Cowboys - Redskins Preview

by Rafael Vela on Sep 18, 2005 1:45 PM CDT in Dallas Cowboys General

The old rivals renew acquaintances this Monday when Joe Gibbs brings Washington to Texas Stadium. Both teams are coming off opening day victories and look for a leg up in an important early divisional game.

When the Redskins Have the Ball

We are about to see two teams that tactically are offensive mirror images of each other. Washington runs the one-back, two TE offense almost exclusively on early downs, switching to multiple receiver sets on passing downs. The devotion to one back is no surprise -- Gibbs helped devise the scheme when he was the RB coach for Don Coryell at San Diego in the late '70s.

Chuck Muncie was the plowhorse then and today Clinton Portis is Gibbs' guy. The name of the game for Washington will be ball control. With the QB position in disarray (Washingon switched from Patrick Ramsey to aging vet Mark Brunell mid-game against Chicago and announced that this week that Brunell is the starter) the Redskins will hope for a repeat of last week's game plan.

The Redskins ran up a 34:15 to 25:45 edge in time of possession by rotating Portis and big backup Ladell Betts. Betts got 12 carries, an impressive number for a backup. But it was Portis who really made things go, racking up 121 yards on 21 carries, a whopping 5.8 yards per attempt. Portis' long run was 41 yards, which means he still averaged 4.0 yards for the remaining 20 plays.

Look for Washington to run left and attack the right side of the Dallas front. The Cowboys did an admirable job of containing LaDainian Tomlinson in last week's win over San Diego. However, they had trouble stopping counter plays run at DE Greg Ellis and rookie OLB Demarcus Ware. Ware was frequently hooked inside by Chargers tight ends and fullbacks and if he does not improve his technique, he'll find Washington attacking him as well. On the other side of the ball, Washington's strength is on its left side, where LT Chris Samuels and LG Derrick Dockery reside. The Redskins' left side is much larger than its right side, so watch for the Redskins to open as the Chargers did, with several attempts with Washington's signature counter-trey left, until Dallas proves it can stop it.

Look for Dallas to counter with lots of eight man fronts, with Roy Williams offering lots of run support.

When the Redskins pass, the plan is simple -- stop Santana Moss. The speedster is the lone deep threat, pulling in a 52 yard bomb last week. The diminuative Moss should find the going a bit tougher this week against the Cowboys' corners. Both Terence Newman and Anthony Henry are bigger than him and will probably engage in some aggressive man-to-man coverage. Both were victimized by the crafty Keenan McCardell last week, but the corners showed, one play aside, that they were not going to allow anything deep.

Terence Newman: 8 att.; 5 completions, 51 yds; 16 long; 1 breakup;

Anthony Henry: 12 att.; 6 comp., 78 yds.; 32 long; 5 breakups; 1 Int.;

The Chargers challenged Henry more than Newman and paid for it. Henry defensed five passes and picked one. He let another slide through his fingers on the last drive. His game closed off the outside; all the completions, with the exception of an 8 yard out on the Chargers opening play were on patterns in the middle of the field. Henry caused some heart palpitations when he permitted a 32 yard post to Eric Parker on a 4th-and-14 play. Henry claimed he temporarily lost sight of the ball in the sun and his play the rest of the game bears this out. San Diego challenged him deep repeatedly but could never get an edge.

The Redskins may have more success targeting Newman. He was equally as effective as Henry in preventing the deep pass, but had some problems on intermediate routes. The Chargers ran a lot of combination routes at him and he excelled at taking away the deep options. However, he was burned a couple of times underneath and missed two tackles that turned 9 yard gains into 16 yard gains. I have confidence Newman can stay with Moss down the field, but if he whiffs on the speedy Moss on a short 7 to 9 yard route the result would be the same as a bomb.

The more likely option for the Redskins is to attack the middle of the field. Their second best passing weapon is TE Chris Cooley and he could have matchup advantages against the Cowboys' inside linebackers and free safety Keith Davis. Davis was shaky, allowing two TDs to McCardell. The Cowboys linebackers were also targets of the Chargers receivers; San Diego frequently went three wide and threw to the slot receivers who were matched up against Dat Nguyen and Bradie James.

