Finally, a Dallas game worth something. It’s not exactly the end-all contest for both teams since Dallas already secured home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
However, long-time Redskins fans love nothing more than playing the Cowboys at season’s end for a playoff spot.
It’s the biggest game in FedEx Field history. The place will be rocking. Get out your Cooley, Taylor or Portis jerseys. Talk smack with your friends at holiday parties. This is the precursor to a postseason rematch because the Redskins will face the Cowboys in round two if they win the next two games.
Who’s playing better football in the NFC over the last three weeks than Washington? Nobody. The Giants are heading to the playoffs and the Redskins spanked them on the road. Minnesota won five straight and would have clinched a playoff spot by beating visiting Washington. Instead, the Redskins belted the Vikings 22-0 in the first half en route to a 32-21 win.
The Redskins have a quarterback who can run the system for the first time in playcaller Al Saunders’ two-year stay. Playmakers Clinton Portis and Santana Moss are both healthy for the first time all season. The defense is once more among the NFC’s best.
This is the best the Redskins have played in years. Now it’s all there for Washington to take. Beat Dallas and the road to the Super Bowl is wide open.
Talk of Dallas laying down for the final game given no postseason incentive is nonsense. Nobody gives up a game. But, the Cowboys won’t have injured receiver Terrell Owens to bedevil the Redskins secondary again. They probably won’t play their starters in the second half if the score is one-sided either way. The Redskins definitely get a break that Dallas isn’t healthy or needs to win.
It would behoove the Cowboys to knock the Redskins out of the postseason so they wouldn’t face them again, though. Anyone else would be easier to beat at Texas Stadium. Dallas won’t see at it that way, though. They’ve been the best team in the NFC over the season and have the home edge. The Cowboys are thinking Super Bowl so why risk anything now? That short-sightness could bite them in the rematch if Washington upsets Seattle in the first-round.
As for rivalry — forget about it. You think Dallas coach Wade Phillips cares about that? Tom Landry maybe. George Allen for sure, but rivalry talk is for fans to cheer “We want Dallas” before the game. Go ahead and boo the Cowboys like you’re watching a presidential debate.
Talk about your holiday miracles — whoever imagined the Redskins could return from a four-game losing streak and Sean Taylor’s slaying to win three straight and make the final game meaningful?
So have a cup of cheer, see if there’s any Redskins garb under the tree. Maybe only a few days remain in the season. Perhaps there are a few weeks. That’s what makes it all so interesting.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Contact him at [email protected].
