The Washington Commanders closed their home schedule with a familiar result in Week 17, falling 30–23 to the Dallas Cowboys at Northwest Stadium. While the loss dropped Washington further down the standings, it also reinforced where this season now sits: less about outcomes, more about identifying pieces that can carry forward.
On the latest episode of Commanders Daily, Bob Matthews breaks down a game that rarely felt in doubt but still offered moments worth examining. Despite being outpaced early and struggling to get defensive stops in the first half, Washington continued to play with effort — a theme that has defined the final stretch of the season and one Matthews believes matters as the organization looks toward 2026.
The episode zeroes in on individual performances that stood out amid the broader issues. Running back Jacory Crosky-Merritt delivered his most impactful outing of the year, combining vision, explosiveness, and ball security in a performance that raises questions about his role going forward. Matthews also highlights former second-round defensive tackle Johnny Newton, who turned in his best game as a pro and flashed the disruption Washington hoped to see when he was selected in the second round.
There is also context provided for the struggles. Dallas controlled the clock, ran efficiently, and exposed Washington’s lack of depth on defense — problems that have lingered all season. Yet the Commanders’ second-half response, limiting the Cowboys to just six points, offered at least a partial counterpoint to the lopsided first half and underscored the uneven nature of this roster.
With one game remaining, the focus shifts fully to evaluation. Which performances were situational, and which can translate against better competition? Which young players deserve extended looks? And what should fans watch closely as Washington prepares to close the season in Philadelphia?
Matthews walks through those questions, separating short-term frustration from long-term perspective, and outlines what matters most as the Commanders finish a challenging year.
For the full breakdown, player evaluations, and a look ahead to the season finale, watch the latest episode of Commanders Daily.
Conor Forrest is the Editor-in-Chief and Senior Commanders Insider for SportsJourney.com. As a graduate of George Mason University, Forrest has spent the last eight years sharing his love for sports with listeners and viewers in the DC area and around the world. He hosts the “After Further Review Podcast” and has held numerous on-air and writing roles covering the DC area sports, Division 1 Basketball, and the NFL. His work has been featured on outlets like NBC Sports Washington, Fansided.com, Heavy.com and The Fourth Estate.
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