Washington will get such matchups because Dallas is stubborn about its defensive packages. Against the Chargers it went 3-4 about 85 percent of the game and spent of the rest of it in a 4-2-5 nickel set. One advantage the Cowboys should derive from the Redskins' QB change is that Brunell now seems to be a blinkered QB who bails early on his primary options. Last year, Brunell had a reputation of a guy who felt the rush too soon and bailed on plays.

Last week, the Bears blitzed the Redskins heavily on passing plays. Starter Patrick Ramsey stood in against the pressure, getting 105 yards in 11 attempts, a gaudy 9.5 yard average per attempt. Ramsey was yanked because he was reckless with the ball, throwing an interception and fumbling twice. When Brunell came into the game, he averaged only 70 yards on 14 attempts, a miserable 5.0 yards per attempt. This means that Brunell was very quick to respond to pressure by dumping the ball off to his short option.

Expect the Cowboys to dial up their ratio of blitzes. Against San Diego, DC Mike Zimmer started slowly, rushing 4 men on 1st and second downs and bringing a fifth rusher on third downs. In the middle of the game, Zimmer increased the instances of five man rushes to an almost equal mix with four man plays. In the fourth quarter, he brought the house, bringing six men twice and the full seven man blitz on three occassions. He did this three times on the final Chargers drive.

Rushers vs. S.D.: 4 -- 21 plays; 5 -- 11 plays; 6 - 2 plays; 7 - 3 plays;

What's more, the Cowboys almost never ran twists or stunts. The rushers would come in assigned lanes, and try to beat the protection by overloading a side. One of the few times a twist was used, LaRoi Glover sacked Drew Brees to end a Chargers' fourth quarter series. I anticipate a lot more games from the Cowboys' rush, as Brunell is not as crafty as Brees or as patient.

When the Cowboys blitz, they need to work out their recognition and reaction to draw plays. Four times last week the Chargers converted situations of third and more than six yards by handing the ball to Tomlinson. All of the plays were run left, at Ware. Joe Gibbs has to know Brunell is skittish against maximum pressure and would enjoy running the draw as successfully as San Diego did.

When the Cowboys Have the Ball

I mentioned last week that much of the Cowboys passing game is cribbed from versions of the so called "West Coast Offense." However, much of the Dallas running game, and much of what Dallas will try to do with the ball, is based on schemes cribbed from Gibbs. The Cowboys love to run Julius Jones out of one-back, two-tight-end sets. The Cowboys are much more willing than Washington to line up their H-backs in the backfield to serve as lead blockers for Jones.

Against the Chargers, Dallas went with a patient, ball-control game that run almost two thirds of the time on first down. Expect more of the same this week. However, look for a difference in emphasis. Last week Dallas attacked the perimeter of the San Diego 3-4 front and ran away from NT Jamal Williams. Dallas challenged him from time to time but did not find regular room inside until the fourth quarter, after second C Andre Gurode had a chance to work on Williams and his stamina began to wane.

Look for Dallas to attack the inside of the Washington front. The Redskins have an active defense, with DTs Cornelius Griffin and Joe Salave'a and MLB Lemar Marshall. However, they lack size and depth. Former Cowboys DT Brandon Noble, a key to a DT rotation, will miss the game with injury. While the inside three are game, Griffin is the giant at 300 lbs. Marshall is only 227 lbs. You've all heard about Washington DC Gregg Williams' love of the blitz on running and passing plays. But you can only be so effective if you're being overmatched. The likely plan A for Dallas is to beat the blitz by beating it up on first and second downs with power running.

Blitzing also means lots of press coverage on the outside. The Redskins have a saavy veteran in Shawn Springs but they also have a green if talented rookie in Carlos Rogers. Look for Dallas to test Rogers early on, with double moves. He had a lot of trouble in the preseason with out and ups, stop and gos and other routes that played off his aggressiveness. Terry Glenn could be the beneficiary of Rogers' inexperience.

Also look for Dallas to spread the field on early downs with a three WR set and try to exploit mismatches in the middle of the field. Last week San Diego bracketed TE Jason Witten and he had only one reception for 12 yards. However, in doing so, they provided single coverge for second year WR Patrick Crayton, who had a coming out party against the Chargers' secondary. An aggressive defense like Washington's will offer similar matchup problems. FS Sean Taylor faces a dilemma. Will he help with Crayton, who now commands respect, and leave Witten man to man? Or will he give Crayton free reign again over the middle of the field, where his slants, seams and crossing routes are so effective?

