C
Cr122
Guest
Gameday: Cowboys at Redskins
7:20 p.m., today; TV: Ch. 5; Radio: KRLD-FM (105.3), KMVK-FM (107.5, Spanish)
10:17 PM CDT on Saturday, September 11, 2010
By BILL NICHOLS / The Dallas Morning News
bnichols@dallasnews.com
Line: Cowboys by 3 1/2
A win would mean ...
The Cowboys would have won four straight season openers, their longest streak since 1983-86. It also would improve Dallas' record to 5-1 in season-opening road games with Washington and 6-0 in Sunday night games versus the Redskins. Most important, a victory would soothe concern over preseason woes.
A loss would mean ...
The Cowboys' winning streak over Washington would end at four games, their longest streak since 2003-04. The Cowboys have opened with a loss on the road only eight times out of 27. But this one would be particularly unsettling for the Cowboys given their high expectations and tough schedule.
Lineup twist: Offensive line is counting on Free
Doug Free started last season as a backup. Replacing injured right tackle Marc Colombo, Free held his own as a starter over the final seven games.
The Cowboys believed enough in Free that they released veteran Flozell Adams in the off-season. Tonight, Free will start at left tackle.
Free, in his fourth season, was impressive in training camp and preseason, drawing positive reviews from coach Wade Phillips and offensive line coach Hudson Houck as well as quarterback Tony Romo . Even linebacker DeMarcus Ware was complimentary after their head-to-head matchups in training camp.
Free's versatility and agility fit the Cowboys' offense, especially the running game. His play tonight is particularly important because of injuries to Colombo and Kyle Kosier.
Key matchup: Redskins left tackle Trent Williams vs. Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware
Trent Williams will play in his first NFL regular-season game tonight. It may be his toughest challenge this season.
The rookie will be matched up against DeMarcus Ware.
Williams (6-5, 318) has yet to play a down. Ware (6-4, 262) has become one of the league's most dominating defensive players. He has been an NFC Pro Bowl starter four straight seasons.
Williams hasn't thrown a block. Ware has 64 ½ career sacks and 13 multiple-sack games.
The Redskins thought enough of Williams' potential that they made him the fourth overall pick in the draft. After starting 39 games at Oklahoma , he was the first offensive lineman selected by Washington in the first round since Chris Samuels in 2000 (third overall).
"I think everybody knows what a great player DeMarcus Ware is," Redskins coach Mike Shanahan said. "Being at Denver, not only playing against him, but practicing against him a number of days over a few year's time frame was really kind of fun to see. He is quite a talent. And Trent is quite a talent, too. He's an excellent left tackle, and I think he will have a great future in the NFL."
EDGE: WARE
FOUR DOWNS
Quite, please
1
The Cowboys need a strong start to hush the crowd, which should be juiced for a Sunday night season opener. An opening scoring drive or defensive shutdown can do wonders for confidence as well as muting fans on the road. The Cowboys are accustomed to facing large crowds on the road. They have played in front of sold-out audiences in 63 straight road games, including playoffs. Quarterback Tony Romo is 19-8 in road games that he started. But two of his losses were in Washington.
Establish the run
2
The Cowboys' offense is dependent on the running game. Struggles on the ground lead to mass blitzes by opponents, which lead to hurried throws and sacks, which lead to fumbles, interceptions and injured quarterbacks. Romo's record when sacked one time or less is 23-4; when sacked more than once, he's 15-13. Although the Cowboys employed a "vanilla" game plan in the preseason, they have to be concerned about their inability to run the ball.
Finish the job
3
Dallas must improve its performance in the red zone. The Cowboys ranked second in the league in yardage but were 14th in points. In other words, they broke a lot of big plays but struggled with a short field. The running game is critical to red zone success, whether punching it in or keeping defenses honest. Using tight end Jason Witten more inside the 20 makes a lot of sense, given his sure hands and toughness. He had only two touchdown catches last season. The addition of rookie receiver Dez Bryant should also help.
Fluster McNabb
4
Making his third straight start against the Cowboys, quarterback Donovan McNabb can only hope his Redskins debut is better than his last two games with the Eagles. Hard to imagine it being worse. In three games against Dallas last season, McNabb completed 55 of 103 passes for 689 yards with only two touchdowns and three interceptions. The Cowboys have done a good job of rattling McNabb, who was sacked 11 times in those games.
HOW THEY MATCH UP
Team logo indicates edge
When the Cowboys run
The Cowboys have the luxury of three talented backs with Marion Barber, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice. But the running game was inconsistent last season and virtually nonexistent in the preseason, averaging 2.7 yards per carry and 59.4 yards per game.
When the Cowboys pass
Tony Romo took a big step in his development last year, passing for a franchise-record 4,483 yards and 26 touchdowns with only nine interceptions. The rise of big-play receiver Miles Austin and the potential of rookie receiver Dez Bryant add significant Q-rating.
