure.”
Injuries Compound the Issues
The absence of key players, particularly running back Chris Rodriguez Jr., proved to be a significant blow. Without their usual powerhouse in the backfield, the Commanders attempted to outsmart the Cowboys instead of leveraging their physicality. There was a reliance on excessive motion and misdirection, with tight ends frequently shifting across the formation, which ultimately hindered their effectiveness.
In the red zone, where space is at a premium, defenders are rarely fooled by window dressing. It appeared that the strategy shifted from a physical approach to one that favored finesse, which simply does not work against a disciplined defense.
Personnel Choices and Missed Opportunities
What’s particularly frustrating is that Washington had the right personnel to execute a more effective game plan. Players like John Bates and Ben Sinnott possess the skill set to serve as lead blockers, yet they were relegated to motion roles. Instead of creating clear pathways for the runner, their potential went underutilized.
Compared to teams like the San Francisco 49ers, known for their straightforward approach in short-yardage situations, Washington’s tactics felt overly complex. San Francisco often commits to physicality, putting a body in front of the running back and challenging the defense to stop them. The Commanders, however, strayed from their successful formula, falling from a 60% conversion rate to a mere 33%, demonstrating a clear disconnect between strategy and execution.
The Path Forward
In the end, the red zone is about making decisive choices and sticking to what works. Washington’s downfall against the Cowboys serves as a stark reminder to avoid abandoning physical football simply because a key player is absent. The lesson is clear: adapt and maintain a commitment to fundamental football, rather than overthinking and missing out on valuable scoring opportunities.
