Washington Redskins vs. Dallas Cowboys: 6 2nd-Half Adjustments Skins Should Make

The Washington Redskins and the Dallas Cowboys have both been unable to get the ball in the end zone in tonight's edition of "Monday Night Football," and with the score at 9-9 it's anybody's game. The Redskins have looked dominant at times tonight, but at the same time they have had issues on both sides of the ball.

As such, here are six adjustments Mike Shanahan and the Redskins should make to regain the lead, defeat the Cowboys, and move to 3-0.

Force Tony Romo to Make Throws

On their first drive, the Dallas Cowboys progressed down the field without Tony Romo completing a single downfield pass. Felix Jones went uncovered on a screen, Kevin Barnes interfered on a poor pass to Jason Witten and Dez Bryant fought for a first down off a screen.

Even on the last (and best) Cowboys drive of the half, the offense moved with runs and short passes. The Washington Redskins must force the ailing Romo to beat them with big throws. Romo has not looked good on many downfield throws, other than the one LaRon Landry knocked loose with a booming hit.

Help Brandon Banks Take Advantage of Dan Bailey's Short Kickoffs

With kickoff specialist David Buehler out, the Dallas Cowboys have turned to place kicker Dan Bailey for all kicking duties.

So far, Bailey has only gotten the ball deep in the end zone on a single kickoff. Yet Washington Redskins speedy kick returner Brandon Banks has been unable to break a big return (and fumbled one out of the end zone).

The Washington Redskins need to introduce some wrinkles in the kickoff return game to free Banks and help break this game open.

Get More Pressure on Tony Romo

So far, it's been shocking how little pressure the Washington Redskins have gotten on Tony Romo. Romo went untouched on both of the first two Dallas Cowboys' possessions.

The way Romo appeared to be wincing in pregame warmups, one good shot could really make him uncomfortable, especially considering the toll the half-hit from London Fletcher seemed to take.

The Washington Redskins have to get some hits on Romo in the second half. I know DeAngelo Hall would be receptive to a cornerback blitz...

Get Tim Hightower and the Running Game Going

Near the end of the half, Tim Hightower had just 21 yards on nine carries. Hightower was stuffed twice inside the Dallas Cowboys 10-yard line after the LaRon Landry forced fumble.

Hightower had runs of 4, 5 and 9 yards early on when the Washington Redskins were mixing up the play-calling well, but had three runs of no gain (or for a loss) as the half went on.

The Redskins have to get the running game going to open up things for the struggling Rex Grossman.

Make It Easier on Rex Grossman

Rex Grossman had some good throws and some bad ones in the first half, but all his passes seemed to be downfield (and into solid coverage).

Grossman showed a lot of poise immediately throwing a strike to Jabar Gaffney after the interception to Sean Lee, but his confidence could still probably use a boost after a weak showing in the first half.

Kyle Shanahan needs to draw up some screens and quick slants to held get the offense rolling and get Grossman in a groove.

Find a Way to Finish off Drives

The Washington Redskins were miserable at the end of their drives. Despite out-gaining the Dallas Cowboys for the majority of the half, the Redskins were forced to settle for field goals four times, including one that got blocked and led to a Cowboys scoring drive.

The Redskins have to find a way to put the ball in the end zone. You're not going to win a game in Dallas without finishing drives and capitalizing off turnovers.