Cowboys at Redskins » Sunday at 8:15 p.m.
TV » NBC • Radio » 980 AM/SIRIUS 122 & 127
Three keys to a Redskins victory
1. STAY CREATIVE » The Redskins won the first meeting because they kept Dallas guessing. They opened up throwing the ball and then hammered away on the ground. The Redskins slowed Dallas’ pass rush in the first game (two sacks allowed) by using Jason Campbell on sprint rollouts and by varying his drops. This is the first time Jim Zorn has faced a team twice in a season. He’ll change some plays, but he can’t change his mindset.
2. STOP BARBER » Yes, the Redskins must get to quarterback Tony Romo. But Washington must make Dallas one-dimensional. If running back Marion Barber runs wild, that won’t happen. The Redskins did a good job against Dallas’ overrated line to stop Barber in the first meeting. Barber’s success only makes the Cowboys weapons at receiver and tight end more dangerous. Roy Williams will have success deep if Barber has a good day.
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3. COMMIT TO THE RUN » Even without Clinton Portis, who is unlikely to play, the Redskins can still run on Dallas (provided they adhere to the first key). Their offensive line did a wonderful job vs. the Cowboys because Dallas plays undisciplined up front. Their front three are more intent on making plays than staying in their lanes. And that creates gaps that Ladell Betts and Shaun Alexander should be able to find..
Key matchups
| LB DeMarcus Ware | vs. | LT Chris Samuels |
| One of the most dangerous pass rushers in the game, if not the most dangerous. He leads Dallas with 10 sacks. | One reason Washington has excelled vs. Dallas of late is because of they have a Pro Bowl tackle capable of slowing a top rusher. | |
| CB Terence Newman | vs. | WR Santana Moss |
| He wasn’t always on him in the first game, but it really didn’t matter who was on Moss. | His speed combined with Dallas’ poor safety play makes him a major threat. He has four 100-yard games vs. Dallas. | |
| WR Terrell Owens | vs. | CB Carlos Rogers |
| The hype is bigger than reality this season. Owens has yet to surpass 100 yards in a game. | The Redskins ability to play physical against the Dallas receivers is vital to their success. |
State of the teams
The Cowboys have lost two of their last three games and have a brutal final four games. They can’t afford to get swept by a division rival whom they’re battling with for a playoff spot.
Like Dallas, Washington returns with a fresh outlook following the bye week. But the Redskins are losing one of their best players in Clinton Portis. However, the Redskins feel confident because Ladell Betts appears healthy.
The Examiner predicts …
Portis’ injury is troublesome. But if Betts is healthy, the Redskins will still win. If not, they won’t. We think he’s healthy.
Redskins 24, Cowboys 23
