The Dallas Cowboys face the Washington Commanders on Sunday and while many are focused on the playoff seeding, there are other storylines that matter.
The Dallas Cowboys face the Washington Commanders on Sunday at FedEx Field, knowing a win could push “America’s Team” higher up in the NFC playoff picture … and it could mean a 13th win for the season.
While the potential playoff spot the 12-4 Cowboys could finish with has taken much of the limelight, a few stat storylines have gone a bit under the radar. Sunday could be a significant day for some Dallas players if all goes well.
Let’s get to it, shall we?
The first has to do with running back Tony Pollard. He has had a fine season culminating in a Pro Bowl selection and is tantalizingly close to another milestone.
Having missed last Thursday’s clash against the Tennessee Titans with a thigh issue, Pollard could reach the milestone against the Commanders on Sunday. Currently sitting on 988 rushing yards, the running back needs 12 more yards to hit the 1,000-yard mark. That signifies a job-well-done in NFL circles.
Kelvin Joseph back to #Cowboys work after a missed day at the dentist. https://t.co/XpImtdZoYw (LVE also working) pic.twitter.com/qVYxIOfgUj
— fishsports (@fishsports) January 5, 2023
Speaking of that thigh issue … the Cowboys and Commanders practice injury report for Thursday is in. Pollard is good to do, and so is Kelvin Joseph after a rush visit to the dentist on Wednesday. Leighton Vander Esch worked, but will not play on Sunday.
JUST IN: #DallasCowboys/#WashingtonCommanders Practice Injury Report FULL STORY https://t.co/XpImtdZoYw pic.twitter.com/Gq1mXu1Qh8
— fishsports (@fishsports) January 5, 2023
Next …
Receiver CeeDee Lamb is closing in on history in his third NFL season. He became just the third Cowboy to total 100-plus receptions in a season vs. the Titans, joining Jason Witten (110 receptions in 2012) and Michael Irvin (111 receptions in 1995), two franchise legends, in achieving the feat.
But Sunday provides Lamb with a chance to cement his legacy. He needs 10 receptions to take sole possession of the most targets in franchise history for a single season.
But wait, there’s more.
He needs just 90 more receiving yards to move into third for the most yards in a single season, being behind Irvin who holds the top two spots.
Zeke & MG get loose. #Cowboys https://t.co/XpImtdZoYw pic.twitter.com/jFVwwTEcr9
— fishsports (@fishsports) January 5, 2023
And one more …
Ezekiel Elliott has scored a rushing TD in 9-straight games. The longest active steak in the NFL🏈
“10 would be great… When we get inside the 5, Kellen has been doing the right thing and feeding me.”
-Zeke said w/a laugh https://t.co/W7NZP5Xjh2 @fishsports #DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/9sSNxdFTDM
— Bri Amaranthus (@BriAmaranthus) January 4, 2023
Ezekiel Elliott has a rushing TD in nine straight games – the longest active streak in the NFL.
“Ten would be great,” Zeke joked. “When we get inside the 5, (coordinator) Kellen (Moore) has been doing the right thing and feeding me.”
So, while Sunday potentially has big playoff implications for the Cowboys, there are also two fascinating storylines for Pollard and Lamb and Zeke and a chance to rubber-stamp their fine seasons.
Source: https://www.si.com/
