On Thursday night at Arlington, the Dallas Cowboys defeated the Washington Redskins. What did we learn from this prime time encounter?
While the 10-1 Philadelphia Eagles have been cruising atop the East, the Washington Redskins and Dallas Cowboys entered Thursday night’s affair at AT&T Stadium with identical 5-6 records.
Jason Garrett’s club had dropped three straight games prior to this rematch with their longtime divisional rival. Back in Week 8 at FedExField, the Cowboys played one of their better games of the season in a 33-19 victory. So were the ‘Skins primed to be swept in this series for the second straight year?
After scoring a combined 22 points in its previous three games, Dallas jumped out to a 17-0 second-quarter lead on its way to a 38-14 victory.
Bend, don't break! The @dallascowboys get a HUGE redzone interception!
— NFL (@NFL) December 1, 2017
It's Jeff Heath with the pick!#WASvsDAL https://t.co/Z6t5xSm5J2
Now that's a good punt. By an inch!#WASvsDAL pic.twitter.com/3kfwtIVF55
— NFL (@NFL) December 1, 2017
If the pocket breaks down, watch out. @dak can run!
— NFL (@NFL) December 1, 2017
The @dallascowboys have it to start the 2nd quarter.#WASvsDAL https://t.co/ryl7SGJXUZ
Need a TD? We know a guy.@dak finds the reliable @JasonWitten for 6! #dallascowboys#WASvsDAL https://t.co/wVGX4lzHBw
— NFL (@NFL) December 1, 2017
And the @dallascowboys get it back! @TankLawrence forces the fumble!#WASvsDAL https://t.co/xJ3L4buBpf
— NFL (@NFL) December 1, 2017
Ever seen an 11-man weave?
— NFL (@NFL) December 1, 2017
Because @Switz just zig-zagged his way to this 83-yard PUNT RETURN TD! WOW! #dallascowboys#WASvsDAL https://t.co/MP25m8qKuO
Touchdown, @Redskins!@KirkCousins8 and Ryan Grant making it look EASY on that one. #HTTR#WASvsDAL https://t.co/ZFuXGwk2k5
— NFL (@NFL) December 1, 2017
https://twitter.com/NFL/status/936440096672202752
Let's just say @FredoSauce is having a good night against his former team.
— NFL (@NFL) December 1, 2017
127 yards on the ground so far, and this TD! #dallascowboys#WASvsDAL https://t.co/gPowz6yMpi
Three Stars
1. Alfred Morris
After scoring a combined 22 points in their previous three games, Dallas exploded for a 24-point win. Morris burned his former team by running for 127 yards and one touchdown on 27 carries.
2. Ryan Switzer
His 83-yard punt return for a touchdown gave the Cowboys a 17-10 lead in the second quarter in the club’s eventual 38-14 victory.
3. Demarcus Lawrence
The desperate Cowboys forced four Washington turnovers and sacked Redskins’ quarterback Kirk Cousins four times. Lawrence finished the evening with four tackles and two of those sacks.
More fansided.com: NFL power rankings, Week 12: Falcons rumble, Cowboys crumble
Odds
The Redskins entered Thursday night as 1.5-points favorites to hand the Cowboys their fourth consecutive setback and third straight loss at home. Given the way the defenses for both teams have played this season, it would not be a shock to see more points than anticipated. The over/under jumped from 44 earlier in the week to 46.5 just before kickoff.
Next Week
The Washington Redskins made their way to the west coast for the second time this season. This time, Cousins and his team take on Philip Rivers and the rejuvenated Los Angeles Chargers. Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys head to MetLife Stadium to face the struggling New York Giants. The game was recently rescheduled and will be played at 1:00 pm ET instead of 4:25 pm ET.