The game that every Redskins fan, player, and everyone involved with the team had circled on their calendar is here. Dallas week is upon us.
For the first time in awhile the Redskins are playing meaningful games in December and are first place in the NFC East. From here on out the Skins control their own destiny and have their eyes on dare I say it…the playoffs. But first thing is first, beat Dallas.
The Redskins will once again be in the national spotlight as they host the Cowgirls, I mean Cowboys (autocorrect, sorry) on Monday Night Football. The world will be watching and the Redskins are coming off a huge victory that nobody really gave them a chance in. Can they keep the hot streak at home alive and beat their rivals on a national platform (AGAIN) ?
Let’s take a look at the keys to the game to one of the best rivalries in all of sports.
It’s a trap!
The Washington Redskins can not fall into the trap of underestimating this Dallas Cowboys team. Everybody knows the Cowboys struggles and the fact that they are without Tony Romo, but you can’t go into this game overconfident. A few of the Giants players after last week’s game had mentioned the fact that they really underestimated the Redskins. The Skins have to go into this game fired up, and not only because it’s a rivalry game but also because what is at stake. The NFC East remains close and anything can happen the rest of the way, but with a win here the Redskins could get some breathing room.
Word on the street is that the Redskins had an intense week of practice and haven’t shown any signs of slowing down. The Redskins will need to carry that same intensity over to beat the Cowboys on MNF, much like they did last season.
Keep the streak alive
The Washington Redskins have won 5 straight home games, which is the most for the team since 1991. As hopefully all of you remember, 1991 was a great year. It was the season that the Redskins won Super Bowl XXVI and lost only two games all season. Some believe it was one of the greatest teams ever assembled (2nd behind The Avengers). But now that we took a trip down memory lane, it’s obvious that the Redskins are a much better team at home. It’s important that the Redskins fans show up in full force at FedEx and help give the Skins an even better home field advantage. The fans have been great this year, and as Ryan Kerrigan pointed out after the win last week, the fans make a big difference.
Winning at the line of scrimmage
The Dallas Cowboys have the best offensive line in football. Some could say that any one of us could run behind that line and make the Pro Bowl. The Cowboys are doing a decent job this season running the ball and are averaging 115 yards per game. The Cowboys will look to focus on the run game since it’s the strength of their offense without a reliable QB, but also because the Redskins have been poor at stopping the run. Right now the Redskins are allowing an average of 126 yards on the ground to teams. It’s crucial that the Redskins commit to stopping the run and forcing Matt Cassel to make plays. Darren McFadden isn’t exactly an intimidating RB, but he is the x-factor for the Cowboys in this game.
Bashaud Breeland vs Dez Bryant (MNF Rematch)
Last season Breeland had himself a coming out party as he absolutely shutdown Bryant, allowing only 3 catches for 30 yards. Breeland will need to have the same type of night and shut him down during the MNF rematch. Breeland has been a stud this season and so far is leading the votes in who RCC has the MVP of the team. So far this season Bryant is on pace for having the worst season of his career, obviously that is due to both injuries and QB play but also he’s been getting shut down. Josh Norman of the Panthers completely dominated him on Thanksgiving. Hopefully Breeland is able to have the same type of performance this game and keep Bryant quiet all game.
Don’t beat yourself
It’s important that the Redskins play mistake free football and don’t beat themselves in this game. The team has left big plays on the field due to penalties and dumb turnovers. Play disciplined sound football and don’t turn the ball over. Odds are the Cowboys are not going to drive the length of the field and put up points, but it’s possible that they could execute off of field position and turnovers.
It’s also worth noting that the Redskins need to keep the same intensity throughout the entire game. The Skins have come out hot the first half and then have really slowed down the second half. In all actuality the Giants should never had an opportunity at a comeback. That game was completely dominated by the Redskins but a few dumb plays made it a game. Don’t put yourself in that same situation.
If the Redskins can keep the momentum going and not underestimate the Cowboys, they should be able to walk away from FedEx Field with some cushion on the division lead and keep the win streak at home alive.
PROS
#1: Home field advantage. The Redskins are on a 5 game win streak at home, and seem to be a much better team while playing at FedEx.
#2: Kirk Cousins has thrown 10 TDs and 0 INTs at home since week 1. When Cousins doesn’t turn the ball over, the team wins. Playing at home and no turnovers is a recipe for success for this team.
#3: Momentum. The Redskins are sitting pretty on top of the NFC East and are full steam ahead after beating the Giants last week. The Redskins will look to keep that momentum on fire in front of a home crowd with millions watching around the world.
CONS
#1: The running game. Although Darren McFadden isn’t a Pro Bowl caliber RB, he isn’t someone the Skins should sleep on.
#2: The offensive line. Right now it’s the best in the NFL, and it won’t be easy for the Redskins to win the line of scrimmage. Joe Barry will need to be creative and use different blitz packages, which is easier said than done.
#3: It’s a primetime game. The Redskins have been bad lately while playing on primetime. This game could be closer than people think, I could see a 20-17 type game.
#BEATDALLAS
Dallas Cowboys vs Washington Redskins is this Monday at 8:30 pm EST on ESPN.
As always follow me on Twitter @anthonyraposa for all things Redskins as well as your news and outlook.
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