5 Cowboys to watch vs. Washington in Week 16
The Dallas Cowboys present quite the challenge for the Washington Football Team in 2021. The Cowboys have a top-10 quarterback, a top-five offensive line and arguably the top trio of wide receivers in the NFL.
Then, there is Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory.
For Washington to win to upset the heavily-favored Cowboys in Week 16, it will need to limit some of the Cowboys’ top playmakers. That can be difficult for a Washington team entering this weekend extremely shorthanded. Not only have COVID-19 issues created havoc on Washington’s roster recently, but injuries also continue to pile up.
Here are five Cowboys to watch in Sunday’s Week 16 rematch.
QB Dak Prescott
Dak Prescott Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Dak Prescott completed 22 of 39 passes for 211 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. Kendall Fuller dropped what would have been an easy interception early in the game. Prescott’s final interception was returned for a touchdown by Cole Holcomb.
Don’t count on Prescott playing poorly again. Washington must get pressure on Prescott. The WF defense sacked him four times two weeks ago. They need a repeat performance. If Prescott has time to throw the ball, it could be trouble for Washington’s beat-up secondary.
William Jackson, Michael Gallup Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Michael Gallup is the forgotten man among Dallas’ wide receivers. Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb receive most of the recognition, but Gallup is equally as dangerous. He had the biggest play for the Cowboys in Week 14, a 24-yard reception.
Kendall Fuller will likely be matched up with either Cooper or Lamb, leaving Gallup matched up against Darryl Roberts or Corn Elder if Washington doesn’t go with a safety-heavy lineup to get its best defensive backs on the field.
Dalton Schultz, Chase Young Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Dallas tight end Dalton Schultz did nothing in the first meeting, catching one pass for four yards. But Schultz is a major part of the Cowboys’ offense. He has 61 receptions and five touchdowns on the season. Washington safety Kam Curl is one of the best safeties in the NFL at covering the tight end. But Washington may move Curl around more Sunday with the other injuries in the secondary. That could mean a big game for Schultz.
DE Randy Gregory
Taylor Heinicke, Randy Gregory (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Parsons received most of the hype in Week 14, but Gregory was equally as impactful. There was his sack of Kyle Allen at the end of the game, which stopped Washington’s comeback attempt. Also, Gregory tipped and intercepted a Taylor Heinicke pass in the first quarter. Washington must have a plan for Gregory, in addition to Parsons and Lawrence.
LB Micah Parsons
Taylor Heinicke, Micah Parsons (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Parsons was dominant in the first half of the Week 14 game. His sack of Heinicke where he beat Brandon Scherff was as impressive of a defensive play you’ll see all season. The difficult thing about Parsons is you never know where he will line up. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn does an outstanding job of taking advantage of Parsons’ athleticism and versatility, making him a nightmare to plan against.
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