Another key for Dallas will be the shrewdness of Drew Bledsoe. Last week, Bledsoe was sacked four times. That should be taken as a good thing by Dallas fans, as he was unwilling to make desperate throws in crucial areas of the field and at critical times of the game. Bledsoe was sacked on his own 1 yard line early in the game. He took a sack right before the half. He was caught on a corner blitz near midfield that resulted in a fumble and he took a sack on a play that earned a roughing the passer penalty inside his own 20. While the sacks were negative plays, trying to throw at those times or in those positions would have risked game turning turnovers.

Bledsoe will face similar situations this week. The Redskins will bring people from every imaginable angle: off the corner. From the safeties. From the line. By overloading one side. Then the other. Bledsoe will again have to be willing to take the sack to avoid the turnover. He will get chances against this defense and if he executes as he did against the Chargers he will make big plays. Parcells is not keeping him on a short game plan. "Driving the bus" does not mean playing it safe for Bledsoe. It means playing it smart.

Special Teams
The coverage teams hurt Dallas badly, giving the Chargers two short fields for their two second half scoring drives. Keeping Brunell out of comfort zone is a must. Dallas could break him early if they put him on long fields and can pressure him. If he gets good field position and is not responsible for being their offensive focal point, it could be a long night.

Prediction: This is a similar team to the Chargers, with a smart offense and a smaller defense. Their pass defense is better than San Diego's but their run defense is not as good. Patience on offense and smart special teams should produce a similar result in the second half. As long as the offense is not coughing up the ball, the defense should get some negative plays and perhaps from turnovers from Brunell. Dallas 23, Washingon 14

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Now THAT’S how you break down a game. Very nicely done, Rafael.

Thanks

by JKDallas on Sep 18, 2005 4:41 PM CDT reply actions

Rafael,
I second that motion. (See Above.) Thank you for your insightful, knowledgeable, and sincere analysis. MEDIOTS BE DAMNED!

by James on Sep 18, 2005 5:41 PM CDT reply actions

Great analysis, I think that’s as near as what we’re going to see on Monday as you can get. And sounds great, also.

by Chandus on Sep 18, 2005 6:21 PM CDT reply actions

And I’ll see every bit of it from nose bleed. I’ll update on the atmosphere of the game Tuesday morning, especially for those that can’t watch the halftime ceremony due to Katrina and the “New” America’s team. Bandwagon idiots! I predict 27-13 Dallas and a huge game for Ware.

by josh on Sep 18, 2005 7:15 PM CDT reply actions

You know while we all miss the days of Troy Aikman, and I am sure we will tomorrow. Who have the Redskins suited up at QB in DC over the last 15 years.

Heath Shuler? Hostetler, Ferrote, Jay what was his name anyway? Doug Williams? Joe Thiesman……….they have not had any more consistency at the position than Dallas. Mark Brunnel can and will be pressured, he has limited recievers, and decent back. Their Defense is legit, however, 4 quarters of trying to figure out Julius, Bledsoe and Company is going to wear em out. If the Bears did not have a rookie QB, that game might have been different. Bledsoe ain’t no rookie!

Lets GO COWBOYS………makes Sundays long when Dallas Does not play!!!!

by Jon on Sep 18, 2005 8:38 PM CDT reply actions

I agree with all you said-great work! However, two points: Coaches know how the other team is planning FOR THEM-so I think thee two will try to catch the other off gaurd with some early 1st down passing and long bombs
Also, your 23 points are counting on Cortez for 3 FG’s-is he OK? Can we count on him under all this Monday night/Redskin rivalry pressure? I think he wins or loses the game for us.

by larry on Sep 18, 2005 10:29 PM CDT reply actions

Cortez will be fine. I don’t think he’s as bad as most people say. Monday night magic will carry him through.

by josh on Sep 18, 2005 10:32 PM CDT reply actions

So was san diego not as good a team as we thought? Does the fact that they lost today deminish our victory last week?

And the team washington beat last week looked unstopable today against the lions; chicago scored more than 30 points- washington held them to what, 6?

Wonder what to make of all this? Guess we’ll find out Monday night.

