Dallas Cowboys

Washington Redskins: Final Thoughts For Week 2 vs. Dallas Cowboys

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 7:14 p.m. ET

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Jan 3, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) huddles his team during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. The Redskins defeat the Cowboys 34-23. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Game day for the Washington Redskins is upon us. Here are our final thoughts on the Week 2 contest against the Cowboys just hours before kickoff.

The Washington Redskins and the Dallas Cowboys are squaring off later today in what should be a very good game. The divisional matchup will be an important one for later in the season as the division race winds down.

We have had a lot of coverage here this week at Riggo’s Rag, and as game day draws ever nearer, here are the final thoughts we have going into the second game of the season.

Sep 11, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) misses a possible touchdown catch as New York Giants cornerback Janoris Jenkins (20) defends at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports

5. Redskins Have To Put Josh Norman On Dez Bryant

I have said this so many times that I feel like a record player. Leading up to the first game of the season, everyone was hyping up a potential Josh Norman–Antonio Brown battle. What fans saw was Norman isolated on one side of the field and Brown constantly torching Bashaud Breeland. The team needs to ensure that does not happen against the Cowboys, and they have to put Norman on Dez Bryant.

Defensive coordinator Joe Barry has said that they will be sticking to their original defensive plan because he has confidence in it. I think that is a smokescreen. Barry would be foolish not to make a change in his strategy after the debacle that was the season opener. If he chooses to run the same plan, it may be met with similar results.

Because of that, it is an absolute necessity for the Redskins to put Norman on Bryant. The team simply has too much invested in Norman for him to cover the opponent’s second receiver for more than a couple of plays. If they choose not to utilize him properly, then Barry could find himself in hot water with the front office and the fans.

Jan 3, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford (7) is sacked by New York Giants defensive end Robert Ayers (91) and defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins (99) during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium. The Eagles won 35-30. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

4. Cullen Jenkins Should See Action In His First Game

The Redskins brought back veteran defensive lineman Cullen Jenkins earlier in the week in order to use him in the matchup against the Cowboys. Jenkins is going to get a chance to be a primary backup as Kendall Reyes will miss the matchup, and he is definitely a player to watch in the game.

Jenkins should upgrade the Redskins defensive line, which struggled against the Steelers last week. He brings some experience and is a good player, and that will be a good balance for the team. This is also the third NFC East team that Jenkins has played for during his career. He has spent the better part of six years in the division, and the only team he has not played for is the Cowboys.

That said, he should be able to expose some of the weaknesses of the Cowboys offense. He has played against them so many times, so he may have an advantage over them. It will certainly be fun to see what kind of impact he will have in his Redskins debut.

Aug 26, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins tackle Trent Williams (71) blocks Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Jerel Worthy (94) at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

3. Trent Williams’ Status/Play Is Worth Monitoring

Redskins fans got a scare on Friday when it was reported that star left tackle Trent Williams sat out of practice with a glute/hip injury, per ESPN’s John Keim. Williams did not seem concerned about playing and said the following, per Keim:

I’m definitely not planning on sitting out Sunday.

That is good news for the Redskins fans, as he will be on the field. He will provide Kirk Cousins with some much needed protection and he could be critical to improving the team’s run game. However, it will also be worth watching Williams to see if he can play at full strength.

If Williams’ injury is bothering during Sunday’s contest, it could cause him to get stiff. If he gets stiff, then he may have trouble dealing with the defensive line matchups he has to take on. That would be bad news for the Redskins, and if it became a real issue, then Ty Nsekhe would probably see some action.

At the end of the day, Williams is likely going to be fine. He seemingly was held out practice for precautionary reasons. Still, his status should be monitored heading into Sunday’s important divisional matchup.

Aug 19, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Alfred Morris (46) runs the ball against the Miami Dolphins at AT&T Stadium. Dallas won 41-14. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

2. Alfred Morris’ Return Will Be The Story Of The Game

No matter what happens during the game, there will be a positive note for the Redskins faithful. Though Alfred Morris is going to return as a member of the Cowboys, he will be making a triumphant return to the Redskins. He left the team on good terms; the coaching staff and front office just wanted to move in a different direction. Morris did not necessarily want to leave Washington, but he still has a job in the league and is still loved by the Washington fans.

Morris will be playing the role of backup to Ezekiel Elliott, so he may not see a lot of action. Still, the former Redskin could end up having a good game. In the Cowboys opener, he got 7 carries for 35 yards, and looked really good behind the Cowboys’ elite offensive line. If he gets a hot hand, then Jason Garrett may decide to give him more carries.

Again, the biggest story is that Morris will be back for the first time. When he gets on the field, he will likely be met with a chorus of cheers. It will certainly be great to see the veteran on the field again.

Sep 12, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins safety David Bruton Jr. (30) breaks up a pass intended for Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jesse James (81) in the end zone in the second quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

1. Turnover Battle Will Determine Game’s Outcome

This is a common them in NFL games, but usually the winner of the turnover battle has a good chance of winning the game overall. Last season against the Cowboys, the Redskins were able to force a whopping eight turnovers on defense. CSN’s Rich Tandler pointed this out and pointed out that Norman could help the cause this season.

Last year when facing Dallas, @Redskins forced 8 turnovers. Will @J_No24 add to the tally this year? #RedskinsTalk pic.twitter.com/VSAr5i93vi

— Rich Tandler (@Rich_TandlerCSN) September 18, 2016

Tandler could end up being right. The Redskins defensive personnel has improved, so they should be capable of facing even more turnovers this year if all goes well. Of course, the Cowboys did not have a decent starting quarterback last year, Matt Cassel and Brandon Weeden started when Tony Romo went down, but this season may not be any different. Romo is hurt again, so the team is starting rookie Dak Prescott at the position.

Though Prescott has looked good over the course of the preseason and though he was decent in his first start, he still is not a proven player. He could struggle against the team’s divisional rival, and some simulations have predicted that. In fact, a Madden simulation we looked at projected Prescott to throw four interceptions during the game.

For the game itself, it is going to be important to watch the turnover battle. If the Redskins can dominate that, then they will be able to emerge victorious and get their first win of the season.