Five final Redskins Thoughts
?When trying to assess the Redskins chances of winning a game like the one they are playing tonight I like to look back and see the last time they did it. The last time they went on the road from their eighth game of the season on and beat a team with a winning record was in 2011 (at Giants). The last time they won such a game against a team that was at least five games over .500 like the Cowboys are now was 2007 (at Giants). And the last time the Redskins did that when they themselves had a losing record was in 2006 (at Saints). In all, from their eighth game on they have beaten a team with a winning record on the road five times.
?Can Washington stop DeMarco Murray?s streak of 100-yard games? No running back has gone for 100 or more against the Redskins this year since Arian Foster gained 103 in the season opener. If they don?t miss too many tackles and the game unfolds their way, the Redskins could do it.
?Alfred Morris has a streak of his own working and it?s the opposite of Murray?s. He hasn?t gained 100 yards rushing in a game all year. In fact, he hasn?t hit the century mark since Week 10 last year against the Vikings. It?s easy to look at the Cowboys rushing defense, which is 30[SUP]th[/SUP] in the NFL in yards per carry, and say that Morris could break through. But it seems that Washington?s rushing woes are more internal than related to the opposition. It?s a missed block here, a cut to the wrong spot there. The opportunity is there for Morris but it remains to be seen if he will be able to take advantage of it.
?Washington has been competitive in every game but one and in that one against the Giants they turned the ball over six times. If they don?t turn the ball over and can avoid special teams gaffes they could be in it until the end.
?But Colt McCoy will not be able to game manage Washington to a win. He is going to have to make some plays. McCoy doesn?t have the strongest arm but if DeSean Jackson can find some room to operate the quarterback will be able to get it there. Don?t be surprised if McCoy makes a few plays with his legs, scampering for a couple of first downs to keep drives alive. He has some wheels.
?When trying to assess the Redskins chances of winning a game like the one they are playing tonight I like to look back and see the last time they did it. The last time they went on the road from their eighth game of the season on and beat a team with a winning record was in 2011 (at Giants). The last time they won such a game against a team that was at least five games over .500 like the Cowboys are now was 2007 (at Giants). And the last time the Redskins did that when they themselves had a losing record was in 2006 (at Saints). In all, from their eighth game on they have beaten a team with a winning record on the road five times.
?Can Washington stop DeMarco Murray?s streak of 100-yard games? No running back has gone for 100 or more against the Redskins this year since Arian Foster gained 103 in the season opener. If they don?t miss too many tackles and the game unfolds their way, the Redskins could do it.
?Alfred Morris has a streak of his own working and it?s the opposite of Murray?s. He hasn?t gained 100 yards rushing in a game all year. In fact, he hasn?t hit the century mark since Week 10 last year against the Vikings. It?s easy to look at the Cowboys rushing defense, which is 30[SUP]th[/SUP] in the NFL in yards per carry, and say that Morris could break through. But it seems that Washington?s rushing woes are more internal than related to the opposition. It?s a missed block here, a cut to the wrong spot there. The opportunity is there for Morris but it remains to be seen if he will be able to take advantage of it.
?Washington has been competitive in every game but one and in that one against the Giants they turned the ball over six times. If they don?t turn the ball over and can avoid special teams gaffes they could be in it until the end.
?But Colt McCoy will not be able to game manage Washington to a win. He is going to have to make some plays. McCoy doesn?t have the strongest arm but if DeSean Jackson can find some room to operate the quarterback will be able to get it there. Don?t be surprised if McCoy makes a few plays with his legs, scampering for a couple of first downs to keep drives alive. He has some wheels.