Go Cowboys!

by rich on Sep 18, 2005 10:39 PM CDT reply actions

SD played ok at a tough place to play on the road. I do think they played above their head last year and pegged SD for a 7-9 record this year. With games on the road to Indy, NE, and Phili it isn’t going to be much easier.

by Cash on Sep 18, 2005 10:42 PM CDT reply actions

Cash:
Yeah, playing at Mile High isn’t a known walk on a park…

rich:
Chicago scored those points on Offense, Defense and ST’s. Orton’s still a rookie, just as Harrington looks every time he steps into the field…

larry:
In his due time I also questioned myself that, and I think that Cortez can make those kicks if those aren’t over 40 yards.

by Chandus on Sep 18, 2005 11:46 PM CDT reply actions

Yeah, I noticed he same thing about those two teams! And Rafael brought up a few days ago that first games don’t always tell the story. Oh well-hope we can come out and kick butt! I do think that if we can get a lead we’ll be in very good shape-can’t wait for 6:00

by larry on Sep 18, 2005 11:46 PM CDT reply actions

Rich,

The Bears scored TDs on punt returns and INT returns. That they scored a lot more points this week means that the Lions D is not as good as Washington’s, which should not come as a surprise. Also, Orton threw an INT last week when the Bears had a 4th quarter FIRST and 10 at the Washington 22. Typical rookie mistake.

Washington’s D is tough. That’s why I think Cortez will get some kicks. They’ll short circuit a lot of Cowboys drives with run blitzes and pass blitzes. I just hope they do it on their side of the field. Otherwise, we could have a punt festival.

by Rafael Vela on Sep 19, 2005 12:07 AM CDT reply actions

Sorry for so many posts, but it’s early out West! Two other runners we should be interested in-T. Jones had a big game for the Bears-don’t think that’ll motivate Julius a little? I’m sure there’s some friendly competition going on here. And, for this Cowboy fan, I’m a Jet’s hater all of a sudden-cause of Curtis Martin being not too far behind Emmit! He got a lot of carries but had a terrible avg.-he seems like a nice guy/respectable player, but I gotta root against him………….

by larry on Sep 19, 2005 12:14 AM CDT reply actions

i disagree with rafael’s final thoughts about the redskins being similar to the chargers. Yes, from a game management perspective, they may be similar, but from an execution perspective, no way. Redskins offense has little to offer beyond CP. Brunnel to Moss? That shouldn’t strike fear in too many defenses this year. And Brunnel is no Brees. Sure Brees stunk it up today, but he’s a good QB. Brunnel, plain and simple, is not. At least not any more. I think SD offense is just much more of an offense than Gibbs will be seeing from his sidelines this year. Defensively, perhaps I’m giving SD too much credit, but I think they’re a top ranked D that puts a lot of pressure on the passer. I’m less sure about that from the Redskins. Their current and last year’s ranking aside, I just don’t like their corners and don’t think there are stand-outs on the D-line either. Arrington is great but he’s often injured.

Bottom line, SD is a top quartile team in the NFL and the Redskins are a bottom quartile team. At the end of the year, their records will reflect that.

by Carioca on Sep 19, 2005 1:17 AM CDT reply actions

btw., I do love the blog and the analysis and hope my disagreement is welcome as friendly discussion. And yes, I am a Redskins hater so its tough to not be biased. Go Cowboys!

by Carioca on Sep 19, 2005 1:18 AM CDT reply actions

I think the Cowboys will have a great game against the Redskins. The only thing that scares me is Bledsoe. He keeps on holding on that ball too much. He needs to get over it, also he doesn’t move around, he’s gonna get sacked alot this year. Other than that, Go Cowboys!!!

by Dallas Dan on Sep 19, 2005 4:47 AM CDT reply actions

Mike Brown was rumored to being a Backup FS in Chicago……….if the Bears are DUMB ENUFF to make that TD scoring maching a backup I say we go get him. That guy is a playmaker in the secondary and when the bears had a great season under Dick Jauron a few years back Mike Brown had a couple of game winning TDs. Without him they were awful……….I would let that guy suit up on my team any day of the week!!!

by Jon on Sep 19, 2005 5:30 AM CDT reply actions

Jon,

I think it was Mike Green who lost his starting spot. Brown had another TD on Sunday.

by EricR on Sep 19, 2005 6:26 AM CDT reply actions

Rafael,

Very nice stuff!

by EricR on Sep 19, 2005 6:28 AM CDT reply actions

No they were mentioning Mike Brown, and he immediately said he would rather be traded than Benched! He said he thinks he is a solid starter in the league and if the Bears have a better option he would be interested in playing elsewhere. Maybe it was just one of those things to motivate the guy, I have always thought he was tough……….anytime he picks it he seems to find the end zone.

