

(John McDonnell/The Washington Post)

Prior to this season, Jay Gruden had knowledge of the Redskins-Cowboys rivalry, but he felt like he could learn about it, and he believed that many of his players needed a more thorough education on the series.

So, this week, he showed his players a video on the history of the rivalry and what makes Dallas Week so special to Redskins fans.

“I just think the history — a lot of guys haven’t been in this organization, myself included. This is my first year,” Gruden explained. “It’s always good to see the history of this rivalry and how important it is to the fans, the ex-players, the alumni and the organization in general. This is a huge game for a lot of people, and we’re going to make sure it’s known that this is a big rivalry for the new players and coaches.”

Monday’s meeting will represent the 107th regular season meeting between the teams, dating back to 1960. Dallas owns a 64-40-2 advantage.

The Redskins’ younger players said they came away from the viewing of the video with an improved understanding of the significance of this week’s meeting.

“Obviously, it seems like a long-lasting, strong rivalry,” rookie guard Spencer Long said. “It was kind of eye-opening how serious they do take it, and it’s kind of cool.”

Long added: “I haven’t been a Redskins player for very long, but I’m sure it means something to the players. But I know it must mean something to the fans, who have been watching for many, many years. But I’ve always disliked the Cowboys. … I just don’t like them. Seems like everybody who was a Dallas player tries to stick their noses up in the air. Same with the [Texas] Longhorns. But that’s just me because I’m from Nebraska.”

The more senior players, particularly those who have been with the team for a significant amount of time, already understood the importance of the game beyond division and win-loss implications. But they said the video served as a good reminder and source of motivation.

“It was good to let people know that this was 50-plus years in the making – Redskins-Cowboys,” said defensive end Kedric Golston, who has spent his entire eight-season career with Washington. “It’s a huge game because it’s an NFC East game, but it’s [also] a huge game for our fan base. You know that when you do things in this game, it’s going to forever echo through history. That’s what I kind of took out of it.”

Few of the recent games have carried great significance. But the matchup in December 2012, won by Washington 28-18, determined the winner of the NFC East and sent the Redskins to the postseason.

The rivalry seems to have lost its luster as a result of Washington and Dallas being at opposite ends of the spectrum for a number of years. Free agency also has diminished the animosity between teams: Washington has two former Cowboys on the roster, in defensive linemen Jason Hatcher and Stephen Bowen.

But the players still understand the sense of urgency, Golston says.

“Obviously, now, with people living in different cities, it’s a different nature,” Golston said. “But the intensity is still there because of being division rivals, and it’s still Washington and Dallas, and you feed off the energy of the fans.”

More from The Post:

Jenkins: Washington’s QBs could learn something from McCoy

D.C. Sports Bog: Is ‘Dallas Week’ dead? | Years when 3 QBs started

Hatcher downplays return to Dallas | Open locker room: Quick hits

Clark: We have talent, lack confidence | Garcon: WRs prepare the same

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