Cowboys WK13 preview: Will Dak and Dez rebound? What about the D?

By Reid Hanson | Nov 30, 2017

LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 15: Washington Redskins cheerleaders performs during a timeout in the second quarter of a game against the San Francisco 49ers at FedEx Field on October 15, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

As the Cowboys prepare to take on NFC East rivals, the Washington Redskins, we ask the Sport DFW staff if this is the week for Dez and Dak to rebound and what to expect on defense…

The 5-6 Dallas Cowboys are in a tailspin losing the three contests in embarrassing fashion and unquestionably performing like the worst team in the NFL. Is this the week they bounce back?

How will Dak Prescott play and will Dez Bryant finally explode for a big game? Additionally, we’l look at the defensive side of the ball and discuss if the defensive line can dominate again. And will the changes in the secondary make a difference?

With the Dallas Cowboys playing the Redskins there are a few things to focus on if the Dallas Cowboys are going to win this game. Of course, there is the offensive line and linebacking corps without Sean Lee, but the questions about if Dez Bryant can get on track with Dak Prescott and how will the revamped secondary look, are two major foci for this game.

Q: Will Dez finally explode?

Dan Ruppert: I just can’t trust the Dak to Dez connection until they prove otherwise. I think that Dak will try to get the ball to Dez more, but the reality is Dak’s accuracy issues and his inability to throw a back-shoulder throw are huge issues. Dez has always been an average to poor route runner and without a quarterback who can throw to allow Dez to use his strengths I can’t see this connection getting on track right now. Dak will try to get the ball to Dez, but at best it could be just an okay night for them.

Q: Will the secondary improve?

Dan Ruppert: As for the secondary, taking Anthony Brown out of the starting lineup certainly can’t hurt this defense. I think there will be a bigger focus on the secondary this game which could have them performing a little better than the last few games. Again, this is one of those I can’t buy it until I see it type of things. It is hard to believe a few changes will drastically change this defense without Sean Lee.

If the Dallas Cowboys are going to win this game, then they have to rely on the offense to keep the defense fresh. If they can do that, then the secondary will look better than it has, but it may not entirely be the changes. But just looking at the last three games I have to go with the history before I go out on a limb.

Q: Is this the week Dak gets back on track?

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Dink Kearney: As someone who believes in Dak Prescott and his abilities, I think this is the game where Dak returns to form and get back to his winning ways. The Cowboys are on a three game losing streak and Dak has looked awful in the process. This is not the talented signal caller we saw in the first eight games of the season where he recorded 15 touchdowns to four interceptions. Since this is a must win game, I expect Dak to get back to basics, like spreading the ball around, making better decisions with football, not holding onto the ball too long, and using his natural athleticism to make some plays.

A total of eight turnovers (5 ints, 3 fumbles) is not Dak-like. Dak is a winner and I expect the coaching staff to help him get back on the right track against the Redskins. Plus, I expect Dak to play to his strengths, which is how he won the ROY (Rookie of the Year) last season.

Q: Will it be a big day for the pass rush?

Dink Kearney: This is the game that the Cowboys pass rush comes alive because of the injuries to the Redskins offensive line. During the Cowboys losing streak, defensive linemen DeMarcus Lawrence and David Irving have been MIA (Missing In Action). Up until the losing streak, the Cowboys front four were sacking opposing quarterbacks on a regular basis. If the Cowboys want to win this game and keep its playoff hopes alive, Tank and Irving have to sack Kirk Cousins. Period. This is the game where Tank and Irving will answer the call and get this defense back on track. If the front four does it job, then it’ll help the secondary.

Next: It's THIS that would be the worst possible outcome for the Cowboys this season

Dink Prediction: Cowboys 21 Redskins 17

Dan Prediction: Redskins 30 Cowboys 20

Reid Prediction: Redskins 30 Cowboys 16

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