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Commanders Turn to Veteran Johnson for Christmas Clash

12/25/2025

27 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Johnson Starts Christmas

The Commanders start Josh Johnson on Christmas Day against the Cowboys after Daniels and Mariota were sidelined.
Dan Quinn of the Dallas Cowboys announced that Jeff Driskel will back up Johnson, with Sam Hartman as emergency third-string.
Johnson, 39, has played for 14 NFL teams and will make his 10th start.
Both teams are eliminated from playoff contention, with the Commanders at 4-11.

Summary

Cowboys Seek Redemption

The Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders will play on Christmas Day, each out of playoff contention.
Dallas is 6-8-1 under first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer and aims to finish strong.
Dak Prescott is on track for a fourth 4,000-yard season.
Washington will start 39-year-old Josh Johnson after injuries sidelined Mariota and Daniels, Johnson having played for the most NFL teams.
Both teams aim to build momentum for the future.

History

Historical Context

The NFL expanded to 30 teams in 1995 with the addition of the Carolina Panthers and Jacksonville Jaguars, reflecting demographic shifts and increased competition. This expansion allowed for greater player mobility, exemplified by Josh Johnson's tenure with 14 teams. The struggles of the Commanders and Cowboys, both out of playoff contention, highlight the challenges of maintaining performance in a rapidly evolving league.

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Johnson Starts Christmas

The Commanders start Josh Johnson on Christmas Day against the Cowboys after Daniels and Mariota were sidelined.
Dan Quinn of the Dallas Cowboys announced that Jeff Driskel will back up Johnson, with Sam Hartman as emergency third-string.
Johnson, 39, has played for 14 NFL teams and will make his 10th start.
Both teams are eliminated from playoff contention, with the Commanders at 4-11.

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