The Washington Redskins (9-6) and Dallas Cowboys (8-7) are set to square off for a NFC East Championship showdown. With the NFL labeling this match as “America’s Game of the Year” – this is destined to be one of the biggest games in the history of FedEx Field.
With a win, the Redskins will clinch their first NFC East title since 1999. The playoff berth would be the team’s first since 2007. The Redskins can also clinch a playoff spot with combined losses by the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings in Week 17.
Each week we chose four Redskins’ players – two from the offense and two from the defense – that are prepped for an excellent game. This week, however, the stakes are higher and the anticipation is greater. So, we’re going to break down interracial match-ups that could be deciding factors of the game – seeing which team has the edge.
Redskins’ Passing Game vs Dallas’ Secondary - Robert Griffin III threw four touchdowns against the Cowboys on Thanksgiving, but the individual plays Washington’s receivers made was clearly too much for the Cowboys’ secondary. Pierre Garcon has continued to prove he’s a legit #1 target and his presence has helped open up opportunities for Washington’s other receivers. Each week their seems to be a different receiver stepping up for Washington. Not to mention, Joshua Morgan has really regained that explosion he had in San Francisco as of late.
Edge - Redskins
Redskins’ Running Game vs Dallas’ Linebackers - The Washington Redskins have the league’s most prolific running game led by rookie Alfred Morris. With 104 yards, Morris would break Clinton Portis’ team record for rushing yards in a season (1,516 yards in 2005). The Dallas Cowboys have suffered some injuries at the linebacker position, most recently – DeMarcus Ware. On Thanksgiving, Alfred Morris accumulated 113 yards on the ground against the Cowboys. Although, Alfred Morris’ attention is not on the 104 yards needed to become Washington’s all-time leader in single season rushing yards – I think he has a great chance to surpass that mark.
Edge - Redskins
Cowboys’ Passing Game vs Redskins’ Secondary - Dez Bryant has 10 touchdowns in Dallas’ past 7 games. He’s playing at a high level right now, and was able to rack up 145 yards – 2 touchdowns on Thanksgiving against the Redskins. Tony Romo followed up with 441 yards on 62 attempts with 3 touchdowns. The Redskins’ defense has been able to step up, when needed. However, they’re still going to give up some yards and plays.
Edge - Cowboys
Cowboys’ Running Game vs Redskins’ Linebackers - Dallas has DeMarco Murray back this time around, as he did not play on Thanksgiving against the Redskins. However, the Cowboys still have the 31st ranked ground game and Murray hasn’t hit 100 yards since week 1. The Redskins defense has given up plays through the air, but they have actually been stout against the run.
Edge - Redskins
The biggest edge Washington could have is, being able to play this monumental game in front of their 85,000 rowdy fans. If FedEx Field isn’t rocking – something went wrong somewhere. The Cowboys have had a ton of false starts on offense and it was a problem for them on Thanksgiving – at their home field. So, if Washington’s fans create an atmosphere that will have people flashing back to the days at RFK Stadium, it will be a tough task for Dallas’ offense to develop a tempo.
