The Redskins played one of their best games not just of this season but of the past two when they beat Dallas on a Monday Night Football game in October. The defense played terrific, allowing an offense that failed to capitalize on good field position in the first half to find a rhythm in the second.
It’s a big reason why Washington controlled the ball for 38 minutes, 12 seconds. And this was one of four games where the Redskins finished with a positive turnover margin. They’re 2-2 in such games.
But a lot of this game depends on what Dallas does with its starters. The Cowboys have said they’ll play everyone who’s healthy and they do have an outside shot of gaining homefield advantage with a win.
Assuming they play, they’ll be facing a banged-up Redskins defense. The Cowboys’ offense has averaged 40.3 points in the last three games. They were hot before the first meeting, too, so I can see the Redskins cooling them off a little. But sweeping them? Hard to see.
The Redskins will need quarterback Robert Griffin III to have a strong game – don’t turn it over, avoid the sacks, and execute. Part of that plan depends on the Redskins being able to run the ball. In five games vs. Dallas, running back Alfred Morris has rushed for 573 yards, averaging 4.83 yards per carry, and seven touchdowns. His lowest output has been 73 yards. The Cowboys’ defense is beatable, though it has played much better than anticipated this season.
Prediction: Cowboys 27, Redskins 20