Washington Football Team: What needs to be done to beat Dallas

What does the Washington Football Team need to do to beat the Dallas Cowboys in Week 14?

The Washington Football Team has climbed their way back into the playoff picture by rattling off four straight wins. Now at 6-6, they hold on to a wildcard spot. They still have some work to do.

While Washington controls their own destiny to make the playoffs, they still need to pick up some wins in order to get there. And that all starts in Week 14 against the NFC East-leading Dallas Cowboys.

Not only would a win help grow Washington’s lead in the wildcard standings, but it would push them closer to the Cowboys. Just two games behind with five weeks left in the season, it’s very much an attainable goal to win the NFC East crown for the second year in a row. Especially considering Washington has two games left against leading Dallas (their other three games are against NFC East opponents as well).

With that being said, it’s pretty clear that this is about as close to a “must-win” as you can get. So what does the Washington Football Team have to do to take down the Cowboys in Week 14?

There is actually a pretty simple answer. You see, Dallas has one of the best offenses in football. In fact, they lead the league in total offensive yards per game (416.3). And they are second in the league in points per game (29.4).

However, their defense is near the bottom by allowing 372.5 total yards of offense a game (27th). But are pretty good at limiting scores, giving up just 22.3 points per game (tied for 12th). This is mostly due to their 23 takeaways, which ranks fifth in the NFL.

So first let’s focus on the offense. Dallas is a pretty balanced offense. Thanks to Dak Prescott and a strong receiving corps, the passing game is elite. Meanwhile, Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard form a very formidable duo at running back to anchor the rushing attack.

For the passing game, get to Prescott. You might be without Chase Young and Montez Sweat, but that pass rush is still pretty solid. Put pressure on him. Give his receivers less time to get open. Amari Cooper is prone to disappearing in games. Michael Gallup hasn’t looked the same this year as he’s dealing with an injury, but CeeDee Lamb is becoming a bigger threat by the week it feels.

The Washington Football Team secondary isn’t terrible, but it has a decent amount of holes. You can cover them up by putting pressure on Prescott. If Kamren Curl and company can put a few hits on the receivers and the pass rush gets to the quarterback, it could stifle the offense and maybe force a few bad throws (and turnovers) from Prescott.

As for the rushing attack, Washington just has to do what they’ve been doing. They’ve struggled against the pass but allow the third-fewest rushing yards per game in the NFL (91.3). Elliott and Pollard are great, but both are prone to bad games. And both have been saved by a major gain that made their “eh” day suddenly look good. Keep them away from the home run plays and you’ll be fine.

The offense is a little trickier. Because as we’ve already seen, Dallas gives up yards but limits the points. So what needs to happen here is Washington can’t be turning the ball over. Quarterback Taylor Heinicke isn’t exactly afraid to make a “bold” play. We’ve seen him make some … let’s say “questionable” … throws. Those throws sometimes lead to big plays, like the touchdown to Terry McLaurin late in the game against the Atlanta Falcons. That was a great outcome.

Sometimes those throws lead to turnovers or near turnovers though.

And as good as Trevon Diggs has been for Dallas this year when it comes to getting those interceptions (nine) – he hasn’t exactly been lockdown. Some interceptions are 100% thanks to his athletic ability and skill as a defender. However, others seem to fall in his lap and help to erase some bad coverage that he’s had.

McLaurin should be able to handle him nicely. Meanwhile, Antonio Gibson has been phenomenal lately. He could factor into the game as well. Feed him early and often. Quick passes and short throws will be a major part of the game because you can’t let DROY leader Micah Parsons disrupt the game too much (already has 10 sacks).

The Cowboys have been bailed out by big plays on defense this year. Don’t let them get away with giving up a lot of yards. That means playing smart football. No need for unnecessary risks. Look to your best playmakers early and often. And protect your quarterback. If you can do that the points should come easily against this defense.

As for Washington’s defense, it’s all about pressure. Bringing the pressure will help to stifle the run, but also disrupt the flow of the passing game. Don’t let Cooper get into a rhythm either. He’s someone that’s proven to disappear if he isn’t involved early and if you can eliminate one of the big three receivers, that makes life that much easier for the secondary.

The Washington Football Team certainly has their hands full with the NFC East-leading Dallas Cowboys in Week 14. It is a winnable game though. It’s all about keeping the momentum. That means not giving up home run plays and being smart and safe with the football on offense.