When the Redskins run
After missing eight games with a concussion last season, Clinton Portis should return to form reuniting with coach Mike Shanahan and running backs coach Bobby Turner. Portis had his two best seasons with them in Denver. The offensive line was overhauled with the addition of tackle Trent Williams, the fourth overall draft pick, free agent Artis Hicks and two-time Pro Bowler Jammal Brown.
When the Redskins pass
Quarterback Donovan McNabb, 33, operated similar offensive schemes in 11 seasons with the Eagles. But he's not getting any younger, and a sprained left ankle could further limit his mobility. Santana Moss, 31, is still a threat. He had 70 catches for 902 yards last year.
Special teams
The Cowboys drafted David Buehler because they wanted touchbacks. He delivered 29, best in the league last season. How will he perform with field goals? He made 10 of 11, including a 51-yarder, in the preseason. The Redskins have uncertainty at virtually every special teams spot.
Intangibles
Entering the Mike Shanahan era, the Redskins have the excitement that accompanies change and the buzz that accompanies the home crowd in a Sunday night opener. They also have the distraction of the Albert Haynesworth-Shanahan feud. Dallas has a legitimate chance to become the first host team to play in the Super Bowl.
SPORTSDAY PICKS
Todd Archer: Cowboys, 23-20
The last time they opened in Washington, they won in OT. This time, David Buehler kicks the winner in the final seconds.
Tim Cowlishaw: Cowboys, 16-13
David Buehler is the unlikely hero on a night when defenses dominate, but the Cowboys' pressure on Donovan McNabb is the difference.
Gerry Fraley: Cowboys, 18-9
John Elway did a lot more for Mike Shanahan's reputation than Donovan McNabb will.
Rick Gosselin: Redskins, 23-20
Dan Snyder hired Mike Shanahan to a) coach his team; b) beat the Cowboys.
David Moore: Cowboys, 20-13
Dez's debut trumps Mike Shanahan's.
Bill Nichols: Cowboys, 24-13
Cowboys extend winning streaks to 4-0 against Redskins and quarterback Donovan McNabb.
Kevin Sherrington: Cowboys, 21-17
Jason Garrett finally gets to draw up a game plan, and Cowboys execute it. Mostly.
Jean-Jacques Taylor: Cowboys, 14-9
Offense stinks again, but defense plays to its pedigree
• • •
7:20 p.m., today; TV: Ch. 5; Radio: KRLD-FM (105.3), KMVK-FM (107.5, Spanish)
10:17 PM CDT on Saturday, September 11, 2010
By BILL NICHOLS / The Dallas Morning News
bnichols@dallasnews.com
Line: Cowboys by 3 1/2
A win would mean ...
The Cowboys would have won four straight season openers, their longest streak since 1983-86. It also would improve Dallas' record to 5-1 in season-opening road games with Washington and 6-0 in Sunday night games versus the Redskins. Most important, a victory would soothe concern over preseason woes.
A loss would mean ...
The Cowboys' winning streak over Washington would end at four games, their longest streak since 2003-04. The Cowboys have opened with a loss on the road only eight times out of 27. But this one would be particularly unsettling for the Cowboys given their high expectations and tough schedule.
Lineup twist: Offensive line is counting on Free
Doug Free started last season as a backup. Replacing injured right tackle Marc Colombo, Free held his own as a starter over the final seven games.
The Cowboys believed enough in Free that they released veteran Flozell Adams in the off-season. Tonight, Free will start at left tackle.
Free, in his fourth season, was impressive in training camp and preseason, drawing positive reviews from coach Wade Phillips and offensive line coach Hudson Houck as well as quarterback Tony Romo . Even linebacker DeMarcus Ware was complimentary after their head-to-head matchups in training camp.
Free's versatility and agility fit the Cowboys' offense, especially the running game. His play tonight is particularly important because of injuries to Colombo and Kyle Kosier.
Key matchup: Redskins left tackle Trent Williams vs. Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware
Trent Williams will play in his first NFL regular-season game tonight. It may be his toughest challenge this season.
The rookie will be matched up against DeMarcus Ware.
Williams (6-5, 318) has yet to play a down. Ware (6-4, 262) has become one of the league's most dominating defensive players. He has been an NFC Pro Bowl starter four straight seasons.
Williams hasn't thrown a block. Ware has 64 ½ career sacks and 13 multiple-sack games.
The Redskins thought enough of Williams' potential that they made him the fourth overall pick in the draft. After starting 39 games at Oklahoma , he was the first offensive lineman selected by Washington in the first round since Chris Samuels in 2000 (third overall).
