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Redskins vs. Cowboys: Week 7 offense and defense matchups, score prediction

By Jacob Camenker

GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 09: Defensive end Jonathan Allen #93 of the Washington Redskins reacts during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 09: Defensive end Jonathan Allen #93 of the Washington Redskins reacts during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 09: Defensive end Jonathan Allen #93 of the Washington Redskins reacts during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 09: Defensive end Jonathan Allen #93 of the Washington Redskins reacts during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Cowboys offense vs. Redskins defense

The Cowboys have been playing well as of late on offense. Well, it depends on how exactly you define “well.” They had an outburst against the Jaguars last week but in the previous week, they too often had to settle for field goals. In short, this unit is definitely beatable.

The Cowboys offense still runs through Zeke Elliott and the run game. While Elliott just put up a 100-yard outing against the tough Jaguars defense, he can be slowed down, as evidenced in a few games this year. The Texans, Giants, and Panthers have all done a great job of limiting Elliott and thus, have put a cap on the Cowboys offense. The Redskins will need to do the same to emerge victoriously.

Thankfully, the run defense has been a strength of the Redskins defense so far this season. Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen will continue to help collapse the pocket and make it difficult for Elliott to find much space. Considering that Elliott has been a thorn in their side for the past couple of seasons, Washington should be planning to key in on him and allow their secondary to take care of the Cowboys receivers.

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Speaking of the Cowboys passing game, it isn’t very strong. None of their receivers have really stepped into that No. 1 role, as their group really is more of an amalgamation of tertiary options than anything else. Sure, Cole Beasley can occasionally score a couple times, but he can also be neutralized fairly easily. The Redskins will look to match up with the Cowboys weapons, and thanks to the performance of Quinton Dunbar and the reinvigorated Josh Norman, they should be able to lock down the receivers.

If Dak Prescott is forced to make plays as a result of this to keep the passing game going, the Redskins will be in a good position. Prescott did well against the Jaguars to frequently scramble and pick up yards, but he may find that harder to do against Washington, as they’ll be prepared to deal with that. If Prescott has to win with his arm, the Redskins could be in great shape to limit the passing game and render the Cowboys one-dimensional.

Finally, the pass rush will also play a role in making Prescott uncomfortable. Attacking him from the middle of the pocket should be the way to go, so look for Matt Ioannidis to create some pressures there.

Overall, the Redskins should have the advantage on defense. Their unit is much improved against the run, and that will play a big role in their ability to slow the Cowboys — and Zeke Elliott — down on Sunday afternoon.

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