Dallas Cowboys @ Washington Redskins Game Preview: The X's & O's

Want an in-depth breakdown of this weekend’s Dallas Cowboys at Washington Redskins game? Look no further, this is the ultimate guide from the film room.

Jan 3, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) throws a pass in the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Cowboys are coming off a heartbreaking 20-19 defeat against the New York Giants. However, the mistakes made against the Giants are correctable against a Redskins team that was not impressive on tape.

Here is my projected inactives list for the Cowboys in Sunday’s game against Washington.

Who Sits

Last week was slightly more transparent when it came to deciding the game day roster. This week is slightly more convoluted with the addition of former Jacksonville Jaguar defensive end Ryan Davis. Despite being new to defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli’s scheme, it’s paramount he works his way into the defensive line rotation.

To make up for the addition of Davis, the coaching staff could have Rod Smith inactive. The team cannot afford to another member of the defensive line, while having two fullback/special team specialists is a luxury at this point. The other names on the list are the same as last week, I do not see how anyone could justify Ronald Leary being active this weak.

Aug 19, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) and wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) celebrate Presscott

Cowboys Offense vs Redskins Defense

As projected last week, offensive coordinator Scott Linehan and head coach Jason Garret took full advantage of the mismatches Jason Witten and Cole Beasley created against the Giants defense. They combined for 17 receptions and 131 yards. Beasley had one key drop, despite that he and Witten were effective in running underneath routes.

The Redskins were dreadful last week on Defense, the decision by Redskins defensive coordinator Joe Barry to not have cornerback Josh Norman shadow Antonio Brown has confused experts around the league. Brown torched Bashaud Breeland for 8 receptions, 126 yards, and 2 touchdowns.

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Many fans want to see the Cowboys offense force the ball to Dez Bryant after only have 1 reception and five targets, however targeting Breeland could be an effective strategy. It’s likely the Redskins will shadow Dez with Norman this week, despite that Linehan needs to gameplan with Dez the way he did with future Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson in Detroit.

This week it would be wise to use Dez in the slot next to Cowboys deep threat Brice Butler, allowing for Butler to run a deep route and Dez underneath. Butler can take the top off the defense and will have the opportunity to win 1 on 1 playing next to Dez for several snaps.

Again Jason Witten and Cole Beasley will have mismatches underneath against the Redskins defense.  Despite needing to get more targets for Dez, the Cowboys will have to improve upon their run blocking to take pressure off Dak Prescott.

The Redskins defensive line is not at the caliber of the Giants, which should be enough for the offensive line to perform better-creating better opportunities for Ezekiel Elliot. Guard La’el Collins and the tight ends will have to perform better in the run game.

A key to the game will be Dak’s ability to stay turnover free and be more accurate with the ball. They will have to account for Ryan Kerrigan at all times, who is by far the Redskins best pass rusher and could cause problems for Dak.

Nov 8, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Byron Jones (31) during the second half of a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium. Eagles won 33-27 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports

Cowboys Defense vs Redskins Offense

Don’t expect the Redskins to have much of a running game throughout the 2016 season. Despite having a better offensive line than the New York Giants, their is a substantial drop off in the back field. Unfortunately, the Dallas Cowboys defensive line was lackluster last week against the inferior Giants offensive line.

Defensive tackle Terrell McClain was the shining light on the line for the Cowboys, while Benson Mayowa was able to make some plays he was far from consistent. Newly signed defensive end Ryan Davis will have opportunities to rush the passer in place of Kyle Wilbur, who is a much better Sam linebacker than rush end.

Mayowa will have his hands full this week against Trent Williams, a far superior left tackle than Ereck Flowers of the Giants. If Mayowa is silent on Sunday, it should not come as a shock. However, if he is able to consistently beat Williams the Cowboys may have found something.

Cedric Thornton, Tyrone Crawford, and Maliek Collins will need to play much better in order to help stop the run. Sean Lee and Anthony Hitchens did not play their best games against the Giants either and need to improve.

The film showed that the Cowboys secondary was the most impressive part of the defense last week despite giving up a few chunk plays. Kirk Cousins is a tier 3 NFL quarterback (out of the 4 possible levels) and is far inferior to Eli Manning. Cousins will make several mind numbing decisions each week, it will be up to the Cowboys secondary to capitalize.

Cousins makes a number of poor throws in the middle of the field, meaning Byron Jones could have a golden opportunity to secure an interception. If DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garcon, and tight end Jordan Reed are contained the Redskins offense will struggle, unless they are able to run the ball against the Cowboys front.

Marinelli may not blitz often this week as Cousins is prone to mistakes with or without pressure in his face. He may run more zone than he did against the Giants to open up turnover opportunities in the middle of the field.

Sep 11, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys kicker Dan Bailey (5) kicks a field goal in the second quarter against the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Special Teams Battle

Special Teams could again be pivotal. Dan Bailey continues to earn the title of best kicker in the NFL, while the Cowboys could use some splash plays from Lucky Whitehead in the return game. Jamison Crowder is someone to watch carefully on Punt Return for the Redskins.

Final Thoughts

The Cowboys need the following to happen to move their record to 1-1.

The opportunities were present for the Cowboys to secure a comfortable victory over the Giants in week one despite less than stellar performances from both line units. If they convert their redzone trips into touchdowns, they will be able to defeat the Redskins-though Dak will need to again stay free from turnovers to keep the defense out of bad situations.

They have to run the ball and have the opportunity to do so against the Redskins front. While it’s possible for Dak to make up for a deficient running game, it’s not a situation you want to keep putting a rookie quarterback in.

Cousins will make mistakes and when he does the Cowboys defense will need to capitalize just as Brandon Carr did so last week when Eli made a baffling throw to the outside.

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