Skins @ Dallas-

[Whisky Dog]

That's their strategy to give up short passes down the field and make teams string together long drives with a lot of successful plays, banking on the defense getting negative plays here and there to stop drives. This just isn't a matchup bump and run, blitz heavy defense that's going to either shut you down or get toasted like the Eagles. It's designed to stop the run and make you throw short.

I also dont think the D is going to get many interceptions simply because the corners are better coverage guys than opportunistic ball hogs. Pac and Newman have no history of racking up interceptions, Henry had one good stretch last year and that's it, and we dont know about Jenkins or Scandrick yet. Also, none of the safeties have a history of being big interception guys. That's just the design of this defense and the way it beat Rodgers on Sunday is going to be the way it beats people all year if it is to be successful.

[Whisky Dog]

Also, the sacks Henry got came off of what the Cowboys call their "Cowboy" defense, which is a nickel except the 4th corner comes in for a safety (Roy or now Watkins) instead of a LB. That allows 4 LBs to remain on the field to stay stout against the run while having an extra corner in Henry to rush the QB if desired while still keeping 3 CBs and Hamlin to cover. On both sacks the coverage took away any routes long enough to allow Henry to get to Rodgers on a wide corner rush. Definitely stuff they couldnt do last year due to weak corner depth.

[Obstructed_View]

I think they've been lucky so far, as some of the secondary guys look so bad that it's amazing they're on a professional team. So far it's working though, and the Cowboys defense hasn't worn down despite being on the field a long time. The offense's decision to run down the throat of the Packers was probably deliberate to keep the defense off the field. Again, time will tell if it holds. I'm not impressed, particularly considering how hyped the secondary was before the season.

[Whisky Dog]

The offense ran down the throat of the Packers because the Packers were playing a lot of nickel and on times they didn't they were using their safeties and usually one LB in coverage blanketing TO and Witten. It shows the maturity of Garrett as a play caller to recognize this and run the ball against a defensive front looking to stop the pass. Those draws, misdirection runs, and delayed hand offs were a thing of beauty keeping the safeties back and allowing the line to tear open the front seven and sometimes six. Garrett's coming into his own now that he's had a year to get acquainted with his fancy toy.

[DBryant88]

that and the tandem of barber and Felix Jones is one of the best in the NFL

[tonylongoriafan]

as long as they play well and cut down on the turnovers, i'll be okay with it because i'm going and will be too drunk to really understand anything else

[StylisticS]

Dallas will never blow out the Redskins. ever. no matter how good we are or how bad they are.

While blowouts in rivalry games are rare. They do happen. Washington beat Dallas 35-7 in 2005. Dallas beat Washington 27-0 in 2003 at Washington. Dallas beat Washington 38-3 in 1994. It happens. But remember, it is rare.

Washington has a chance if they control the ball. If the offense does not help out the defense and Dallas plays to it's full potential for the first time thsi season. You could see a blowout in Dallas favor. I don't expect that though. Dallas oline is better than Washington dline and Dallas dline is better than Washington oline. If the lines dominate....again, you could see a blow out.

[Whisky Dog]

I remember being at that 38-3 game in 1994. One of the few live NFL games I've ever gone to.

[BUMP]

While blowouts in rivalry games are rare. They do happen. Washington beat Dallas 35-7 in 2005. Dallas beat Washington 27-0 in 2003 at Washington. Dallas beat Washington 38-3 in 1994. It happens. But remember, it is rare.

yeah i guess i exaggerated a little bit when i said ever, that 2005 game was proby the worst Cowboy game ive had to sit through in recent memory. we were so pumped up to overtake them, give them revenge, and be in the driver seat as the wildcard team..............then we get raped

[slayermin]

Cowboys looked impressive against Green Bay. DeMarcus Ware is a beast in obvious passing situations. Redskins will need to stay somewhat balanced to keep the Cowboy defense guessing. They are passing much more in Zorn's westcoast offense, so you can expect Washington to throw it early and often. And if the Cowboy secondary doesn't press, I like the Skins chances in the passing game. Moss can use his speed to get to open spots in the second level of their defense. But that's if they don't press and bump. I would be surprised if the Cowboys let Moss and Randel El run free off the line.

The one thing Jason Campbell is getting better at are his reads. Against the Giants, it seemed like he was holding the ball too long and paying the price. Now, it seems like he's more in rhythm in the quick passing game. And if he can complete a high percentage and keep the chains moving, the Skins have a chance. He's not McNabb but he is playing well.

As for the Skins defense against Romo and Company, they have their hands full. Their offense is so balanced, it's difficult to take away things. They have too many playmakers on that side of the ball. The Redskins should blitz every down from every spot on the field because they are going to give up points anyway. Be aggressive and force the issue. If they play that bend and don't break defense, counting on their secondary to cover, that's a slow death, imo. Without Jason Taylor, you need to manufacture pressure somehow.

