Washington Football Team vs. Cowboys preview: Score prediction, more

Washington Football Team offense vs. Dallas defense

Do you think the Washington Football Team’s defense is bad, with its potentially overrated defensive front, inconsistent linebacker play, and abhorrent safety angles? Well, what if I told you that the Dallas Cowboys’ defense was not just worse, but way worse?

It’s true, and despite struggles at certain areas for Washington, the gap is actually larger than you might think. Washington’s defense has allowed the sixth-least total yardage per game in the NFL, and while their points-per-game number is higher, the offense has contributed to that with turnovers and defensive touchdowns, such as New York’s scoop-and-score last week.

The Cowboys, meanwhile, are in the top ten in the opposite direction, listed as one of the worst ten defenses based on total yardage. That said, where the Cowboys defense truly rises above — or below — is in the points-per-game department. Dallas has allowed 36.3 points per game so far this season, totaling up to 218 points through six weeks. They’re the only defense above 200 total points.

Dallas’ defensive unit has legitimately been historically bad through six weeks; last week, the Cardinals scored 36 points against them, and somehow came in under the average. That shows just how bad the Cowboys’ defense has been. And what’s ironic is that they have some pieces. Their edge duo is superb, and their linebackers are supposed to be talented. But inconsistency on the line and the secondary, combined with a lack of cohesion and consistency under Mike Nolan, has doomed the group thus far.

Juxtapose Dallas’ defense with Washington’s offense, and you have a “something’s gotta give” situation. Even with mild improvements catalyzed by Kyle Allen, the Washington Football Team’s offense has had its hiccups. This week could be a chance for players like Terry McLaurin and Antonio Gibson to break out, or it could be a chance for the Cowboys defense to get back on track.