"I think everybody knows what a great player DeMarcus Ware is," Redskins coach Mike Shanahan said. "Being at Denver, not only playing against him, but practicing against him a number of days over a few year's time frame was really kind of fun to see. He is quite a talent. And Trent is quite a talent, too. He's an excellent left tackle, and I think he will have a great future in the NFL."
EDGE: WARE
FOUR DOWNS
Quite, please
1
The Cowboys need a strong start to hush the crowd, which should be juiced for a Sunday night season opener. An opening scoring drive or defensive shutdown can do wonders for confidence as well as muting fans on the road. The Cowboys are accustomed to facing large crowds on the road. They have played in front of sold-out audiences in 63 straight road games, including playoffs. Quarterback Tony Romo is 19-8 in road games that he started. But two of his losses were in Washington.
Establish the run
2
The Cowboys' offense is dependent on the running game. Struggles on the ground lead to mass blitzes by opponents, which lead to hurried throws and sacks, which lead to fumbles, interceptions and injured quarterbacks. Romo's record when sacked one time or less is 23-4; when sacked more than once, he's 15-13. Although the Cowboys employed a "vanilla" game plan in the preseason, they have to be concerned about their inability to run the ball.
Finish the job
3
Dallas must improve its performance in the red zone. The Cowboys ranked second in the league in yardage but were 14th in points. In other words, they broke a lot of big plays but struggled with a short field. The running game is critical to red zone success, whether punching it in or keeping defenses honest. Using tight end Jason Witten more inside the 20 makes a lot of sense, given his sure hands and toughness. He had only two touchdown catches last season. The addition of rookie receiver Dez Bryant should also help.
Fluster McNabb
4
Making his third straight start against the Cowboys, quarterback Donovan McNabb can only hope his Redskins debut is better than his last two games with the Eagles. Hard to imagine it being worse. In three games against Dallas last season, McNabb completed 55 of 103 passes for 689 yards with only two touchdowns and three interceptions. The Cowboys have done a good job of rattling McNabb, who was sacked 11 times in those games.
HOW THEY MATCH UP
Team logo indicates edge
When the Cowboys run
The Cowboys have the luxury of three talented backs with Marion Barber, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice. But the running game was inconsistent last season and virtually nonexistent in the preseason, averaging 2.7 yards per carry and 59.4 yards per game.
When the Cowboys pass
Tony Romo took a big step in his development last year, passing for a franchise-record 4,483 yards and 26 touchdowns with only nine interceptions. The rise of big-play receiver Miles Austin and the potential of rookie receiver Dez Bryant add significant Q-rating.
When the Redskins run
After missing eight games with a concussion last season, Clinton Portis should return to form reuniting with coach Mike Shanahan and running backs coach Bobby Turner. Portis had his two best seasons with them in Denver. The offensive line was overhauled with the addition of tackle Trent Williams, the fourth overall draft pick, free agent Artis Hicks and two-time Pro Bowler Jammal Brown.
When the Redskins pass
Quarterback Donovan McNabb, 33, operated similar offensive schemes in 11 seasons with the Eagles. But he's not getting any younger, and a sprained left ankle could further limit his mobility. Santana Moss, 31, is still a threat. He had 70 catches for 902 yards last year.
Special teams
The Cowboys drafted David Buehler because they wanted touchbacks. He delivered 29, best in the league last season. How will he perform with field goals? He made 10 of 11, including a 51-yarder, in the preseason. The Redskins have uncertainty at virtually every special teams spot.
Intangibles
Entering the Mike Shanahan era, the Redskins have the excitement that accompanies change and the buzz that accompanies the home crowd in a Sunday night opener. They also have the distraction of the Albert Haynesworth-Shanahan feud. Dallas has a legitimate chance to become the first host team to play in the Super Bowl.
SPORTSDAY PICKS
Todd Archer: Cowboys, 23-20
The last time they opened in Washington, they won in OT. This time, David Buehler kicks the winner in the final seconds.
Tim Cowlishaw: Cowboys, 16-13
David Buehler is the unlikely hero on a night when defenses dominate, but the Cowboys' pressure on Donovan McNabb is the difference.
Gerry Fraley: Cowboys, 18-9
John Elway did a lot more for Mike Shanahan's reputation than Donovan McNabb will.
Rick Gosselin: Redskins, 23-20
Dan Snyder hired Mike Shanahan to a) coach his team; b) beat the Cowboys.
David Moore: Cowboys, 20-13
Dez's debut trumps Mike Shanahan's.
Bill Nichols: Cowboys, 24-13
Cowboys extend winning streaks to 4-0 against Redskins and quarterback Donovan McNabb.
Kevin Sherrington: Cowboys, 21-17
Jason Garrett finally gets to draw up a game plan, and Cowboys execute it. Mostly.
Jean-Jacques Taylor: Cowboys, 14-9
Offense stinks again, but defense plays to its pedigree
• • •
