Why the Cowboys are primed to capture their first road win

It is only fitting that through 5 games of the 2018 season, no team in the NFC East really knows who they are yet. The New York Giants are nothing short of a complete and total dumpster fire ar 1-5. The Philadelphia Eagles are victims of a brutal schedule as well as the classic “Super Bowl hangover”, still picking last year’s confetti out of their facemasks. Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys who seem to struggle to put 20 points on the board each week just hung 40 on a top-tier defense.

The Redskins Currently Sit Atop the NFC East

and if you look at their record through 5 games, you get the feeling their season could go either way. Washington has notched victories against qualities opponents like Carolina and Green Bay. Yet, in the same breath, lost by 10+ against the  Indianapolis Colts (1-5).

At first glance, it becomes apparent this is not the same Redskins team the Cowboys are used to seeing. Gone are the days of Kirk Cousins throwing for 350+ yards a game. Instead, they have donned a style of play similar to the Cowboys. The Redskins rank 24th in passing and 12th in rushing, as well as 8th in points allowed. Our beloved Dallas Cowboys ( the good guys) rank 29th in passing and 2nd in rushing, as well as 2nd in points allowed.  Redskins quarterback Alex Smith plays a style of ball more comparable to Dallas’ Dak Prescott. Both teams run the ball well, both teams lack dynamite in the passing game, and both teams possess admirable defenses. So, in a game of strength on strength, which squad gets the nod? Here’s what I think.

Cowboys SHOULD Win Battle of Strengths

Well, when I think momentum I think Cowboys. As much as the Cowboys like to tell you each game is independent of the next, momentum carries over. A 40-7 thumping of the Jaguars and their top-tier defense certainly looks like momentum to me.

When I think pass rush I think Cowboys. DeMarcus Lawerence, David Irving, Randy Gregory, Taco Charlton, need I go on? A position of weakness for Dallas last year has now become arguably their greatest strength. They are built to continuously lock and reload within the trenches, continuously providing fresh pass rushers for Alex Smith to run from.

When I think passing game I think Redskins. Unlike Prescott, Smith is routinely eclipsing the 200-yard mark this season, doing just enough to keep his offense moving. That being said, Dallas’ defensive line should level the playing field considerably. 

It is all going to come down to the run game (shocker). There is a lot of talk about the improved run defense of the Redskins. Rightfully so, it is improved. The Panthers were held to 81 yards rushing against the Redskins in week 5. Although I’m not convinced that is necessarily all due to the Redskins merit, I am not sure Christian McCaffrey is truly a north-south runner. Ezekiel Elliot on the other hand absolutely is.

When I think Cowboys I think victory, a very ugly victory. Make no mistake about it, this is a must-win game for the Dallas Cowboys. Expect Dak, Scott Linehan, and Jason Garrett to play and coach as if their jobs depend on it. They just might.