The Cowboys and controversial defensive end Greg Hardy will face the Redskins on Monday Night Football in a bid to play spoiler for Washington’s improbable postseason hopes. To do that, they will need Hardy’s help, and for him to remain focused.

It’s been a trying season for Dallas, and a lot has to do with the never-ending stream of controversy that envelopes Hardy, a symbol of the NFL’s domestic violence problem. Hopefully Hardy had his eye on the Jets vs. Giants game on Sunday, because there was a valuable lesson for him to be learned moving forward.

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Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall, another player who has dealt with domestic violence issues, was put in a bad spot. Marshall restrained himself from attacking Giants defender Cullen Jenkins, whom Marshall claimed made inappropriate comments about his wife. Instead of snapping, here’s how Marshall handled the problem.

"There is not enough money on this Earth for somebody to disrespect my wife. I just try to take it out in between the lines. I don't care about anything at that point,” Marshall said. He responded with two touchdowns, and finished the afternoon with 12 catches and 131 yards.

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Earlier this season, Marshall said that he has learned to realize that cameras are always on him, waiting for him to slip. "Every week I know there are going to be two or three cameras in my face. Why? Because I'm a high-emotion guy, and because of my history. I am aware.”

Hardy, one of the most talented pass rushers the league has to offer, must show the same restraint Marshall did against the Giants when he is faced with opponents trying to get under his skin. After the game, Marshall said Jenkins actually apologized to him for stepping over the line.

"The cool thing is, he didn't know I was married, and we talked it through, and he said he didn't mean to do it," Marshall said.

The Cowboys probably want to keep one of the NFL’s top sack artists on their side, so they should roll tape of Marshall not exploding on Jenkins, and educate their star on how to act.

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