The Redskins have had all kinds of issues this year, especially on the injury front. While the Cowboys are about to start the same quarterback for the entire season, Washington has made all kinds of changes, ready to start Case Keenum for the second time this year after rookie Dwayne Haskins got hurt last week.
Still, the Redskins were able to score 35 points on the Giants and lost in overtime.
This week, the staff writers have picked three Redskins to watch out for with the matchups as they enter Week 17.
Chris Thompson – This hasn't been the most explosive season from Thompson, who once again has been limited by injuries. He is healthy enough to play right now and while he had just 12 touches in the game against the Giants last week, expect him to be a bigger part of the offense in this game. Not only does that dink-and-dump style fit Case Keenum better, but if the Redskins watch the Cowboys-Eagles tape from last week, they will see that's how the banged up-Philly offense managed to move the ball. Look for a lot of screens and quick throws in the flat to Thompson to let him find mismatches against the Cowboys linebackers.
Montez Sweat -This almost feels like an audition for Washington's future. This team is arguably even more banged-up than the Eagles were last week. Obviously, that won't necessarily translate to a win —but the point is that we're going to see some names we're not familiar with. Ryan Kerrigan is on injured reserve, so I'm looking at Montez Sweat to key this Washington pass rush. The rookie pass rusher dropped in the first round of the draft, and Washington traded up to snag him. The early returns certainly look positive, as he's sitting on five sacks, six tackles for loss and 10 quarterback hits this year. Look for Sweat to go up against Tyron Smith. It's a matchup that should favor the veteran, but we'll get a good look at a guy who figures to be a problem for the Cowboys for quite some time.
Case Keenum – The veteran quarterback is expected to draw his eighth start of the season Sunday in place of rookie Dwayne Haskins, who injured his ankle last week against the Giants. Keenum played poised in the second half, completing 16 of 22 passes for 158 yards and a touchdown. Beginning the year as Washington's starter, he had two touchdown passes in a Week 2 loss to the Cowboys. Keenum only has four interceptions this season and typically doesn't force throws, so the Dallas defense will have to knock him off his spot. The Cowboys hit him only three times in that September meeting, but they also didn't have defensive end Robert Quinn due to suspension. Quinn leads Dallas with 10.5 sacks and will look to provide pressure off that right edge.
