Left tackle Trent Williams knows he will have his hands full on Monday night when he matches up against Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware.

Williams, in his second season in the NFL, has spent extra time on the practice field this week preparing for the matchup.

"I need to just be consistent and focused on every play and not get lazy, because he can capitalize on your mistakes real fast," Williams said. "That's just the type of player he is."

Added Williams: "I think he's one of the best in the league and it's going to be a great challenge."

Ware's stats over his career back up Williams' claim. Last year, Ware finished with 15.5 sacks, including three against the Redskins. Ware has had double digit sacks in five of his first six seasons in the league. He posted a career-high 20 sacks in 2008.

This year Ware is at it again. He is off to a fast start with four sacks in the Cowboys first two games.

New Cowboys defensive coordinator Rob Ryan is occasionally switching Ware and Anthony Spencer along the line, so right tackle Jammal Brown will have to be prepared for Ware as well.

For his part, Ware sees improvement in Williams' play this season and he isn't taking anything for granted.

"He's a lot smarter now since I went up against him his rookie year," Ware told Washington, D.C., reporters this week. "He doesn't make too many mental mistakes.

For Williams, Monday night's game is a homecoming of sorts as well. He is from Longview, Tex., a suburb of Dallas, where he played high school football. 

"I love to go out there and compete on the big stage, it's not just because I'm from Texas," Williams said. "I love the whole rivalry that the Cowboys and Redskins have."