It's hard to believe that Week 1 could be a must win game for the Cowboys. Their preseason action was supposed to cement Super Bowl expectations, but instead, it filled the football world with doubt about how this team can handle high expectations. The team won't be eliminated from playoff contention in Week 1 if they lose, but we need to see a solid performance to instil some confidence in this team. A loss out of the gate to a division foe and a NFC team could hurt towards the end of the season when the playoff picture begins to come into play.
Keys to Success for the Cowboys' Offense
The Redskins have a talented young roster that has the potential to compete in the NFC East this year. On Sunday, the Cowboys will face a dynamic pass rush from a defense that has been transformed from the 4-3 to the 3-4. Former Longhorn OLB Brian Orakpo and OLB Andre Carter quietly had eleven sacks each in 2009. Mammoth of a man, former first round pick of the Rams, Adam Carriker has shown a few signs of being disruptive but has yet to put it all together.
New Defensive Coordinator Jim Haslett has been known to bring the house. During his years as a defensive coordinator in Pittsburgh, his defenses put pressure on the quarterback and were extremely stingy against the run. Former defensive coordinator Greg Blache played a lot of man coverage but Haslett loves to play zone and rely on his zone blitzing schemes to get pressure on Romo. Players have welcomed Haslett's new pressure scheme. CB Carlos Rogers was quoted in the Washington Post saying, "There was just a whole lot we've practiced but haven't done out there" in preseason games, Rogers said. But that's over now. It's time to get it going now."
Nose Tackle Albert Haynesworth has been the only player to express his displeasure with the new defense. Friday he was demoted to second string because of his horrific performance in the final preseason game. He is still a tremendous talent and Dallas should expect to see him in the game on Sunday.
Redskins 2009 Defensive Rankings
#11 in total yards allowed - 319.7 YDS/G
#16 in rushing yards allowed - 112.4 YDS/G
#8 in pass yards allowed - 207.3 YDS/G
#18 in points allowed per game - 21 PTS/G
The Cowboys offensive line has failed to keep Tony Romo's jersey clean. If the Cowboys cannot establish a running game, look for the Redskins to get more aggressive in their blitz packages. The Texans took the Cowboys offensive line to school during the preseason, utilizing different stunts to confuse the offensive line. Haslett will use his athletic Outside Linebackers (Orakpo and Carter) in numerous zone blitz packages to take advantage of an offensive line that has become a concern. In order for the Cowboys to be successful this weekend, the offensive line will have to perform well.
Something the Cowboys can exploit
Redskins Safety LaRon Landry is no doubt a Pro Bowl-caliber safety, but at times he can become too aggressive in pass coverage. He is a hitter and double moves can get him thinking about making the big hit versus playing discipline coverage. The Cowboys can use Wide Receivers Dez Bryant and Miles Austin to stress the Redskins secondary.
Keys to Success for the Cowboys' Defense
Redskins 2009 Offensive Rankings
#22 in total yards - 312.4 YDS/G
#27 in rush yards - 94.3 YDS/G
#16 in pass yards - 218.1 YDS/G
#26 in points per game - 16.6 PTS/G
Joey Galloway once played with Troy Aikman so that only makes his age even more believable. The 38 year old receiver shouldn't have much left in the tank. Galloway looked like an old man last year which led to his release by the Patriots. The Cowboys defense matches up well with the Redskins offense. Their rebuilt offensive line is not proven and their wide receiver unit is extremely thin. Santana Moss is going to be the biggest threat to the Cowboy secondary. The speedster has burned the Cowboys numerous times in his career. The Cowboys secondary handled speedsters well in 2009 as they shut down DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin in all three Eagles games.
Mike Shanahan coached the Broncos for 14 years, and his teams ranked in the top ten, 12 out of 14 years. Clinton Portis has averaged 4.0 yards per carry against the Cowboys in his career, so if you take those facts into consideration, we can expect that a healthy Clinton Portis will be a huge part of the game plan for the Redskins. The limited threat by air should be an indication that the Cowboys will have to shut down the Redskins rushing game. If the Cowboys can shut down the rushing attack and put pressure on a limited passing game, we should see a Cowboys' victory.
Something the Cowboys can exploit
Rookie LT Trent Williams will be making his first NFL start the Cowboys are well within their rights to sick All Pro OLB DeMarcus Ware on him. Look for him to see a variety of tests by the Cowboys in the way of different blitzes to his side.
Game Prediction
The Cowboys have more talent than the Redskins and should win this game; however, the Redskins know that opening up against the Cowboys, is the biggest game of the season. The players will be pumped up to play for a brand new coach that has rejuvenated some excitement in the team. The Cowboys have been sluggish and all indications point to a slow start just like the beginning of the 2009 season. Added incentive to bury all the Haynesworth talks should lead to an upset, 20-17 Redskins.
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