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Redskins vs. Cowboys: 5 keys to victory in Thanksgiving matchup

By Kyle Hundley

LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 21: Ryan Kerrigan #91 and Jonathan Allen #93 of the Washington Redskins react after a missed field goal by the Dallas Cowboys as time expired in the game at FedExField on October 21, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. The Redskins won 20-17. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 21: Ryan Kerrigan #91 and Jonathan Allen #93 of the Washington Redskins react after a missed field goal by the Dallas Cowboys as time expired in the game at FedExField on October 21, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. The Redskins won 20-17. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – OCTOBER 14: Running back Adrian Peterson #26 of the Washington Redskins loses his shoe as he rushes with the ball against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter at FedExField on October 14, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – OCTOBER 14: Running back Adrian Peterson #26 of the Washington Redskins loses his shoe as he rushes with the ball against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter at FedExField on October 14, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

No. 2 – Redskins must have another big game out of Adrian Peterson

Even at 33, Adrian Peterson continued to show that age is just a number with another solid performance against a stout Texans’ run defense.

While he just had 51 yards on 16 carries, Peterson found the endzone twice to help the Redskins take the lead for a bit. He is going to need a big game this week and find the endzone again against the Cowboys. In the first meeting, he had 24 carries for 99 yards, but didn’t score a touchdown. The Redskins had to settle for two short field goals instead.

Peterson’s numbers have dipped over the last three games, but that has been due to the injuries on the offensive line. The line should receive a huge boost this week with Trent Williams coming back.

Dallas has an incredibly underrated run defense. Leighton Vander Esch and Jaylon Smith are two very athletic linebackers who can fill holes in a hurry. These guys cannot get free runs to the hole to make plays; they must have a blocker on them. Even with the injuries, the offensive line has to win their matchups at the line of scrimmage and open some holes for Peterson to get through.

It is vital the Redskins get production Peterson. In five of the six games they have won this year Peterson hit at least 96 yards. Whether it was Alex Smith or Colt McCoy going forward, this team is still built to run the ball and work through Peterson.

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