Cowboys defense still has questions after two weeks, but shows flashes in win over Commander

The Dallas Cowboys defense struggled through its first game, allowing Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels to combine for 165 yards and a touchdown before a key stop on the goal line. Coach Dan Quinn opted to avoid a field goal attempt due to a dislocated elbow injury suffered by Daniels, forcing him to miss the remainder of the contest.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones expressed concern about the team's performance, acknowledging his respect for the Washington coaching staff. However, he emphasized the importance of the win, stating it was a "very important" victory for the Cowboys.

The defense conceded 389 yards and 24 first downs, with Washington excelling on third down at an 8-14 rate. Despite these challenges, defensive players like Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams believed they demonstrated improvement in their communication and execution. Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott praised defensive coordinator Christian Parker's efforts to improve the team's communication, highlighting the importance of both the person sending and receiving the information.

The defensive unit recorded three tackles for loss, six quarterback hits, four pass deflections, and a forced fumble. However, several near touchdowns were either dropped or poorly thrown, providing the Cowboys with opportunities for favorable bounces. Rookie linebacker Jaishawn Barham had his first game as the "green-dot" for the Cowboys, showcasing his determination and love for the game.

He finished the game with seven tackles and a preliminary PFF grade of 94.5. Despite experiencing fatigue and throwing up twice on the same play, Barham made a significant contribution to the team's victory, recovering a fumble and setting up a crucial touchdown pass to Jake Ferguson.