All News & Analysis

PFF Preview: Redskins @ Cowboys, Week 8

2014-Prev-WK08-WAS@DALArguably the hottest team in the NFL, the Dallas Cowboys (6-1) host the struggling Washington Redskins (2-5) on Monday Night Football. The Redskins needed a come-from-behind, last-second field goal to get past the Tennessee Titans as Colt McCoy threw his first TD since December of 2012. McCoy will get the start on Monday as Kirk Cousins hasn’t performed up to expectations. The last time McCoy started an NFL game was Week 11 of 2011 with the Cleveland Browns.

The Dallas Cowboys have been a surprise team this year getting solid contributions across the board. A Comeback Player of the Year candidate, linebacker Rolando McClain has resurrected his career in a big way, grading at +9.5 on the year, second-best among ILBs, with a 14.2 Run Stop Percentage, tops in the NFL at the position. McClain will have the task to stop HB Alfred Morris.

While Morris has struggled at times this year, he does tend to play well against their rivals. In two games last year, Morris forced seven missed tackles and scored twice. In his rookie season, Morris had over 100 yards rushing in both games including a 200-yard game. He scored four TDs and forced seven missed tackles. Needless to say, Morris shows up to play vs the Cowboys so McClain will need to continue his stellar 2014 form to stop him.

Washington Redskins

DeSean Jackson – Lightning in a bottle, Jackson continues to be a top deep threat WR in the NFL. Jackson has been targeted nine times on passes over 20 yards, notching five grabs for 257 yards (third-best) with two TDs.

Ryan Clark – The free agent signee hasn’t lived up to expectations grading at -11.4, currently the league's lowest mark for a safety. His 11 missed tackles have been worrisome, although he has only given up 0.17 yards per coverage snap.

Offensive Line – The Redskins' O-line has performed admirably this year, ranking sixth in Pass Blocking Efficiency. Led by LT Trent Williams with a 12.4 PFF grade and no sacks given up, the line’s 85.2 PBE is a strength the offense can lean on.

Dallas Cowboys

Zack Martin – The rookie has really come on strong with four straight games with green grades. He has yet to give up a sack and has a PBE of 98.4.

Tyrone Crawford – The third-year D-lineman has really impressed, grading at +11.3 on the year with 14 hurries, nine run stops and a Pass Rushing Productivity of 13.8, best in the NFL for 4-3 DEs.

DeMarco Murray – Seven straight 100-yard games, 43 missed tackles, seven TDs. Murray is having a career year and it's not all down tot he work of his O-line — he is averaging 2.87 yards per attempt after contact, best in the NFL of any HB with over 100 rushes.

Recently at PFF

First-Rounders in Review
32 Observations, Week 7
PFF Podcast

 

All Featured Tools

Subscriptions

Unlock the 2023 Fantasy Draft Kit, with League Sync, Live Draft Assistant, PFF Grades & Data Platform that powers all 32 Pro Teams

$31 Draft Kit Fee + $8.99/mo
OR
$89.88/yr + FREE Draft Kit