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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 29: Running back Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys runs upfield against the Washington Redskins during the second quarter at FedEx Field on October 29, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – OCTOBER 29: Running back Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys runs upfield against the Washington Redskins during the second quarter at FedEx Field on October 29, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

No. 3 – Redskins must have a repeat performance shutting down Ezekiel Elliot

Through the first seven games of the season, the Redskins’ run defense was among the best in the league. They looked nothing like the 2017 team that finished dead last in the league against the run.

However, the last three games, they have started to have some real problems stopping the run. This could be troublesome, as the Cowboys are built to run the football. Ezekiel Elliot has hit over 120 yards his last couple of games and will be coming in hot.

Elliot had his way against the Redskins the first couple of years he was in the league. This was not the case in the first game this year, as he had his worst game of the season, rushing for just 33 yards on 15 carries. Keeping the Cowboys one-dimensional was paramount for Washington, as it allowed them to focus on shutting down the pass.

light. Related Story. Redskin vs. Cowboys Week 12 preview slideshow

That said, the coaches have watched the tape and will have made adjustments. The run defense must be ready this week, as Elliot will no doubt be getting featured again. Zach Brown had arguably his best game of the season the first time they played and should have another monster game. If they can limit what Elliot does and make Dak Prescott beat them with his arm, they will be in an excellent position to win this one the road.

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