Keys to Winning at Washington

The Cowboys face a familiar rival this week in the Washington Redskins, and you can throw away what you saw the Redskins do last week. These rivalry games are intense for a full four quarters, but one of these teams will be staring at a 0-2 start.

For the Cowboys, this is a must win and here are my keys to winning at Washington:

Get the ball to Dez Bryant

It sounds cliche, but you have to get the ball to your playmakers, and Dez is that guy. Look for the Cowboys to move Dez around more this time around. Last week, it was suggested that the gameplan was designed to get Dez downfield to get double-teams, so Dak could work the middle of the field. The results were mixed, and in the end, we did not have enough splash plays compared to the Giants. Look for Dez to get the call when the matchups are favorable, and look for Dez to come into the middle of the field as well. Unlike Jason Witten or Cole Beasley, Dez will get substantial YAC.

Pound the rock

The Cowboys wanted to set the tone against the Giants with their first drive and they did, but the drive stalled with a critical dropped pass. This time around, I expect a good dose of Alfred Morris, along with Ezekiel Elliott. If the lanes start to open up, Zeke could have a crazy stat line at the end of the game. The Redskins know their run defense is shoddy, that’s why they decided to bring back Cullen Jenkins, but the Cowboys offensive lineman are familiar with him and know how to move him. If Dallas can control the Redskins defensive line and dictate the game, then the air attack will open up as well.

Win the down and distance battle

Last week the Giants were able to do what they wanted by controlling the trenches on both sides of the ball. For the Cowboys, this meant they found themselves in too many 2 & 9s and 3 & 9s. The Cowboys became predictable, the Giants knew when a pass was coming and they knew when a run was coming. The coaching staff needs to do a better job of getting the players into favorable down and distances.

What if Dallas loses?

If the Cowboys lose the game, there is going to be a lot of finger pointing and it just won’t be good. Here’s what I think some media outlets will stir up if the Cowboys lose a 2nd consecutive game:

• Scott Linehan play calling could come under more scrutiny, and some may say Garrett needs to take back the offensive play calls
• Mark Sanchez’s name could gain some whispers, maybe not for next week against the Bears, but maybe the following week
• Trade rumors will likely pick back up. Leary trade for a defensive player, or perhaps a blockbuster trade involving a player and high pick.
• Zeke Elliott selection may come into question if we lose and he has another pedestrian outing
• The pilot on Jason Garrett’s hot seat may get ignited.

What are your keys to victory against the Redskins? What may the fallout be if the Cowboys lose?

Be sure to follow us on Twitter —> @CowboysBlogNet