Washington Football Team keys to victory vs. Cowboys on Thanksgiving

No. 2 – Make Andy Dalton uncomfortable

The Dallas Cowboys are coming off their best performance of their 2020 campaign, a 31-28 road victory against the Minnesota Vikings. The offense got into a rhythm early, sustained good balance, and made just enough plays on defense to hold on late in the game.

A huge part of the Dallas’ offensive success against the Vikings was the lack of pressure the Vikings generated. Andy Dalton had a clean pocket where he was able to make reads and pick apart the defense. That is when Dalton is at his best: With a clean pocket.

As seen in Washington’s previous Dallas game, when you generate pressure, you can get the bad Dalton. The Washington Football Team generated six sacks and could have had more. Dalton was having to make quick decisions all game long and he wasn’t as successful.

Against a weaker offensive line, it is paramount this defensive line shows up. Force Andy Dalton to make quick decisions and maneuver in the pocket, and he will make mistakes. If they are unable to generate much pressure, then Andy Dalton will be able to sit in the pocket and use his elite weapons around him.

Make Andy Dalton uncomfortable and antsy in the pocket. He will make a mistake; the Washington Football Team cannot replicate what the Vikings did and allow Dalton to get comfortable in the pocket.