Washington will try and slow high-flying Cowboys
The game is the biggest of the season, a rivalry that causes stomachs to churn, hearts to flutter and nerves to heighten.
That’s Chris Samuels’ take.
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“It’s our biggest rivalry of the year,” he said. “I don’t like Dallas. I’ve never liked them. I just hate Dallas.”
Or …
It’s just another game. One of 16. It just so happens to be against a team their fans loathe.
That’s Clinton Portis’ take.
“It only counts as one win or one loss,” he said.
But there’s no doubt about this when it comes to the Redskins game at Dallas on Sunday: a win would be huge. Not because it’s Dallas, but because it’s at arguably the hottest team in the NFL right now.
If the Redskins (2-1) beat a 1-2 Dallas team, they would no doubt enjoy the win because it’s what their fans want. But the Cowboys are 3-0, averaging 32 points per game. A win over this group extends beyond the rivalry.
“We have to beat the best to be where we want to get to,” said Redskins coach Jim Zorn. “And this is one of the better teams in the NFL right now.”
“This is one of the premier offenses I’ve seen in all my years,” Redskins defensive coordinator Greg Blache said. “I compare it to the Patriots’ offense last year when it was sizzling and roaring. These guys are awesome, let’s not kid ourselves. These guys are like the Roman Empire when they were at their best.”
All of which is why the Redskins are considered 11-point underdogs.
“I’m not surprised,” Blache said. “This is like the Christians and the Lions at the Coliseum. … We have to be one of those underdogs that finds a way to get it done. When we started this country, I bet the Colonists were underdogs to Britain too. We don’t speak the King’s English so there’s a chance for us.”
The trick is slowing an offense that is well rounded and has explosive players. They’ve averaged 440 yards per game with star wideout Terrell Owens only having 10 catches. Of course, he has three touchdowns and gets 19.3 yards per reception. In case anyone has forgotten, Owens caught four touchdown passes vs. Washington last year in Texas.
“I have a track meet Sunday,” cornerback Shawn Springs said after Sunday’s win over Arizona. “I can’t wait to see it. Me and Terrell ‘Usain Bolt’ Owens. I’m excited for it. He better be ready.”
There’s also Pro Bowl left tackle Samuels facing Pro Bowl linebacker DeMarcus Ware, the stud in Dallas’ 3-4 front. Ware beat him for two sacks last season.
Mostly, though, it’s the Redskins vs. the Cowboys. In Washington that means enough.
“If I go out to eat on a Thursday night, I’ve gotta hear from the fans one way or the other,” right tackle Jon Jansen said. “And I’d much rather hear how great it went.”
