The Dallas Cowboys are hosting the Washington Commanders on Sunday afternoon in a Week 2 showdown that already feels like a must-win for both squads. But before the first whistle, the most famous cheerleading squad in the world is making sure the Commanders know exactly who runs the show at AT&T Stadium.
The Cowboys cheerleaders, who boast millions of followers across social media, have been having a little fun at Washington's expense in the hours leading up to kickoff. One cheerleader posted a playful jab: "It's time to command the field." Another chimed in with a simple but pointed message: "Perfection😍."
Fans quickly joined in on the banter. "Time for AK to command the field 😍," one supporter wrote, while another added a heart-eyed emoji. The cheerleaders also made sure to hype up the home crowd. "Happy Home Opener Cowboys Nation💙," one posted, and another teased, "G2 TAKES ON GAME 2💫."
It's all in good fun, but there's real tension behind the smiles. Both Dallas and Washington stumbled out of the gate in Week 1, each dropping a divisional matchup. The Cowboys fell to the Giants, while the Commanders couldn't keep up with the Eagles. Now, with an 0-2 start looming, the pressure is on for both teams to get in the win column.
History suggests that teams starting 0-2 face long odds to make the playoffs, so Sunday's game carries extra weight. The Cowboys have the advantage of playing in front of their home crowd, but their defensive performance against New York raised plenty of eyebrows. If they can't contain the Commanders' offense, the home opener could turn sour quickly.
Kickoff is set for 4:25 p.m. E.T. on FOX, with Kevin Burkhardt, Tom Brady, Erin Andrews and Tom Rinaldi on the call. The broadcast will be a big test for Brady in the booth, as he continues to adjust to his new role. Fans can also expect a raucous atmosphere in Arlington, as the Cowboys look to bounce back in front of their faithful.
While the cheerleaders' taunts are all in good spirit, the real battle will be on the field. Both teams are desperate for a win, and Sunday's matchup could set the tone for the rest of their seasons. The Cowboys' defense, which struggled against the Giants, will need to step up against a Commanders offense that has playmakers of its own.
For more on the NFL's opening-week drama, check out how the Giants' quarterback's girlfriend celebrated their win over Dallas. And if you're wondering about the league's international expansion, there's plenty of buzz around the Cowboys' upcoming game in Brazil and the turf concerns that have fans worried.
As the cheerleaders would say, it's time to command the field. But on Sunday, only one team will truly own it.
