Why To Watch
Despite the fact both teams are guaranteed to finish with losing records, the Redskins and Cowboys amazingly still have a shot to make the playoffs. Washington has won two of its last three and will look to continue that success against a struggling Dallas team that has lost its last two.
Cowboys QB Vinny Testaverde leads the NFL in interceptions and is guiding an offense that has scored just 20 points in two weeks. He has played so poorly there's chance he'll be replaced this week. If the Redskins are to keep their slim playoff hopes alive, the defense must pressure Dallas' QBs into mistakes.
When the Redskins have the ball
Rushing: When these teams met in Week 3, RB Clinton Portis rushed for 94 yards on 23 carries. It was one of only six games this season in which Portis managed better than four yards per carry. He has been extremely inconsistent from week to week, and there have been some questions about whether he's the right fit for coach Joe Gibbs' offense.
The decision to implement more zone blocking schemes up front has helped Portis, and that makes sense considering his experiences in Denver. However, he still isn't hitting the hole or running with the same authority that made him one of the league's most explosive players last year. In fact, Portis has just five runs of more than 20 yards this season and just five touchdowns, both career-lows. However, he doesn't deserve all of the blame for Washington's inability to mount a reliable ground attack.
Although Portis has struggled, there have been other factors. For starters, the lack of consistency at quarterback has allowed opposing defenses to play eight men in the box. This has made life more difficult for Portis, particularly in regards to finding cut-back lanes. In addition, the Redskins have been battling injuries along the offensive line, and the line hasn't played as a cohesive unit. All that said, Portis still has rushed for 1,283 yards and likely will shoulder a heavy load going against the Cowboys.
Passing: This matchup features two very disappointing units. The Redskins' passing game is loaded with talent, especially at wide receiver, but ranks 29th in the league in average passing yards per game. Their struggles stem from inconsistent quarterback play and an inability to push the ball downfield.
The Cowboys' secondary, which features two former first-round picks, is likewise stacked with potential playmakers. However, the regression of DC Terence Newman in his second season, coupled with the team's lack of overall depth at cornerback, has left Dallas vulnerable to the vertical passing game. Newman and fellow DC Lance Frazier have particularly struggled against play-action, so getting Portis on track early will be critical to the Redskins' success.
If Washington can establish its ground game and force FS Roy Williams to get more involved in run support, it will leave Newman and Frazier to fend for themselves without much support over the top. The biggest beneficiary of this situation is likely to be WR Rod Gardner who possesses a great combination of size and speed. With the Cowboys figuring to play eight men in the box at times and WR Laveranues Coles drawing attention away from him, Gardner should see plenty of single-coverage.
When the Cowboys have the ball
Rushing: Cowboys RB Julius Jones' production suffered a lapse last weekend, as he rushed for just 80 yards on 26 carries. He continued to run hard and even looked explosive at times, but he didn't get much help up front. In fact, the offensive line played terribly against the Eagles, and ROG Andre Gurode in particular had one of his worst games.
Gurode may have outstanding size, but he is dreadfully inconsistent and doesn't show the ability to match up with athletic one-gap defenders. As a result, DT Cornelius Griffin should have success shooting gaps, creating penetration and forcing Jones to make his initial cut in the backfield. This will cause Jones to hesitate after receiving the handoff and give LBs Marcus Washington, LaVar Arrington and Antonio Pierce a chance to make plays in pursuit.
Makings matters worse for Jones is an inconsistent passing game that will allow the Redskins to play eight men in the box. SS Ryan Clark will likely be that eighth man, and his presence will complement a front seven that is a big reason Washington's run defense is ranked third in the league. Clark takes good angles to the ball, is relentless in pursuit and can make plays from sideline-to-sideline.
Passing: Head coach Bill Parcells will announce his starting quarterback Wednesday. The incumbent – Testaverde – leads the NFL in interceptions and has made far too many mistakes for someone with his experience. Parcells doesn't want to concede the final two games of the season, because the Cowboy are sill in the hunt, but he would like to see what young backups Drew Henson and Tony Romo can do with the ball in their hands.
However, this may not be the best week for Parcells to yank Testaverde, considering the Redskins penchant for blitzing. Washington may lack a premier pass rusher at defensive end, but they've done a terrific job creating pressure with their back seven. Testaverde has the experience and awareness to handle these exotic looks and aggressive schemes, whereas Henson and Romo would both struggle mightily against them. With that in mind, the veteran should be back under center come Sunday.
Regardless of who gets the start, the biggest key to Dallas' success will be pass protection. Gurode has been struggling and will likely be targeted by Washington's blitz package. As a result, Jones and FB Darian Barnes will need to hold up in protection if Testaverde, Henson or Romo is to have enough time to push the ball downfield.
Scouts' Edge
This game will come down to defense, and more specifically to Washington's ability to dominate when Dallas has the ball. The Redskins have the speed, talent and size to keep Jones under wraps and force the Cowboys to become a one-dimensional passing attack. This will allow defensive coordinator Gregg Williams to turn up the heat with plenty of blitzes, which could ultimately result in a couple of costly turnovers.
Dallas will keep things close with a strong defensive performance of its own. However, one or two big plays from Portis coupled with an improved passing game should allow the Redskins to pull away early in the third quarter. In the end, Washington will keep its slim playoff hopes alive by knocking the Cowboys completely out of the postseason mix.
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