Redskins vs. Cowboys: 3 takeaways from Thursday’s 23-31 loss

No. 3 – The defense is no longer a strength; it’s a problem

The Redskins defense showed flashes of dominance earlier in the year. One such flash came against the Dallas Cowboys, in fact. But on Thursday night, they allowed over 400 total yards to the same Scott Linehan-led offense, in particularly embarrassing fashion.

There was one key difference in the Cowboys’ lineup: Former Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper. The first-round pick’s agility and route running prowess was ever-apparent, and while it’s clear that his talent can negate good defense entirely, the rate at which he produced against the self-proclaimed “Flight Marshals” was alarming. There was no resistance from a secondary that should be one of the league’s better units.

Cooper finished the day with 180 yards and two touchdowns on eight receptions, but he wasn’t the only Cowboy to find success. Ezekiel Elliot redeemed himself, rushing for 121 yards and a touchdown on 26 carries. He easily churned out yards against a Redskins front that had held him to just 33 yards earlier in the season.

The fall of Washington’s defense has been swift and it has had consequences. The Redskins had trademarked a sort of gritty style earlier in the year. They weren’t flashy, but as long as they didn’t turn over the football, their defense could stay fresh, and stay hungry. Their style was unusual, but it won games. With Alex Smith out, and with the secondary failing, that style won’t serve them well anymore.