LANDOVER, Md. -- Early last week, Washington Redskins defensive tackle Daron Payne sat at his locker and discussed what must be done Sunday. For Payne, drafted to play in games like Sunday's against the Dallas Cowboys, it was simple. There was one guy on Dallas’ side they must control: Running back Ezekiel Elliott.
“Dominate up front and stop the run,” Payne said, “and make them one-dimensional.”
Making them one-dimensional led to plays like Ryan Kerrigan stripping Dak Prescott deep in Dallas territory. Preston Smith picked up the fumble at the 1-yard line and stepped into the end zone for a touchdown.