In first two installments of this series, we discussed 13 different quarterbacks that could suit up versus the Dallas Cowboys in the first 10 games of the 2023 season.
To catch yourself up before reading this article, utilize the following links:
For part one, click here. For part two, click here.
It’s still early in the offseason, and at the time you are reading this, teams are just kicking off organized team activities.
Each team on the schedule will feature a projected starter, but if there are any questions at the top of the depth chart, all options for the team will be discussed.
There are five teams left to dissect. Let’s dive in.
Washington Commanders
Projected starter: Sam Howell
W/L record vs DAL: 1-0
Washington Commanders 2022 5th round pick Sam Howell only appeared in eight games during his rookie season.
He was awarded one start. It was in Week 18 to end the season. It was against the Dallas Cowboys, and he came out victorious.
The game wasn’t a barn burner by any means. The Cowboys offense only put up six points, but Howell led four scoring drives in the 26-6 victory.
The Cowboys’ Achilles heel has been defending the read option, and Howell had some success. He had 35 yards rushing, plus a nine yard scramble for a touchdown to give Washington a two score lead in the second half.
Howell puts pressure on defenses with his dual threat ability. Dallas will have to be on their toes if they hope to keep him from improving on his 1-0 record.
Seattle Seahawks
Projected starter: Geno Smith
W/L record vs DAL: 0-0
It seems unfathomable that a 10 year veteran has never suited up against the Dallas Cowboys, but here we are.
Geno Smith had an inauspicious start to his career after being drafted in the 2nd round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the New York Jets.
He started 29 games in his first two seasons, going 8-8 his rookie year, and showing much promise. Year two, however, he was benched after starting 3-10.
That kicked off a six year run of being primarily a backup quarterback. After his contract with the Jets expired, he spent time with the New York Giants and Los Angeles Chargers before landing in Seattle to backup Russell Wilson.
After Wilson was shipped off to Denver prior to the 2022 season, Smith was given the opportunity to start for the first time since 2014, and he flourished.
Smith was voted 2022 Comeback Player of the Year by the Associated Press, and was also voted 2022 Most Improved Player by Pro Football Writers of America.
In 2022, he posted career high numbers for passing yards (4,282), touchdowns (30), completion rate (69.8%), and QB rating (100.9).
To keep Smith winless versus Dallas, the defense will have to defend weapons like Kenneth Walker III, D.K. Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and rookie 1st round pick Jaxson Smith-Njigba.
Buffalo Bills
Projected starter: Josh Allen
W/L record vs DAL: 1-0
Josh Allen has only started one game in his career against the Cowboys. It was Thanksgiving Day in 2019, and he feasted on the Dallas defense.
Allen only threw for 231 yards and a single touchdown, but he did so on 79.2% completions. He played an efficient game that also saw him rush 10 times for 43 yards and a touchdown.
The two time MVP candidate led five scoring drives totaling 26 points. That was enough to spoil the Cowboys’ turkey dinner.
Allen is a perennial MVP candidate with his rifle arm and hard-nosed rushing ability. At 6’5″ and 230 pounds, he does not tackle easily.
Teams having to account for his running prowess as well as his ability to throw the ball a country mile puts enormous pressure on defenses.
Dan Quinn and his crew will have their hands full Week 15 to prevent Allen from moving to 2-0 in his career against the Cowboys.
Miami Dolphins
Projected starter: Tua Tagovailoa
W/L record vs DAL: 0-0
Under new Head Coach Mike McDaniel, the Dolphins have returned to the type of explosive offense the franchise hasn’t seen since Dan Marino was still under center.
This version of the Miami offensive attack is led by fourth year player Tua Tagovailoa.
Tua has 34 NFL starts to his name, and has compiled a record of 21-13. He has posted a winning record as a starter in each of his first three seasons.
His downfall, however, has been that he has yet to stay healthy and be available for a full season. Because of this unfortunate circumstance, we have to take into account the backup quarterback.
That backup quarterback is familiar to the Dallas franchise. His name is Mike White, and he was drafted by the Cowboys in the 5th round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
In minimal opportunities, White has shown to have a gunslinger mentality that has been successful for many quarterbacks over the years.
Whether the starter is Tua or White, they have speedy weapons to utilize. Names like Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Raheem Mostert, and rookie Devon Achane. All four players have been clocked under 4.4 seconds in the 40 yard dash.
Once again, Dan Quinn and the Cowboys’ defense will have their hands full in Week 16 of the 2023 season.
Detroit Lions
Projected starter: Jared Goff
W/L record vs DAL: 3-2 (1-0 in playoffs)
Jared Goff was part of that 2016 quarterback draft class that is infamous with Dallas Cowboys fans because it is the same draft where Dak Prescott was taken in the 4th round.
Goff was taken with the first overall pick, and he will forever be linked to Prescott as media compares their career accomplishments.
For all of the flak that Goff gets, he has a winning record against the Cowboys in his career, including winning his only playoff matchup against them.
He has also been to a Super Bowl as a starting quarterback, while Prescott is stuck in the Divisional round.
Goff entered the league with Sean McVay as his head coach and offensive coordinator on the Los Angeles Rams. A complex and high-flying offensive concept allowed him to fling the football all over the field.
Now the starting quarterback in Detroit, Head Coach Dan Campbell has a completely different philosophy that has allowed Goff to be the best version of himself.
As a member of the Detroit Lions, Goff has played only one game versus Dallas, and took a hard fought 24-6 loss as the Cowboys pulled away in the 4th quarter.
Goff seeks his revenge, and looks to build upon his 3-2 record versus the Cowboys in Week 17 of the 2023 season.