And if the Redskins really want a chance to steal this game, they need to make some plays on special teams. But you can say that about any of the games on Sunday so you really can't count on it.

I don't think it's going to be a blowout. I just hope Washington is in striking distance in the 4th quarter. This game is going to be physical like they usually are between these two teams. It will be fun to watch and I can't wait.

[bigdog]

I'm going to the game Sunday!!!

Anywho, I expect a close game throughout, with Dallas pulling ahead late 3rd/early 4th.

If Dallas can defend the run the way they have been doing so far, they will win.
The only real threat in the passing game is probably Santana Moss, who seems to be doing the best in this West Coast offense. I think we can handle Cooley, Randle El, and if they don't sleep on Devin Thomas, we should be fine.

But like I said, stop the run, and they will be fine.




Also, not to mention, if there is any pressure on Campbell whatsoever, we will win.

[K-State Spur]

I'm going to the game Sunday!!!

Anywho, I expect a close game throughout, with Dallas pulling ahead late 3rd/early 4th.

If Dallas can defend the run the way they have been doing so far, they will win.
The only real threat in the passing game is probably Santana Moss, who seems to be doing the best in this West Coast offense. I think we can handle Cooley, Randle El, and if they don't sleep on Devin Thomas, we should be fine.

But like I said, stop the run, and they will be fine.




Also, not to mention, if there is any pressure on Campbell whatsoever, we will win.

Good point on Thomas. He showed some flashes last week now that he is finally healthy. Not the least of which was breaking loose for a 70 yard TD that was called back on a penalty that didn't affect the play at all.

[Bigzax]

i see a 7 point game pushed to 14 late in the 4th...



but that...Go Skins, bring the pain!!!

[Bigzax]

[samikeyp]

ok, the "F Romo" plate is pretty funny.

[fitzgerald]

The only thing Washington has going for them is that cheerleader. Damn she is fine. As for the team, no problem for the Cowboys.

[Evan]

I love how much the Cowboys bother redskin fans...absolutely love it so much

[DBryant88]

I love how much the Cowboys bother redskin fans...absolutely love it so much

I is rather amusing,i hope that the skins get blown out after last season when the beat us in the final game it was rather embarrasing

[K-State Spur]

I love how much the Cowboys bother redskin fans...absolutely love it so much

Of course we don't like the Cowboys, it's a rivalry - one of the best in all of Sport. We also don't like the Eagles or the Giants. (Although, I think there is a greater respect from the Redskin nation for the Giants & the Cowboys, the Eagles fans just make it hard for us to wish them any good fortune whatsoever.)

You have to spend very little time on any Cowboy message board to notice that there is very little love going the either way too.

[Evan]

Of course we don't like the Cowboys, it's a rivalry - one of the best in all of Sport. We also don't like the Eagles or the Giants. (Although, I think there is a greater respect from the Redskin nation for the Giants & the Cowboys, the Eagles fans just make it hard for us to wish them any good fortune whatsoever.)

You have to spend very little time on any Cowboy message board to notice that there is very little love going the either way too.

I'm pretty aware of that but there are more fans obsessed with the Cowboys than their own team by than anyone else in the league...especially the Redskins and Eagles.

I mean to get a license plate to attack Romo? Beautiful...as a Cowboy I drink it in and love the rivalry that much more.

[K-State Spur]

I'm pretty aware of that but there are more fans obsessed with the Cowboys than their own team by than anyone else in the league...especially the Redskins and Eagles.

I mean to get a license plate to attack Romo? Beautiful...as a Cowboy I drink it in and love the rivalry that much more.

Yes, that person is a bit overboard. But I once saw a license plate in San Antonio that said 'SkinH8r' - I'm guessing that person wasn't referring to their epidermis.

Why is it that - in every rivalry - both groups try to convince themselves that they don't care as much as the other side?

This is the best match-up in the NFL - both groups should embrace getting to be a part of it.

[samikeyp]

Of course we don't like the Cowboys, it's a rivalry - one of the best in all of Sport. We also don't like the Eagles or the Giants. (Although, I think there is a greater respect from the Redskin nation for the Giants & the Cowboys, the Eagles fans just make it hard for us to wish them any good fortune whatsoever.)

I would agree and I think there is more respect for the Redskins and Giants from Cowboys Fans than for the Eagles. When Tom Landry died there were tributes from NY and Washington. Philly is known best for booing Santa Claus and cheering possibly paralyzed opposing players.

[samikeyp]

This is the best match-up in the NFL - both groups should embrace getting to be a part of it.

Agreed.

[Bigzax]

I'm pretty aware of that but there are more fans obsessed with the Cowboys than their own team by than anyone else in the league...especially the Redskins and Eagles.

you do have a point, i gets that eating grin on my face when dallas loses...but then again, i'm in the middle of bandwagon cowboy fan central...aka San Antonio...

[Bigzax]