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Redskins vs. Cowboys: Week 12 offense and defense matchups, score prediction

By Jacob Camenker

LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 18: Colt McCoy #12 of the Washington Redskins walks to the sideline in the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at FedExField on November 18, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 18: Colt McCoy #12 of the Washington Redskins walks to the sideline in the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at FedExField on November 18, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/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) /

Redskins defense vs. Cowboys offense

This matchup is one that should be far better for the Redskins. The Cowboys offense has looked good at times, but they have been beatable. The ‘Skins learned that when they took care of Dallas at home, and there is one way to ensure that they will have a chance to win.

When the Cowboys came to D.C., the Redskins were able to completely nullify Ezekiel Elliott‘s impact. He only had 33 yards on 15 carries in what was his worst game of the year. If Washington wants a chance to win again, they’ll need to try and replicate those results.

In this contest, the three-man front of Daron Payne, Jonathan Allen, and Matt Ioannidis will be critical in slowing down Elliott. They were the main reason that the team succeeded in doing that the first time, as they ate up space at the line of scrimmage and forced Zeke to go places he didn’t want to go. Doing that against would ensure that Washington would have a chance to win.

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Elsewhere, the Cowboys passing game is pretty much carried by Amari Cooper. When he produces, the unit functions. When he doesn’t, they’re merely mediocre. Josh Norman will likely shadow Cooper and should have a solid chance at slowing him down. He’s an easier matchup than DeAndre Hopkins was last week (at the very least) so that’s a positive.

And regarding Dak Prescott, he has been efficient this year at best. He’s prone to making mistakes or poor throws when under pressure, so if the team can get some early hits on him, that could rattle him. All of this is doable as the Redskins look to improve to 7-4.

Overall, this seems like a battle that the Redskins should win. I expect a defensive struggle, especially on a short week, and the game between the two divisional rivals could get physical early on.

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