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

Washington Football Team defense vs. Dallas offense

Two weeks ago, the Dallas Cowboys’ offense would have been the difference against the Washington Football Team’s defense, but the injury to Dak Prescott changed everything. Prescott was legitimately on pace for over 6,000 yards passing before his injury, and in Week 6, we saw just how much the Cowboys need Prescott to be competitive.

With Andy Dalton, the Cowboys’ offense was anemic, against a middle-of-the-road Cardinals defensive unit. Even with a stacked skill position group that boasts Ezekiel Elliott, CeeDee Lamb, Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup, and breakout tight end Dalton Schultz, Dalton was unable to produce.

It’s worth noting that Dallas has lost both of their offensive tackles to injury, and that could’ve played a hand in disrupting Dalton’s ability to get a rhythm. Washington will have that same opportunity, as Chase Young and Montez Sweat have been a consistent duo generating pressure. Dallas could opt to rely on their running game as a result, but Ezekiel Elliott, while productive, has fumbled five times this year, so his play has been more erratic than normal as well.

While the Washington Football Team has offered offenses a “get right” game previously this year, they’ve actually been relatively proactive. Washington’s defense is especially big-play prone, but aside from that, they’ve also done a good job getting stops when needed. Dalton could use this game to get comfortable with his weapons, and if he does, it won’t be close. But if Washington can make him flinch and get pressure, then they can nullify his supporting cast.