The Washington Redskins haven’t had a great deal of success against the Dallas Cowboys in recent years and this season the Redskins haven’t been able to put together a succession of successful performances. Consistency is something that has been preached throughout the locker room especially after their performance against the New Orleans Saints. The Burgundy and Gold managed to pull off a good hard-fought 20-17 win over the Cowboys were intensity and consistency showed up big especially on the defensive side of the ball.

For the first time, this season the Redskins displayed a level of intensity coming off of a win that hasn’t been on display in this early rollercoaster-like season. Greg Manusky’s defense came out with a nasty attitude forcing the Cowboys offense to lean more on the pass as they stifled the running game in the first quarter. Ezekiel Elliott only had 13 yards on 10 rushing attempts in the first half.

Washington’s defense has been ranked in the top ten in the last three games in takeaway fumble recovery percentage ( 62.50%). Manusky’s unit came up with two more recovered forced fumbles one of which resulted in a touchdown for linebacker Preston Smith.

In Sunday’s game, the Redskins defense showed their ability to consistently play in the backfield of there opponent. They were able to produce three tackles for a loss but also with there penetration slowed Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott holding him to 33 yards. The defense was was also able to harass quarterback Dak Prescott sacking him four times and making him uncomfortable in the pocket.

Something that stood out about the Redskins offense was the blocking at the wide receiver position on those outside runs. Josh Doctson not only made tough catches in this game but had several blocks in the running game that led to big gains. Sometimes the receiver involvement in the running game tends to get overlooked but the unit played a huge part in pitch plays, screens (WR, TE, RB) and outside running plays.

Redskins game notes from win over Cowboys

With that in mind, the Redskins offensive line performed well with their blocking in the passing and ground attack. Left guard Shawn Lauvao’s presence was truly felt giving the Redskins a level of consistency in opening holds on runs to the outside.

For the second straight game, Bill Callahan’s unit played a solid game protecting quarterback Alex Smith only allowing one sack on the day. They were also very solid in their ability to block in the run game assisting Adrian Peterson to 99 yards on the ground. Washington would finish the game with 132 total rush yards averaging 4.1 yards per game.

It’s been quite some time since the Redskins have been able to grind it out and get a tough win. Obviously, it will take a concerted effort to pay close attention to details as a group if they want to develop the consistency needed to be a playoff contender.

Washington will go on the road next week to take on another NFC East divisional opponent in the New York Giants at Metlife Stadium. The Redskins will need to continue to build in an environment that they have come up small over there past 10 appearances as they are 2-8 at MetLife Stadium.

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