Redskins Challenge: The entire team needs to ‘Put up their Dukes’
Today, Washington hosts the Dallas Cowboys. For the Redskins, there’s really nothing else left to say.
The last time any Washington Redskins team defeated the Cowboys at FedEx Field was in Week 17 of the 2012 regular season. Fueled by the performances of the running game and its defense, Washington clinched the NFC East with a 28-18 win. Former Redskins sensation Alfred Morris, plowed through the Cowboys defense, accounting for 33 carries, 200 yards, and three touchdowns. The Redskins defense sacked Tony Romo twice and intercepted Romo three times.
Ironically, in 2018, that formula has served as a blueprint for Washington in its three victories. It’s a small sample size, but it’s a proven formula. Running back Adrian Peterson has been a pleasant surprise for the team. Many doubted if he had anything left in the tank, but he’s showing his worth to Washington’s offense. He’s rushed for 313 yards and 3 touchdowns in Washington’s three victories.
Defensively, Washington is drastically improved from a season ago. They boast a top ten defense, as they’re second in total defense and eighth in points allowed. The maligned rush defense that was worst in the NFL in 2017 is now sixth, allowing 90.2 yards per game.
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They’ll face their biggest test all year against in Ezekiel Elliott and the Dallas Cowboys. Elliott is second in the NFL with 586 rushing yards. In three career games against the Redskins, he’s averaged 110 yards per game. Last year at FedEx Field, Elliott pounded the Redskins defense with 33 carries, 150 yards and a touchdown. In the past three games against the Cowboys, Dallas’ offense has rushed for at least 160 yards and seven touchdowns.
This game is shaping up to be a physical contest. First place in the NFC East is on the line, both defenses are statistically top ten units, and both teams have two of the more talented offensive and defensive lines in the entire NFL. For Washington, this game is a code-red situation. In the past ten games against the Dallas Cowboys, Washington is 2-8.
The Redskins have lathered in mediocrity for the past three seasons. It’s evidenced by their record since that span. In 2018, they have the opportunity to exorcise those demons. What better way to do so than against the Dallas Cowboys? The very team that has outcoached and outplayed the Redskins in every facet the past three games. Redskins legend Dexter Manley appeared on ESPN 980 with Rick ‘Doc’ Walker earlier this week, and he shared his thoughts about the team on ‘Dallas Week’. They’re interesting, to say the least.
"They’ve got to get a new set of b—-,” “If they want to come out and beat the Cowboys they’ve got to grow some real b—- and grow up and be good football players and be gorillas on the football field.”"
Next. Redskins vs. Cowboys: 5 keys to victory. dark
Football is a man’s game and the Cowboys have owned Washington. Even quarterback Dak Prescott has thrived against Washington, going 4-0. This week, I challenge every player and coach in burgundy and gold to rise to the occasion and have a sense of pride. Dallas has dominated the rivalry with Washington as of late. Manley’s assessment may have been a bit overzealous, but it was one-hundred percent true. Come 4:25 EST, the Redskins better ‘Put up their Dukes’ or they’ll be on the losing end to the Dallas Cowboys yet again.