Statistical breakdown: How the Commanders and Cowboys stack up ahead of Week 12 game

The Dallas Cowboys have an excellent offense. Dallas also has a terrific defense — and is outstanding on special teams.

The Washington Commanders, meanwhile, are inconsistent across the board. While quarterback Sam Howell leads the NFL in passing yards, Washington’s passing game has its issues, particularly with pass protection and turnovers.

As for the Commanders defense, well, they’re just not very good. Washington’s biggest strength is stopping the run. Want to know how bad things were for the Commanders last week? They sacked Giants QB Tommy DeVito nine times. How could you lose when you sack the opposing quarterback nine times? By turning the ball over six times.

Last week, Washington was the first team in 39 years to have nine sacks or more and lose by double digits.

So, how do the Commanders and Cowboys stack up statistically? We break it down.

 

Scoring Offense

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) makes a touchdown catch past New York Giants safety Bobby McCain (21). Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Commanders: 17th, 21.5 PPG

Cowboys: 2nd, 30.2 PPG

Pass Offense

Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14). Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Commanders: 10th, 245.0 YPG

Cowboys: 5th, 255.5 YPG

Rush Offense

Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (8) runs for yards after the catch against Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner (54). Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Commanders: 26th, 95.7 YPG

Cowboys: 12th, 116.8 YPG

Total Offense

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) looks to pass in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Commanders: 12th, 340.7 YPG

Cowboys: 5th, 372.3 YPG

Scoring Defense

Micah Parsons #11 of the Dallas Cowboys looks on during the second half of the game against the Washington Commanders. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Commanders: 32nd, 27.7 PPG

Cowboys: 5th, 17.5 PPG

Pass Defense

Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland (26) celebrates his score in the end zone. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Commanders: 30th, 258.5 YPG

Cowboys: 2nd, 157.1 YPG

Run Defense

Jonathan Allen #93 of the Washington Commanders reacts after a defensive play. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Commanders: 21st, 114.3 YPG

Cowboys: 15th, 109.2 YPG

Total Defense

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) is sacked by Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (90). Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Commanders: 29th, 372.8 YPG

Cowboys: 2nd, 266.3 YPG

Penalties

A penalty flag rests on the field. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Commanders: 4th, 42.7 YPG

Cowboys: 28th, 58.9 YPG

3rd-down defense

Benjamin St-Juste #25 of the Washington Commanders celebrates after breaking up a pass intended for DK Metcalf #14. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Commanders: 13th, 38.16%

Cowboys: 2nd, 32.81%

Turnover Margin

Washington Commanders cornerback Kendall Fuller (29) celebrates after a fumble recovery. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Commanders: -8 (last in the NFL after six turnovers last week)

Cowboys: +6