by Jon on Sep 19, 2005 6:30 AM CDT reply actions

Jon,

Where are you reading this?

by EricR on Sep 19, 2005 6:41 AM CDT reply actions

Jon,

Where ever you are reading this they may be mixing up Brown and Green as they both play S and their first names are Mike. It is Mike Green, not Brown who got benched.

by EricR on Sep 19, 2005 6:44 AM CDT reply actions

Eric,

I think it was a link of fox sports that took you too some Chicago Newspaper. Sun Times or something or other……..however upon looking back I cannot find the link any longer. They even had a picture of Mike Brown number 30 in the article. However, I think you are rigth it does appear as if Mike Green is the benched player…….Green, Brown……..I guess it gets confusing sometimes. No way I can see a team sitting a guy like Mike Brown he is a pure playmaker and difference maker. Sterling Sharpes terrible analysis last night…………ESPN does not even have a decent starting announcer……and it goes from bad to worse……..he kept saying special players make special plays at special times. Or as he said when the time dictates. I did agree with him on the why are you throwing so much to Lamont Jordan when Randy is only double covered…….hey Randy can still beat a double team and put 6 on the board…….Collins should have taken a shot………but back to his comments………Mike Brown seemed to be that guy that always made that play at the exact time it was needed at leasta few years back……….and sure looks like he is back again. Glad Madden and Michaels got the Cowboys game, not sure I could listen to Thiesman moan about his deadskins all night!

by Jon on Sep 19, 2005 8:04 AM CDT reply actions

I hope Keith Davis improves his coverage in the secondary. I personally think Henry and Newman are going to be viewed as two of the best starting corners by the end of the year. However, the up front 7 is much improved and will help them as well.

Is Burnett playing tonight……..I hear it is a gametime decision? Is it Barber or Thompson on KR PR duty tonight? I hope to see Fujita out there some and see what he has.

I think Dallas will play a good football game against a good team, and I agree Brunell is the Old Mark Brunell not the Mark Brunell of old. I am amazed Gibbs did not learn his lesson last year. Hey Bradshaw says forget em both and go with Jason Campbell already……….he might be right. Funny Gibbs and Parcells are two peas in a pod, much happier having a veteran presence in the pocket, a strong runner and a stingy defense. I think they are both too old to want to deal with Rookie mistakes at QB that are just too costly.

It is Monday Night Football. Julius Jones has shined in PRIME TIME, and with Emmit going up on the Ring, Julius looking at stats around the league……..he wants another Monday Night game like he had last year against Seattle. Bledsoe is savy enough to call audibles at the line depending on the coverage, and even though the coaches know each other, it is the weapons and line around Drew that will make the difference!!! There is another guy that saw Favre hit 50,000 last year, sees Troy a sure bet for the HOF go on the Ring, and is got to be thinking to himself if he wants a shot at the Hall he needs to do more than just appear in a Super Bowl, and win as a backup on the way to Brady being MVP.

An extra day to plan. An offensive line at home for the first time this year. This always should favor the better coach, the better team and the home team. I give the Redskins a slight nod at this point in the season on Defense(that will change as our defense improves), however over all I go Dallas on Offense, and a split decision on special teams. I give the coaching nod a TIE with a Decision going to Parcells for his record against GIBBS……..then I go Home Field Monday Night retiring the Triplets………..the Boys better be fired up! I mean aren’t we all. I even hear complaining about Saints and Giants taking away from our Trio on the Ring…….and that is because of a natural disaster I hope we never see again in our lifetimes.

I say Dallas and Redskins slug it out in the first half. 2nd Half Julius has a SPECIAL game and takes over. Dallas is going to stop Portis and Betts the same way they did LT. If he is the best player in football we did are darn good job against him, if he were on my team I would give him the ball a lot more than SD did yesterday……..but hey Marty Ball is Marty ball……..

