About the play: The Cowboys run the ball well and have an excellent play-action team. Defenses like the Redskins who are trying to play better against the run have to respect the play-action fake. This fake against the Redskins will allow Emmitt Smith to fake and sneak out behind his linemen. The fake will keep everyone bunched up inside, allowing some room beyond the tackles to take the screen and have some room.

Keys to the play: The keys are a good fake by Smith and Troy Aikman. They have to force the linebackers to think they have the ball, forcing the perimeter to lose containment. With a good fake, the linebackers will all step up before getting to their drops. Smith needs to do a good job of hiding behind the left guard and center who are pulling after the fake. Aikman must be a good actor.

Critical players: The left guard and center must not get grabbed after they make their run block, then pull. They have to get separation from the defensive line, so they can lead the screen.

When to expect this play: Expect the Cowboys to run this in run-down situations. Also, this is a play you only get away with once, maybe twice if you are lucky, in a game.

Defense's key: The best way to defend this play is to have an aggressive line that will grab the offensive line and not let them lead the screen. Force Smith to be an island by himself without lead blockers.