Is it football season already?
Just kidding, we're in Texas. Football season started in March. The fantasy football season started in June (at least for some of us), and the NFL season starts Thursday!
Yes, Thursday. Update your rosters accordingly.
America's team plays the rival Washington Redskins in the Sunday night game. Here's a look at predictions on how the Cowboys will fare.
FYI, this will not be a pretty game.
Start:
Felix Jones
Wade Phillips hasn't been too forthcoming about how many touches his running backs will get, but it's safe to say Felix should get roughly 50% with Barber and Choice splitting the difference. For his career, Felix has averaged over 6 yards per touch, so the potential of 20+ touches in a game is salivating. A shaky o-line means check-downs and dump-offs, so Felix should see a good amount of receptions.
Prediction: 15 rushes, 82 yards, 1 touchdown, 4 receptions, 35 yards, 1 touchdown
Jason Witten
With all the drama this post-season (Miles Austin's girlfriend, Dez Bryant's mom, Jerry drunk in a bar), Jason Witten kept on doing what he does best. Shutting up and playing. So when a quarterback gets pressured, as Romo will, he looks to his security blanket, and that's what Jason Witten is. Phillips has said they plan to incorporate Witten more in the red zone, and where better to show the league he means it than national television?
Prediction: 7 receptions, 84 yards, 1 touchdown
Dallas Defense
Washington's offense against the NFC East was not good last year. That's why McNabb was brought in. McNabb loves the chance to play the Cowboys, Clinton Portis looks fresh, and Santana Moss always seems to burn the 'Boys, but the Redskin's offense will struggle.
Prediction: 13 points allowed, 3 sacks, 1 interception
Sit
Tony Romo
Both of Romo's games against the Redskins weren't great last year, but the Cowboys, under Romo, have had sensational Septembers last 2 seasons. What will give out first? Washington has a deep defense (at least in name) and it'll be interesting to see what Romo does under his re-tooled offensive line. Too many factors say "struggle" in this game.
Prediction: 18/32, 260 yards, 2 touchdowns, 2 interceptions, 1 lost fumble
Marion Barber
For those who think Barber won't get his chance because he isn't the "starter," obviously don't remember that his best years (06-08) came as the "closer" for Julius Jones. If the Cowboys are protecting a lead in the 4th quarter, expect a heavy dose of Barber. After several debacles last year, Felix will get his shot on the goal line before Barber does.
Prediction: 13 carries, 45 yards. 2 receptions, 11 yards
Miles Austin
The big-play receiver the Cowboys have lacked since Michael Irvin sure came from an unusual source. The Redskins, however, have a very good secondary and will double-team Austin, limiting his production. But you're thinking, "I invested a 4th round pick in this guy and i'm supposed to sit him?!?!?!" No, you're not. The potential for a huge game is there, but don't expect one.
Prediction: 6 receptions: 61 yards
Think I'm wrong? An idiot? A homer? That's what the comment section is for.
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