5 bold predictions for Cowboys against Washington Football Team

3. Keanu Neal will notch at least 12 tackles

Neal isn’t the athletic safety that he was during his prime with the Falcons, but he is a useful hybrid linebacker for the Cowboys at this stage in his career. That role will be particularly helpful for Dan Quinn’s defense as they try to stifle Washington’s attack this week.

The end result will see Neal making tackles all over the field. He’ll get matched up in space with Antonio Gibson more than Dallas would like on Sunday night, but he’ll get the job done adequately most of the time. Neal should also see a lot of time dropping into short zone looks for the Cowboys’ defense against Washington’s unorthodox passing attack.

The key for Dallas will be to avoid allowing Neal to be matched up with any of Washington’s skill players in one-on-one matchups down the field. He’s still athletic enough to handle his pass coverage responsibilities on short and intermediate throws, but anything more than that overly taxes the veteran defender.

Fortunately for Neal, this isn’t a matchup that will put too much stress on his aging legs. He’ll enjoy a number of tackles by keeping everything in front of him against Washington. 12 tackles is an easily achievable total for the versatile defender.