It's gonna be a loo loo. I know a lot of people aren't giving the Skins a chance. Personally, I think it will be closer than people think. Here are my keys:
1. Get Morris going. We got to get that guy going. He hasn't really done much all year. It's a combination of blocking and running but we have to keep the Dallas offense off the field and if we are going to do that, we need to get Morris the ball and run effectively.
2. Will the "Real" McCoy show up? While RG3 is listed as questionable, I would be shocked to see him tonight. Looks like it will be Colt. He was a star at Texas so he is going back home but it's been a while since he started a game and now he is doing it on Monday night against division rival Dallas in Big D. Quite a way to have your first start in a while. My hope for Colt is to just not turnover the ball. Manage the game. Make the safe throws and take what they give you. Again, all the more reason to have Morris and the run game work so that they can help take pressure off of Colt.
3. Turnovers. The Skins have been plagued by turnovers this season. I believe they are worst in the league in +/- in turnovers this season. Much of this is a result of Cousins throwing 3 INTs a game so, again, we have to be smart with the ball. Morris, who was so sure handed his first couple of years, doesn't seem to have the same grip on the ball as before. I believe this was a problem for him in college. Again, Colt needs to be smart.
4. Who's gonna cover Dez? The last couple of years DeAngelo Hall has done a tremendous job locking on Dez Bryant. Without Hall, it will come down to Amerson and Breeland. I like these two guys but they are young. I imagine Romo will want to test them, particularly Breeland so this could be interesting. I like Breeland's physicality but Bryant is a premier WR in the league and it's a tall order for any DB in the league so the CBs will have their hands full.
5. Limit Murray. Demarco Murray is playing at an MVP level so the Skins will have to do their best to limit him. Our run defense is pretty decent so hopefully it will stiffen up tonight to stop Murray.
6. GOT to pressure Romo. Points four and five above both hinge on our ability to get pressure on Romo. The Cowboy O-line has been one of the best in the league thus far. That's why they have been so effective in the run. Give any QB time and they should be able to complete the pass. It is critical we get pressure on Romo because he will make mistakes under duress. O-Krapo is done for the year and in steps rookie Trent Murphy. I'm sure he will want to make a play but he has to remember his job and stay in position. However, when it is time to rush, he needs to get to the QB. Hopefully Haslett dials up some blitzes and can create some disruption and hopefully turnovers.
7. Replacements have to step up. The Skins have suffered several injuries to key players this season (RG3, D. Hall, Cofield, O-Krapo, P. Riley, Golston and others nursing injuries) on top of that other guys will be getting opportunities because of ineffectiveness (namely McCoy and Compton at RT). There are a lot of guys filling in and it's tough to win with second stringers and a third string QB. Still, it's an opportunity for these guys to show that they belong. Will be interesting to see how these guys fair.
This season obviously hasn't gone the way I had hoped. It's hard to win with a second string QB in there doing his best Rex Grossman/Jeff Cutler imitation. We've been in every game other than the Giants game but football games come down to just a few plays and if you are able to make those plays, you will win. The Skins just haven't been able to make those plays. Tonight I think we will hang tough and make it more interesting than people think but the number of injuries will be too much for us to overcome and the curse of playing on national tv will continue to haunt the Skins and they will fall 27-17.
Hopefully RG3 will be back next week.
2 comments:
Between Washington and Dallas, its always a close hard fought game. While the Cowboys appear better on paper and in division standings, don't count the skins out. Strange things happen when these two teams play as Jimmy Johnson once said. The skins will be ready to play.
My prediction/guess:
Romo will do something self destructive. The Cowboys will lead most of the game and appear dominant but will be unable to turn their dominance into points. Much like Green Bay did last night during the first half. The skins will hang around and force romo to do something stupid in the end where the skins will have a chance to win it.
Im pulling for the skins. I think due theory will come into effect and the skins will win 23-20.
The Cowboys are 6-1 but I don't think they are as good as their record.
Romo does do stuff that is self destructive. However, he typically saves that stuff for December.
Skins have SUCKED on national tv the last few years.
Really, I think this game comes down to Colt McCoy and if he keeps the ball safe.
I also think it comes down to getting pressure on Romo. I think the run defense will be okay but if Romo has all day to throw, he'll pick the Skins apart.
Again, I think it will be a better game than people think but it's just too hard to win with your third string QB in there and him making his first start of the season.
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