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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: Head coach Jay Gruden of the Washington Redskins looks on from the sidelines during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at FedExField on October 14, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – OCTOBER 14: Head coach Jay Gruden of the Washington Redskins looks on from the sidelines during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at FedExField on October 14, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

No. 5 – Redskins must get ahead early and put the pressure on the Cowboys

Through the first nine games of the season, the Redskins did not have a single lead change in any of their games. It’s unheard of in today’s NFL, but true.

If they scored first, the Redskins won. If they didn’t, they lost. This team finally had a lead change against the Texans and fought their way out of an early deficit. They showed tremendous resolve, fighting their way to a temporary 21-20 lead after Smith’s injury. They cannot have another slow start again this week.

Washington is still in first place in the division, so the pressure is on them to maintain their division lead with a win. Coming into a hostile environment on a short week against a divisional opponent with a new starting quarterback, it is vital that the Redskins get out in front early to take some pressure off of themselves and put it on the home team to catch up to the road underdogs.

dark. Next. Redskins Week 12 pregame Reality Checks

Alleviating the pressure of having of play catch-up will play into the strengths of this Redskins team, which is running the ball and playing strong defense, instead of having to throw it every play. If the Redskins get off to a fast as they did in the first matchup, they will put themselves in an outstanding position to move to 7-4 on the season.

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