Redskins vs. Cowboys: 5 Keys for Dallas on Monday Night Football

Tonight's Monday Night Football game features arguably the most fierce rivalry in the NFL, with the Washington Redskins taking on the Dallas Cowboys in the "House that Jerry Built."

After a riveting late game comeback against the San Francisco 49ers last week, the Cowboys will hope to bring the 2-0 Redskins back down to earth in their first home game of the 2011 season, and here are five keys for Dallas to achieve that goal.

Running Game Must Step Up

With Felix Jones still looking like a game-time decisions for the 'Boys that means that even if No.28 plays, Tashard Choice and DeMarco Murray must have success in the running game.

Quarterback Tony Romo is banged up to say the least, in fact he's still reported as questionable and Dallas' offense needs to be balanced to have the best chance at winning this contest.

Jones has been outright ineffective through two games this season, posting a combined 69 yards against San Francisco and the New York Jets. Murray has looked promising in limited time, and Choice has always shown flashes of brilliance over his career. Both will need to excel during their extended time on the field tonight.

Defense Must Continue to Impress

Despite all the talk surrounding Dallas' questionable secondary and new defensive schemes under Rob "Ryan, they've posted the 5th best defense in the entire NFL so far.

Cornerback Terence Newman has publicly announced he'll be ready to go tonight, and he couldn't have chosen a better week to make his debut. Jason Garrett's team will be without Orlando Scandrick and Mike Jenkins will be playing below 100 percent tonight, so having arguably their best cover corner back in the lineup should help.

If the Dallas rush defense can continue their stellar start to the season, they'll put the games in the hands of Rex Grossman, which can be feast or famine for Washington.

Keep Santana Moss in Check

If Dallas is able to force the game into the hands of Grossman, they'll have to shut down notable Cowboy killer Santana Moss.

Moss has made a career of tearing up his onetime favorite football team, most notably in 2005 when he lead his team back from the dead to a last second victory over their hated rivals on their home field.

Moss realizes that these meetings will always be highly publicized, telling the Dallas Morning News:

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"I've always been a fan of them, so when it's time to play them and share that stage with them, something a little more extra comes out of you. You don't really know what it is, but it is."

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Newman will likely draw plenty of matchups against Moss tonight, and he'll need to get the better of the Redskins' star receiver more often than not if Dallas can win their home opener.

Tony Romo Must Play the Whole Game

Look, Jon Kitna filled in admirably last season when Romo went down with his collarbone injury but he's not in No. 9's league skill wise.

Even in limited time against the 49ers last Sunday, Kitna found a way to throw two interceptions and a crucial touchdown pass.

Romo will be outfitted with a Kevlar vest in order to limit the impact of the hits he'll take tonight, and Dallas hopes it will help keep their franchise quarterback in the game for the full four quarters.

Dez Bryant Must Suit Up

The Cowboys were able to sneak out of Candlestick Park last weekend with a win without Dez Bryant on the field, but much of that was due to the three touchdowns and 100-plus yards of Miles Austin.

Austin won't be walking through that tunnel in pads tonight with his teammates, which means the Bryant will be the No. 1 receiver if he is able to go tonight. Word out of Cowboys camp all week is that they expect the former Oklahoma State star to suit up and start tonight, and they better hope that happens.

Kevin Ogletree and Jesse Holley have had some clutch receptions so far, but it would be hard for any team to win lining up with two unproven wide outs as their top two receiving threats.