Riggo's Rag
FanSided

Redskins vs. Cowboys: 5 keys to victory in Washington’s Week 7 matchup

By Kyle Hundley

ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 30: Josh Doctson #18 of the Washington Redskins pulls down a touchdown in the end zone against Byron Jones #31 of the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth quarter of a football game at AT&T Stadium on November 30, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 30: Josh Doctson #18 of the Washington Redskins pulls down a touchdown in the end zone against Byron Jones #31 of the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth quarter of a football game at AT&T Stadium on November 30, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
LANDOVER, MD – SEPTEMBER 16: Quarterback Alex Smith #11 of the Washington Redskins throws a pass against the Indianapolis Colts at FedExField on September 16, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – SEPTEMBER 16: Quarterback Alex Smith #11 of the Washington Redskins throws a pass against the Indianapolis Colts at FedExField on September 16, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

1. Redskins must get some easy completions so the defense doesn’t stack the box against the run

Even after a separated shoulder, sore knee, and a short week, Adrian Peterson still had another monster game against Carolina with 97 rushing yards showing everyone why he is an all-time great. Dallas knows the Redskins are built to win by running the football first and are going to come out looking to stop the run.

This is why it is so important to get Alex Smith a couple quick completions; to get his confidence up and to get some of the receivers involved early in the game. This will also back up the defense and not allow them to key in on Peterson in the manner they might if Smith gets off to a slow start.

This is going to fall on Jay Gruden to get some high completion passes and quick hitters such as a couple screen passes or run-pass options right out of the gate and not allow the box to get stacked. This will open up the defense and give Peterson the running room that he needs to have another big game.

More from Riggo's Rag

2. Redskins must find a way to get some production from the receivers

This is going to be a big responsibility for the receivers this week as there are injury concerns. Those who do play have to win their one on one match-ups at the line. This is also going to fall on Jay Gruden to try to dial some plays up that will push the ball downfield and give this group a chance to make plays.

Josh Doctson hasn’t provided any production on the outside so far this season with just eight catches on the year. He is a first round pick and has to get some production this game to back the Dallas defense up off the line and keep them from focusing in on Adrian Peterson.

This is also a prime opportunity for Brian Quick or Maurice Harris to step. Harris is a favorite of Gruden and should see some balls come his way. Smith hasn’t pushed the ball downfield this year the way he did last year with Kansas City because his receivers just aren’t getting open. Smith is a good quarterback and he will find his receivers if they find space.

Home/Commanders News