The Dallas Cowboys continue to be one of the biggest surprises this season while the Washington Redskins continue to be one of the biggest disappointments. The Cowboys lead the NFC East while Washington remains at the bottom thanks to injuries and inconsistencies. Dallas is benefitting from a running back having a career-high season while Washington will be starting their third-string quarterback. Now both teams face off on Monday Night Football in search of a win to either help momentum or keep momentum.
Dallas is looking to extend their six-game win streak with a victory over Washington. The team is in the midst of their longest win streak since 2007 when they won seven games in a row. The biggest reason for the wins is the career-high season DeMarco Murray is putting together in Dallas. He has become the first running back to have seven straight 100-yard games. He currently leads the NFL in rushing with 913 yards and seven touchdowns. He is coming off a 128-yard performance against the New York Giants. Those 28 carries added to his league-leading 187.
Murray continues to be a crutch for Tony Romo, taking the pressure of the quarterback this season. The result is a 69.2 completion percentage. Against the Giants, he threw for 279 yards and three scores while maintaining a career-high 104.7 passer rating. Meanwhile Dez Bryant comes in ranking eight in the league with 590 yards on the year.
The Redskins are in a different situation. After the injury to Robert Griffin III, the team is starting third-stringer Colt McCoy against Dallas. The quarterback is replacing the struggling Kirk Cousins who continues to throw more interceptions than touchdowns. McCoy went 6-15 while being the starter in Cleveland. He managed to fill in for Cousins and get Washington the win in Week 7. The Redskins managed to end a four-game losing streak after getting a win over the Tennessee Titans, but it will be a challenge keeping that up against the Cowboys.
Washington needs its offensive players to step up. DeSean Jackson currently ranks ninth in receiving with 528 yards. Alfred Morris is putting up a career-low 62.9 yards per game. Meanwhile the defense must replace Brian Orakpo who is out with a torn right pectoral muscle.