Redskins vs. Cowboys: 5 Things Washington Must Do to Beat Dallas

The Redskins renew hostilities with the Cowboys this evening on Monday Night Football. Defeating their arch rivals on the road in prime time would enhance the Redskins' postseason credentials.

In a rivalry this heated, no victory is ever assured, and the Cowboys have shown enough in the first two weeks of the season to prove that they can rebound from last year's 6-10 finish.

However, the Redskins have demonstrated plenty of improvement themselves. The team has been more productive and efficient on both sides of the ball so far this season.

A win tonight is a reasonable expectation for Mike Shanahan's rejuvenated team. Here are five things the Redskins must do to topple the Cowboys in Texas.

5. Go Deep Early

The Redskins may have questions to answer in the back end of their own defense, but the Cowboys also have plenty of issues with their secondary. Kyle Shanahan should look to test the shaky Dallas pass defense early.

Much has been made of the defensive schemes of new Cowboys coordinator Rob Ryan. While Ryan is utilising DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer in creative ways, his blitz packages can often leave his defensive backs isolated and exposed.

Ryan has been known to send multiple rushers after the quarterback and leave his corners matched up one on one, so the opportunities will be there for the Redskins' talented stable of receivers to stretch the field.

Going long early will put the Cowboys back on their heels and create confusion and hesitancy in their pressure packages.

Anthony Armstrong is a burner with big-play potential, and this could also be the game for Donte' Stallworth to get deep and make an impact.

4. Don't Ignore Jason Hatcher

Naturally most of the attention of the Redskins' blocking schemes will be paid to DeMarcus Ware, but Washington shouldn't overlook emerging pass-rush threat Jason Hatcher.

The 6'6", 305-pounder relies on quickness, excellent leverage and range and is very aggressive at the point of attack.

The former Grambling product is an underrated player who has the ability to shine in Ryan's attacking defense. Hatcher grabbed two sacks against the 49ers in Week 2, and the Redskins need to be aware of him in this game.

3. Max Protect

Dallas possesses an elite pass rush. Ware and Jay Ratliff have the ability to destroy any blocking scheme. The Redskins may be best served utilising some maximum protection fronts against the Cowboys.

The Redskins offensive line has failed to look truly convincing in the first two games, and the Cowboys will offer the toughest examination yet of the front five's ability to protect Rex Grossman.

The blitzing will be consistent from the Cowboys, and if the Redskins can give Grossman some time, the undermanned secondary can be picked apart.

2. Target Felix Jones with the Blitz

The Redskins should design blitzes to target running back Felix Jones in pass protection. Jones can have trouble picking up the blitz, and the Redskins should be able to overwhelm him if they send multiple rushers at the fourth-year tailback.

Another advantage to blitzing right at Jones is that it will prevent him from releasing out of the backfield, where he has the speed and receiving skills to expose the Redskins defense.

The fleet-footed runner is a dangerous pass-catcher, and the Redskins defense often struggles to cope with receivers out of the backfield.

1. Use Edge Pressure

The Cowboys frequently have trouble dealing with blitzers coming off the edge. Jim Haslett should design plenty of perimeter pressures to take advantage of this weakness.

The Cowboys' blocking schemes don't always seem to account for late pressure off the corners, and many times delayed blitzers come untouched into the backfield.

Tony Romo suffered the consequences of this failing last season against the Giants and as recently as last week against the 49ers.

A healthy dose of corner and safety blitzes should be used tonight in order to defuse the Cowboys' explosive passing attack.

With injuries to key skill players and question marks regarding their pass defense, the Cowboys would seem ripe for the picking.

But the Redskins will know that no game against the Cowboys can ever be taken for granted, regardless of the state of the team.

It will be tough, but the Redskins now possess enough weapons on both sides of the ball to pose the Cowboys plenty of problems.