Dallas Cowboys Week 7 opponent preview: The Washington Football Team

The Dallas Cowboys game last week was bad, I mean really bad, so bad Cowboys fans wish they could forget about it. Unfortunately, no one can, given the beating the Arizona Cardinals handed out to a Cowboys team minus quarterback Dak Prescott. Nothing seemed to be working and now the Cowboys have to rebound as their next opponent is their bitter rival - The Washington Football Team. A team just as desperate for a win as the Cowboys.

Washington Football Team

2019 Record: 3-13

Last Meeting: 12/29/2019 Cowboys 47, Washington Football Team 16

Head Coach: Ron Rivera

Key Additions: CB Kendall Fuller, CB Ronald Darby, LB Thomas Davis, DE Chase Young (Drafted), RB Antonio Gibson (Drafted)

Key Losses: CB Quinton Dunbar, G Ereck Flowers, TE Jordan Reed, CB Josh Norman

Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images

Biggest offensive strengths and weaknesses

The Cowboys have a chance to tamp down all of the in-fighting that has recently boiled to the surface between players and coaches. This defense is facing an offense that ranks 30th in the NFL in total offense. Now, that doesn’t mean they can’t score, they have the weapons to do so in wide receiver Terry McLaurin and running back Antonio Gibson who have been their play-makers this season. Both have the speed the make things difficult for the Cowboys safeties and linebackers who have notability struggled this season. If the defense can get their act together and stop one, or both of these players, they will give this offense a chance to win.

The weakness of this offense is the same weakness for the Cowboys, their offensive line. This unit for the Washington Football Team has allowed 24 sacks so far this season. We think the Cowboys should have the talent along the defensive line to get to the quarterback. This might be their best chance to get build some momentum and confidence by taking down starting quarterback Kyle Allen.

Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images

Biggest defensive strengths and weaknesses

If you were looking for things to get easier for the Cowboys on offense you would be mistaken as the Washington Football Team has a pretty solid defense ranked 18th in the league. The heart and soul of that defense is along the defensive line, stacked with four first-round draft picks. The biggest challenge teams have had has been defending the speed off the edge from pass rushers Chase Young and Montez Sweat. We’ve seen how the Cowboys backup tackles have struggled against speed and look for that trend to continue against these two.

That speed can hurt them at times, giving running backs the ability to slip behind them for screen passes. The linebackers for the Washington Football Team haven’t played their best football this season and that also plays into the hands of the Cowboys who will be focused on establishing their running game to open up the passing game. If that happens it’s going to be a long day for their defense.

X-Factors

On offense, the biggest x-factor that will determine the Washington Football Teams success will be their ability to establish the running game with Gibson. That will open up their offensive passing game.

On defense, it will be containing the Cowboys running game.

Prediction

Cowboys 27, Washington Football Team 20