Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Redskins: Complete Week 17 Preview for Washington
The Washington Redskins' 2014 NFL season isn't one fans will cherish in the years to come.
That isn't to say, though, that the team can't end the year on a positive note. Set to close out its season against the rival Dallas Cowboys, the Skins will look to win consecutive home games for the first time in over a year.
And it's because of its 27-24 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles that Washington is in this position.
As for Dallas, of its past three season finales, this one is the outlier. With the team's 42-7 demolition of the Indianapolis Colts and a subsequent playoff berth, the Cowboys, for once, won't be playing for their playoff lives in the final week.
With that said, which team will come out on top?
Let's find out. Here is the Week 17 preview for Washington.
Week 16 Recap
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The role of spoiler fits the Redskins well. With its 27-24 victory in Week 16, the team eliminated the Eagles from playoff contention.
Feeding off of a litany of Philly mistakes, Washington overcame the Eagles' 495-305 advantage in total yards. Given a second chance to get in head coach Jay Gruden's good graces, Robert Griffin III managed his mistakes.
Although he did throw one interception, he was sacked just twice. Going against the NFL's No. 2 defense in sacks, that's some accomplishment. For the game, he completed 16 of 23 passes for 220 yards, with two throws to DeSean Jackson making up his highlight reel.
Jackson again tormented his former employer, registering four receptions for 126 yards. Quiet for much of the evening, Pierre Garcon came on late. His 23-yard reception on the team's final drive set the stage for Kai Forbath's game-winning field goal. For the game, he had four catches and 61 yards receiving.
While the secondary still looks like a problem after surrendering 374 yards to Mark Sanchez, the team's highlights on both offense and defense should give fans a sliver of hope that this team is indeed headed toward respectability.
News and Notes
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Pro Bowl Snub
The initial Pro Bowl selections were made this week, and as one can expect from a 4-11 team, the Redskins don't have a prominent presence on that roster.
Just one Washington player made the team. And in a shocking development, his name isn't Ryan Kerrigan but Trent Williams.
Kerrigan had a career year in 2014. His 13.5 sacks are a career high, and his five forced fumbles lead the NFL. Even more impressive, he's accomplished these feats with the likes of Brian Orakpo and Jason Hatcher hurt for various stretches.
Seeing that Tamba Hali made the team with just six sacks, you can't help but feel that Kerrigan was snubbed.
No More Trent Murphy
The rookie season of Washington's top selection in the 2014 NFL draft, Trent Murphy, officially ended this week when he was placed on injured reserve.
Suffering a broken hand against the Eagles, Murphy's totals on the year are 32 tackles, 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in 15 games. Filling the void Orakpo's injury created, he also started eight games.
With Orakpo set to enter free agency after the season, the Skins have to decide if Murphy is the player to replace him. Knowing Orakpo's injury history and that the top of the 2015 NFL draft is loaded with pass-rushers, this offseason will really reveal how the team feels about Murphy going forward.
Early Returns from the 2014 NFL Draft Class
Not that the Redskins were given rave reviews for their 2014 NFL draft class to begin with, but in looking at the contributions of the players selected, they can't be satisfied with this rookie class.
In an eight-player class, only five draft picks made the team, with three garnering at least one start. Still, early indicators point to only Bashaud Breeland being a key fixture on the team in the future.
While Murphy definitely showed improvement as the season waned, outside of him switching sides with Kerrigan, he doesn't profile as a starting pass-rusher.
In Ryan Grant's case, he was simply buried on the depth chart by more established players. With the presence of Garcon and Jackson on the roster, though, his ceiling is somewhat limited to being a No. 3 receiver in the long term.
As for Morgan Moses and Spencer Long, it's telling that they didn't get on the field more with the struggles the team had up front. Needing to drastically improve the offensive line, can Washington really bank on this duo to step into the starting lineup in 2015?
While it's far too early to declare any of these players as busts, the early returns from this past draft class have been underwhelming.
Injury Report
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| Player | Position | Injury Status |
| Robert Griffin III | QB | Questionable |
| Jordan Reed | TE | Probable |
| Roy Helu | RB | Questionable |
| Keenan Robinson | LB | Questionable |
| Jason Hatcher | DL | Questionable |
| Gabe Miller | LB | Questionable |
While it's always cause for concern when you see Griffin of all people on the injury report, judging from what Gruden had to say about his starting quarterback, RG3's inclusion on this list is more precautionary than anything.
Speaking to ESPN.com's John Keim, Gruden revealed that Griffin sprained his shoulder against the Eagles.
"He can throw the ball, it's just a little sore. We just want to make sure he doesn't aggravate it more, give him another couple days of rest and be ready to go Friday," he said.
Looking to the defense, Keenan Robinson's status is one to monitor. Not only is he the team's best option to defend Jason Witten, but his contributions as a run defender are paramount to stopping the opposition's running game.
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X-Factor and Matchups to Watch
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CB Bashaud Breeland vs. WR Dez Bryant
Are you ready for Round 2?
The first time these two met up, Dez Bryant was held to three receptions and 30 yards. Tallying four passes defended, Breeland was a major reason why.
Still, it's worth mentioning that Bryant did score back in Week 8, albeit against David Amerson. With four touchdowns the past two weeks, keeping Bryant out of the end zone will be Breeland's chief task this week.
Knowing that Washington needs to blitz to manufacture pressure, much like the cornerbacks Bryant has scorched in weeks past—Bradley Fletcher, anyone?—Breeland will have to accomplish this feat in one-on-one coverage.
Washington Front Seven vs. DeMarco Murray
Injured or not, stopping DeMarco Murray is priority No. 1 for the Redskins. After all, he did have 221 total yards in Week 8. While Washington managed to escape with a win in that contest, it won't happen again if Murray sports a similar stat line.
A top-10 unit most of the season, the front seven have injuries that have caused some slippage from the Skins' run defense of late. The same Philly team that was held to 54 yards back in Week 3 ran for 134 yards in Week 16.
With the injury situation along the front seven unsettled, Washington will likely have to lean on run blitzes to thwart Murray and his team's rushing attack.
X-Factor of the Week: Robert Griffin III
Their defensive numbers overall may have improved from last season, but let there be no mistake about it: The Cowboys are still vulnerable in the secondary.
Dallas is 23rd in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game. Additionally, it's surrendered 12 receptions of 40-plus yards and allowed opposing quarterbacks to complete over 66 percent of their passes.
Enter RG3. While his completion percentage of 69.1 may be misleading, throwing the ball downfield has always been a strength of Griffin's. According to ESPN.com, Griffin is completing over 47 percent of his passes that travel at least 10 yards.
Seeing as how Washington consistently struggles to convert third downs, it'll be important for Griffin to deliver his share of big plays in order to offset this weakness.
Prediction
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Coming off of an emotional win over the Colts, the Cowboys appear to be a team primed for a letdown. Needing a miracle to garner a first-round bye, there really isn't much of an incentive for Dallas to win this game.
With every win ruining the team's draft position, the same can be said about Washington. Fact is, though, the Redskins aren't playing like that's the case. The Skins took great joy in ending the Eagles' playoff hopes, and one would think they'd have a similar feeling if they somehow managed to sweep the rival Cowboys.
With the team improving under the direction of Gruden, even if it's just slightly, look for the Redskins to get up for this game. Entering the offseason with some momentum, Washington will win this contest.
Behind an efficient showing from Griffin, in which he doubles as a threat to run and pass, the Skins offense will carry the team to victory.
Prediction: Redskins 27, Cowboys 23
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