Washington Runs Away from Dallas in a 41-16 Win

There it is folks, a season sweep. One of those games where everything seemed to go Washington's way.

Alex Smith is progressing in Scott Turner's offense, an offense that is doing a better job utilizing its young nucleus of Terry McLaurin and Antonio Gibson, but more importantly players the offense needs more from such as Logan Thomas and Cam Sims.

Washington's defense played aggressive for Jack Del Rio all day with different blitz packages and a variety of stunts on the defensive line, and we saw stand out performances from Chase Young, Montez Sweat, Kam Curl, Tim Settle, and Jeremy Reaves.

Alex Smith is exceeding everyone's expectations yet again! The numbers don't back up the impact he has had for this team. He threw 19/26 for 149 yards with 1 TD/1 INT. Not the most flattering totals, but his leadership in the locker room, on the field, in clutch situations is immeasurable. He's seen it all, and the very fact he's physically able to play right now is remarkable to say the least. It wasn't a perfect day but Alex kept battling with a makeshift offensive line and made big time throws in pressure situations, while letting his playmakers do the rest.

Speaking of playmakers, Antonio Gibson and I have something in common and it's that we're both full from eating all day on Thanksgiving.

What. A. Weapon.

20 carries for 115 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns

5 receptions for 21 yards

We've been hammering away at the idea of Gibson 15+ touches per game. We believe if Gibson gets 15+ touches per game he can put up star numbers on the stat sheet on a weekly basis.

The ability to break tackles combined with his unique acceleration at 6'2 230 lbs is tough for defenders to deal with.

It seems like offensive coordinator Scott Turner is shifting to more of a Gibson-heavy backfield moving forward after a more backfield by committee approach in the first half of the season.

Gibson now has 11 rushing/total touchdowns on the year, slotting him in the top 5 in the league in that category, and first among rookies.

He is now in company with:

Dalvin Cook (14)

Alvin Kamara(12)

Adam Thielen(11)

Tyreek Hill (11)

Terry McLaurin continues his spectacular production at the WR position in his second year.

McLaurin now has 69 receptions with 963 yards and 3 touchdowns on the year.

McLaurin now leads the NFL in receiving yards through 12 weeks.

He also saved a game-tying pick 6 by running down Jaylon Smith after an Alex Smith interception. That Cowboys possession was 3 points instead of 7. Huge save from Terry.

The offensive line played well enough to win, and a huge shoutout is in order for Tackle Morgan Moses, who is playing Left Tackle due to injuries on the offensive line. As a natural Right Tackle, it is probably incredibly difficult to do the opposite that you know every play, but Morgan has been ready and willing to do whatever is asked.

The defense made its mark with the game in the balance. Kam Curl and Jeremy Reaves did a great job pre-snap communicating, which helped them sniff out a couple on third downs. A big day for Reaves, who got significant playing time in place of S Deshazor Everett.

The bookends Chase young and Montez Sweat tee'd off on an injured offensive line for Dallas. These two were particularly animated throughout the game.. a welcome sight to see the young leaders on the defense amped up in rivalry games, an even more welcome sight when they dominate.

Love to see the talent coming together on the defensive side of the ball.

Quick Hits:

Washington allowed only 12 first downs on the day and only 60 yards rushing in the same amount of drives.

Washington was 2-4 in the Red Zone and Dallas was 0-3

Possession-Washington 35:00/Dallas 24:00

Turnovers-Washington 1/Dallas 2

I would be remiss if I didn't mention Dallas going for it on 4th down a few times, both awful attempts in their own territory but one in particular was a reverse play that went nowhere, giving Washington the ball inside Dallas' 23. Gibson was able to score for DC on the very next play.

Truly an awful decision to go for it here with the game on the line in a one possession game, but check out Michigan Rookie Khaleke Hudson(47) make a play here. One of his best highlights so far in his young career.This was a huge momentum shift for Washington and may very well have won them the game.

Overall, this was very fun to watch for Washington fans and the talent seems to be rising to the top. We are in the home stretch now everyone, and Washington has the division lead heading into Week 13 against a Pittsburgh team allergic to losing. Feel good about this when you eat leftovers today and throughout the weekend DC fans, you deserve this one.

On to Pittsburgh.

(AP Photo/Roger Steinman)