1. Attack the edges » Dallas left tackle Flozell Adams is 34 years old and looked every bit his age in last week’s loss to Green Bay. Adams is massive, but he’s also a little slower and the Redskins can counter with speed rushers Andre Carter and Brian Orakpo. But it’s not just Adams. The Cowboys’ steady right tackle Marc Colombo is out, likely for the season, and Doug Free is making his first career start.

2. Continue pounding the ball » Washington rallied vs. Atlanta and wore down Denver because it could run the ball. With Mike Sellers lining up at tight end, it helps the line and opens cutback lanes. He’s done well when he’s right on a guy. The tight ends have blocked well lately, which needs to continue. If they can’t run the ball — Dallas is 10th vs. the run — then the Cowboys’ pass rush will excel.

3. Beware Jason Witten » Dallas is capable of making huge plays in the passing game, especially with receiver Miles Austin. He’s averaging 20.7 yards per catch and has caught seven touchdown passes. However, Witten is the player who helps this offense sustain drives. He’s caught 49 passes. Green Bay thought enough of Witten’s importance to cover him with its top corner, Charles Woodson. Washington will not use Orakpo much in coverage vs. Witten, opting for a combination of coverages.

Key matchups


Levi Jones • Redskins • LT » He was fine vs. Denver, as long as they used three-step drops. His run-blocking was good.

vs.
DeMarcus Ware • Cowboys • LB » Dallas’ leading sacker (7) has recorded one sack in each of the last six games vs. Washington.

Casey Rabach • Redskins • C » He’s coming off one of his better games of the season, but faces a tough challenge.

vs.
Jay Ratliff • Cowboys • NG » One of the quickest nose tackles in the game; can control games with his penetration.

Santana Moss • Redskins • WR » Has had four 100-yard games vs. Dallas since joining Washington; Cowboys fans still scarred by the first.

vs.
Mike Jenkins • Cowboys • CB » Has supplanted Terence Newman as the top corner, but both could get Moss at some point.

State of the teams


COWBOYS » Before a road loss to Green Bay, Dallas was the talk of the NFC East. Now the Cowboys are getting criticized for their flaws and lack of depth. They can’t afford a home loss to a 3-6 team.

REDSKINS » One win has rejuvenated the Redskins, restoring confidence and calming the mood around the team. The rise of the running game has helped fuel the optimism. They know a win Sunday could put them right back in the race.

Examiner predicts


The Redskins have allowed too many big plays, and near misses, against good quarterbacks. They’re facing another one Sunday. But this will come down to the end.

Cowboys 23, Redskins 21


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