Dallas Cowboys’ defensive line play will be crucial against Washington Redskins

Where’s the Dallas Cowboys pass rush?

After a strong early-season performance with sacks and quarterback pressures, the Cowboys haven’t had many of either in the past two games.

Next up is the Washington Redskins.

The Cowboys won the first meeting 33-19 on Oct. 29.

Line play will be crucial in this NFC East matchup of 5-6 teams on Thursday night.

Cowboys defensive line vs. Redskins offensive line

The Cowboys’ pass rush has been nonexistent the past two games, with no sacks. This is a game where they could turn it around. David Irving had two sacks in the first match-up while Tyrone Crawford and DeMarcus Lawrence were each credited with one. The Redskins’ offensive line is hampered by injuries, including one to All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams, and the Cowboys must take advantage and get pressure on Kirk Cousins.

Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant vs. Redskins cornerback Josh Norman

Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant described himself as a “scoring machine” earlier this season, but is on a career-long five-game touchdown drought. He hasn’t had a 100-yard receiving game since last November. Bryant has to become more of a down-field threat for the Cowboys, who are desperate for explosive plays. It won’t be easy this week, though, with another showdown against Redskins cornerback Josh Norman. The two have made their rivalry known and even cashed in on it with television commercials for a smart phone. Norman and the Redskins got the best of Bryant in the first matchup, holding him to four catches for 39 yards.

This story was originally published November 28, 2017 at 6:21 PM with the headline "Dallas Cowboys’ defensive line play will be crucial against Washington Redskins."