As far as Curtis Martin catching Emmit or LT for that matter. I doubt Curtis makes it. Over 30 and being all the Jets have these days at RB is not good for a guy his age. I wish him and LT well though. Emmit Smith surpassing the great Walter Payton did nothing to diminish what Walter accomplished. Nor will some other great and deserving running back if they ever surpass Emmit. Records are made to be broken, Emmit was a great, and I am sure he like Walter who told Emmit before he passed……..“If it happens I hope it is you!” Will have the consumate class and professionalism he has always displayed. He played to win games, and he won the lion’s share, and rings, and championships……..and I even rooted for him in the desert in a red uniform that did not look right………cuz I knew at heart……..he still wanted to play football……….and he showed more than one Sunday last season……….that he still had what it took. Curtis Martin and LT are two classy players that are working hard to accomplish their goals. I don’t think Emmit Smith would begrudge either of those great running backs. I am also pretty sure nobody will ever match the true grit Emmit showed in putting his Cowboys on his back and carrying them to the promised land 3 times. Ever honest Giants fan I know, still talks about Emmit as the best running back ever! They saw it, and he even won over their fans that day. I remember the holdout of we lost two without him……he was our MVP no doubt!

NO beats the Giants and Dallas is alone at the top of the NFC East at 2-0.

GO COWBOYS!!!! Go Saints!

by Jon on Sep 19, 2005 8:26 AM CDT reply actions

I had the post last night about CM catching Emmitt-I agree that he’s a class act and records are made to be broken-just not so darn soon! I want Emmitt to get his due for more than just a couple of years as the greatest of all time. He’s so underrated as it is-“Oh, it was his Off. line, having a great qtbk, etc”. He is rarely acknowledged for his receiving, and of course pass protection, and if Martin manages to even get very close, they’ll lump him and Emmitt together as “workhorses” who just managed to stay healthy for long careers. It’ll make me sick!

by larry on Sep 19, 2005 10:14 AM CDT reply actions

true football players and coaches and fans know the value of Emmit Smith. He deserved and recieved the respect of the entire league. I even read that post from an Eagles fan talking about what a difference and Eagle Slayer Emmit Smith was for the Cowboys against a defense that had dominated the Cowboys and the run.

He rushed for 937 yards in Arizona without Larry Allen or Erik Williams or Irvin, Aikman and Johnston. He continued to run long after the Dallas Cowboys team was dominant or talent rich. Hech there were a few years we might have had the worst offensive line.

Did anyone in sports ever display more courage with his separated shoulder against the Giants? There will always be the Barry fans, and rightfully so, and even the Jim Brown fans. Hey I personally was a fan of Earl Campbell. Oiler Troll can tell yall young guys about an offense that was based on one guy. In two teams Houston and New Orleans. He was tough.

Emmit Smith has three Super Bowl rings. He graced the cover of SI how many times. Highlight reel after highlight reel is out there. Even Parcells who tosses compliments around like boulders, mentions when you talk about the best you gotta say all around back, Emmit Smith. The things like blocking, catching, and his stamina are things that only true fans of football are ever going to appreciate. I mean lets be honest any NFL back given 25 carries a game ought to get 1500 yards by seasons end. However, many do not. Injuries, stamina, even Portis is asking Betts to carry the ball 10 times a game.

I do not recall Emmit ever asking anybody else to carry the load. He was always willing. Curtis Martin and LT are such class acts they would be the first to point out Emmit’s accomplishments. I saw an awful lot of film and history being brought up on Sweetness as Emmit approached Walter’s mark. Unfortunately Walter passed away, but Emmit showed a lot of class in talking about one of his idols. Guess who TCU RB LT grew up idolizing, ours truly. Curtis did look awfully young and good last year, pretty amazing when you look at all the carries BP gave him. He still has a ways to go………..LT even further.

The accomplishments of Emmit Smith will never be diminished even if surpassed in yardage, no one ever surpassed him in heart and courage. Just as the accomplishments of Pearson, Staubach, and Dorsett were never diminished by Troy, Michael and Emmit, even if surpassed. I have never seen a single player in football mean as much to his team in crunch time, playoffs, and Super Bowl victories as Emmit Smith. Canton will enshrine both Emmit and Jerry Rice on the same day in a fall a few years from now. Two of the best to ever play the game at their respective positions. Dominant for a period of time against the best the league had to offer, and ironically against each other.

You know it was hard seeing Emmit in another uniform, but in the end, I think we all can come to appreciate why he did that. He had heard the offensive line crap, and the age remarks……..he went to the desert to silence the critics and help a struggling team. He beat out others for the starting position. Those are no small accomplishments for a running back over 30.

by Jon on Sep 19, 2005 10:43 AM CDT reply actions

Great analysis and insights, Rafael. As always.

