How The #Redskins #BeatDallas

I think the start of the season was humbling for Redskins fans, players, coaches, and even the media.  We all expected more.  Then the light switch flipped on...things began to click...plays start going our way...and before the bye, we got a win.  Luckily for the Redskins, the rest of the NFC East did not fair much better, so despite dropping the first three games, we are still well in the hunt, coming off an inspired win, heading into the first of the two games that, as any Redskins player will tell you, somehow mean the most...the Dallas Cowboys.  There has always been rivalries in football, but none like the Redskins and the Cowboys.


So, how to the Redskins beat the Cowboys?


Offense

• RUN THE BALL!  This is something we usually do very well, but because of getting behind early in games, we have not had much of a chance of doing this season.  Establishing the run threat from both the RB and QB position takes our offense to the next level.
• Get Garcon involved EARLY!  Garcon is having a career season, in his prime, and emerging (if not just cementing himself) as an Elite receiver in the NFL.  Using a guy like this early means he will draw attention away from the rest of the offense, create miss-matches, and create play opportunities for the rest of the offense.
• Dictate the Cowboys Offense by SCORING EARLY!  By scoring early, we can take the Cowboys out of there game-plan and put the extreme pressure on the decision making skills of Tony Romo...that can translate into turnovers.
• Protect the FOOTBALL!  We can not afford costly turn-overs on offense no matter who the opponent is, but especially in an electric rivalry game like this.

Defense

• MASK OUR DEFENSE!  I have yelled this at the TV so many times my head hurts thinking about it.  We have done so little to disguise our coverages this season.  I want to see shifts, faints, bluffs, adjustments...keep Coach Garrett and Romo guessing.
• Limit Dez Bryant and Jason Witten!  Fantasy FF gurus are calling for both Bryant and Witten to have big games...limiting their success will define the performance of our defense.
• Establish Pass-Pressure with 5 or 6 guys!  Please, God, no Cover 0 or all out blitzes.  We have more than capable pass-rushers...it should not require sending the house to get some sacks and pressure on Romo!  
• Take Advantage of Cowboy Mistakes!  Choke-artist or not, Romo usually does make some good plays and smart decisions.  We need to take advantage of poor or deflected passes and bad decision making when it occurs, which means we need solid fundamental play from our secondary and accurate play-calling from Haslett.  

Returning to the active roster is Jarvis Jenkins and Rob Jackson and both should make some kind of impact.  Jenkins should provide much improve DE play opposite Stephen Bowen.  This will be the strongest Defense we have put on the field this season...I expect them to continue to work into form and reestablish the Redskins Defensive prowess.  

If our offense also continues to improve, WATCH OUT!

Hail to the Redskins!