Mercedes Green

The Washington Redskins beat the Dallas Cowboys in Texas 26-24.  QB Jason Campbell showed incredible growth and versatility against a great Cowboys defense.  The Redskins dominated the play clock at over 38 minutes, to Dallas’ 21, the Redskins led on yards at 381 (WR Santana Moss had 145 yards) to Dallas’ 344 (unheard of for such an offensive powerhouse like Dallas), Redskins dominated the running game with 121 yards for RB Clinton Portis and only 26 total yards to RB Marion Barber.  There were 0 turnovers for the Redskins and 1 for Dallas. 

After the Cowboys scored first in the 1^st quarter, the Washington Redskins answered right back with a TD pass to WR James Thrash (his first of the season).  QB Jason Campbell did get sacked a couple times, but the important thing to note is that he avoided many more on his own with great foot work and patience.  Their next TD in the first half started with a great pass to WR Santana Moss after almost getting sacked, which then led to the pass to WR Antwaan Randel El to lead the Redskins 14-7. 

Another huge pass to WR Santana Moss late in the first half brought another 1^st and goal to the Redskins, but they settle for a field goal:  17-7 Redskins.  Dallas did get within 27 yards just before the end of the first half, but can only get a field goal.  Redskins leading in the half at 17-10.

The opening drive of the second half sparked the Dallas offense and gets another TD from WR Terrell Owens to tie the game at 17-17.  The next scoring attempt for the Washington Redskins will be viewed and discussed for weeks to come.  RB Clinton Portis runs the ball for a TD, but it is called back from a holding call against OL Casey Rabach.  QB Jason Campbell almost fumbles, but recovers.  The next play is pass to WR Antwaan Randel El, after Campbell is almost sacked again, who runs it in for another TD pass, but AGAIN, a penalty against Rabach and the Skins settle for a field goal 20-17 Redskins.  There were clearly many bad and missed calls by the refs on both sides throughout this game and luckily this did not cause the Redskins a win.

The first and only turnover of the game happened in the 3^rd quarter with none other than Rookie S Chris Horton, who picks off one of QB Tony Romo’s passes.  This gives the Redskins another field goal for 23-17.  The Redskins then took over 7 minutes off the clock on a single drive to put up 3 more points on the board to bring the Redskins lead to 26-17.

With only 3:16 left of the game, the Dallas Cowboys have the ball and 0 timeouts.  Dallas gets yardage and 1^st down after 1^st down and then a TD pass to bring them within 2 points of the Redskins.  They have to go for an onside kick if they have any hope of getting either a field goal or TD to win the game.  After the kick, the ball bounces off a Dallas player out of bounds and the Redskins get possession.  Game over.  Redskins win.

QB Jason Campbell, along with great coaching by Jim Zorn, gave the Redskins this win.  The defense was really tired and sore after the first half, but the offense managed to give them a lot of rest by running the ball, which then gave them the energy to finish off the game with the win.  I am impressed.  I am looking forward to next week as we face the Philadelphia Eagles (who lost last night).    

Mercedes Green

Football does not get any better than this:  Redskins vs. Cowboys doted by Sports Illustrated as “the top NFL rivalry of all time” and “one of the greatest in sports.” It is certainly the games I look forward to every season as a Skins fan. 

The season so far on Fantasy Football has Dallas beating Washington in every category.

Dallas is sitting at 3-0 and Washington at 2-1 (Washington’s only loss was against the former super bowl champ New York Giants).  Dallas has a consistent power offense, while Washington started slow, but is improving game by game.  The defenses on both sides are fairly close, but Washington has injuries.  However, Washington does have some great cornerbacks in Smoot, Rogers and Springs, so look for lots of coverage on Dallas’ receivers. 

The Dallas Cowboys are favoured by 11-11.5 points over the underdog Washington Redskins.  I think it will be a much closer game by 4 and they may just be able to win if they can keep the scores close by the 4^th.  I will be wearing my #47 Jersey and glued to the set. 

HAIL TO THE REDSKINS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mercedes Green

With the upcoming game against the Redskins’ biggest rival in Dallas, every possible player in defense is needed, especially in pass rushing.  DE Jason Taylor was kicked in the calf during the Cardinals game and had to undergo a “medical procedure” to prevent any permanent nerve damage.  He will not be playing against Dallas, but could play against Philadelphia the week after.

The Redskins are definitely the underdog against Dallas, but as a fan, I kinda like that.  They are a modest team that has been showing great improvement with every week.  The only thing I would love more than the Redskins having a winning season is to have the Redskins defeat Dallas after everyone in the league is assuming they will lose.  This is NFC football at its best!