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3 Keys to victory for Redskins vs. Cowboys in NFL Week 8

By Jacob Camenker

LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 01: Members of the Washington Redskins offense line up against the defense of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on an extra point during the first half of a preseason game at FedExField on September 1, 2011 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 01: Members of the Washington Redskins offense line up against the defense of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on an extra point during the first half of a preseason game at FedExField on September 1, 2011 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – SEPTEMBER 01: Members of the Washington Redskins offense line up against the defense of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on an extra point during the first half of a preseason game at FedExField on September 1, 2011 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – SEPTEMBER 01: Members of the Washington Redskins offense line up against the defense of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on an extra point during the first half of a preseason game at FedExField on September 1, 2011 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

1. Overcome the injuries on the offensive line

By now, everyone has heard about the injuries to the Redskins offensive line. They are going to be without three starters on the front, including their two best linemen. Trent Williams, Brandon Scherff, and Spencer Long are out for Sunday’s game and that will cause the Redskins some major issues.

In particular, the Redskins are going to have trouble at left tackle. Normally, if Williams were to miss a game, Ty Nsekhe would be able to step in. But Nsekhe is still dealing with a core muscle injury that will keep him out this week. Thus, T.J. Clemmings is going to be forced into the lineup. Clemmings is a raw player with talent, but he hasn’t yet had success as a starter. Seeing him in action at left tackle may not go well, and Kirk Cousins may be under pressure as a result.

Elsewhere, the interior depth will be compromised. With normal backups Chase Roullier and Tyler Catalina set to be in the starting lineup, the Redskins will have to rely on a trio of recently acquired players to serve as backups. Orlando Franklin is the best of the bunch, but he was signed on Saturday. So, he may not be ready to play a big role.

Because of all this, the Redskins are going to have to figure out a way to get the ball moving on offense. They have to generate at least a little push in the ground game and Rob Kelley needs to run with great physicality today. If he doesn’t, then the team will be rendered one dimensional and the pass protection might not hold up in that scenario.

Next: 5 Bold predictions for Redskins vs. Cowboys in NFL Week 8

This won’t be easy for the Redskins, but the line has to hold their own against Dallas. They just need to give Cousins enough time to throw short passes and move the ball in that manner. If they can do that, then the team may stand a fighting chance against Dallas.

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