Week 4 » Redskins (2-1) at Cowboys (3-0)
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Three keys to a Redskins victory
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1. Make Dallas one dimensional » The Redskins have tamed New Orleans and Arizona, but they’re not as balanced as Dallas. The Redskins must limit Dallas in one area or the Cowboys will roll. Problem is, how? Their secondary matches up OK with Dallas’ receivers, but can they apply enough pressure on Tony Romo minus Jason Taylor? It’s a must. But if they devote eight in the box to stop Marion Barber, can they slow the passing game?
2. Protect Jason Campbell » The 3-4 front is not the problem; the talent Dallas runs it with is. Washington has done a decent job protecting Campbell and preventing turnovers. They can do this today by establishing the run early; by rolling away from the pressure; by using misdirection and by throwing quickly. Campbell must make his reads fast and can’t hesitate or else he’ll have issues. But if he has time, the Redskins can sting Dallas deep.
3. Control the ball » A good offense is the best defense. Isn’t that the cliché? It applies here. Dallas averages 32 points and 440 yards a game; the best way to stop the Cowboys is by keeping them off the field. That doesn’t just mean a healthy dose of Clinton Portis; the West Coast is designed for lots of short, quick throws to possess the ball. But Portis will need a strong game.
Key matchups
| LT Chris Samuels | vs. | LB DeMarcus Ware |
| He’s being noticed more for his run-blocking, but pass-blocking is why he’s made five Pro Bowls. He lost this matchup last year. | He leads Dallas with three sacks as a rush linebacker. Ware is strong and fast, a dangerous combo. He must be contained. | |
| CB Shawn Springs | vs. | WR Terrell Owens |
| He loves this matchup more than facing the little receivers. Springs can match Owens’ physical style and speed. | He’s been largely silent this year, though three of his 10 catches have gone for touchdowns. He’s due a breakout game. | |
| LB Marcus Washington | vs. | TE Jason Witten |
| This is a mismatch if Washington covers him one on one. Look for lots of safety help. And we mean lots. | He leads Dallas with 20 receptions and is one of the game’s best tight ends. But he has not scored vs. Washington since 2004. |
State of the teams
» The Redskins understand they’re entering a rugged two-game stretch, but have remained focused on the first of those two. There’s a growing confidence after two straight wins in which they’ve dominated the fourth quarters.
» It’s hard to imagine a team feeling more confident than Dallas is these days, averaging 32 points and 440 yards a game. The Cowboys’ D is capable of big plays as well. Dallas’ task is not getting overconfident.
The Examiner predicts …
The Redskins, in their last trip to Texas Stadium, can hang with Dallas for a bit, but not for 60 minutes. The Cowboys have too much firepower.
Cowboys 31, Redskins 20