I’ll be watching for a few things tonight:
1) Can our O-Line (especially Petitti) hold up against the Skins agressive D?
2) Will Ellis and Ware be able to stop the run on their side?
3) Will special teams coverage improve significantly?
4) Will Bledsoe continue to make good reads quickly enough?

The Redskins may only be average, but there’s not enough difference between most teams for that to matter much any more. So it’ll be tough and likely close. I’ll bet we’re all a little less enchanted with Bledsoe tomorrow but happy we have a good D and JJ. ’Boys 13 ’Skins 9.

by Remnant on Sep 19, 2005 11:12 AM CDT reply actions

When will we find out who dressed for the game? Tyson? Barber? Price? K B?

by Madcowboy on Sep 19, 2005 11:30 AM CDT reply actions

I say 28-10 Cowboys. The Triplets are in town and we have to look good. I think Ware will have a huge game, as will Julius. We’ll stop Portis, and they have no other weapons.

by Lou on Sep 19, 2005 11:47 AM CDT reply actions

Wow. Very, very, very nice analysis. Where did you find the stats (# rushers, passes defensed)? Did you chart them yourself?

by Miles on Sep 19, 2005 12:36 PM CDT reply actions

If the Redskins r at a pt where they have to put sean taylor on offense, u know they can not b 2 good offensively….. no matter how talented this FS is!!! I look for the cowboys to shut them down! Easy win. prediction:
Cowboys: 24
Redskins: 6

by chris on Sep 19, 2005 1:59 PM CDT reply actions

Great analysis!!

But what will each team scheme that will go outside these points? I am sure both BParcells and jgibbs have gotten to the same talking points as you did, now what stuff are they going to pull that is not expected?

Your analysis is first rate, I can’t believe that you aren’t working for a Pro Team somewhere as a scout at least, but what surprises will each coach attempt?

by AlanTdot on Sep 19, 2005 2:49 PM CDT reply actions

Madcowboy

Last week I looked around and found no information prior to the game about who would start. I listened to the pregame show and found out only when they said the players are starting to come on to the field and there is Barber in uniform. If you find something that gives the info sooner please share it.

by rmac on Sep 19, 2005 2:59 PM CDT reply actions

chris,

Speaking of defensive players on offense, its becoming a new trend in the NFL. Did you all see Julius Peppers lined up as WR yesterday? He ran a fade pattern to the side of the end zone, and almost reeled it in. .. I have been saying this for a while now, but I expect the Cowboys at some point to put a LB in at FB. To some degree I was a correct in assuming so, because in the preseason Leo Carson lined up there. I think a back up LB is more suited, and I know Shanle has a mean streak in him, Fowler is another possibility. ..

Rafael does a great job at evaluating the Cowboys’ running game, I too think they will attempt to run more inside the tackles. Last week Gurode’s and our two guards’ (Riveria and Allen) assignments were to hold the line of scrimmage and allow Julius to make an outside move. Against the 4-3, I believe Riveria can look to release on his initial block and could have success going to the next level. If Gurode can block down on his guy and Petitti can kick out the DE, a FB would clear the way for some really big runs right up the gut. Washington has to be preparing for what they saw from the Cowboys last season, which was a team that ran to the left the majority of the time, and ran out of a single back formation. Running in between the tackles from the I formation, especially to the right side to establish balance along the line, could be the start of what is to come. I believe that if Parcells wants to control the clock he has to run to both sides and they have to get the “tough yards” in between the tackles. Just like Pittsburgh’s aggressive D, the way to beat them is run right at them. If you run a lot of delays, sweeps, and roll outs you are playing right into their hands.

My prediction: Dallas does indeed pound the rock to the tune of 200+ yards rushing, Cowboys 31 – Redskins 17.

by EricR on Sep 19, 2005 3:33 PM CDT reply actions

rmac,

It’s surprising that all week DC.com writes about the difficulty of coming up with the 45-man roster, but then on game day, nothing. What gives? This is really the only relevant news that we don’t already know by now. Hmm. Seems like someone would post it. In fact, I think BP had to make the decision yesterday, but I’m not sure about this.

by madcowboy on Sep 19, 2005 4:24 PM CDT reply actions

i think the cowboys are going to win but not by that much because redskins has good defense but they can’t stop the cowboys offense. they only beat the cowboys once and I don’t think that is going to happen again. and when you really think about it what are there chances, they just cannot beat the cowboys.

by lee on Sep 19, 2005 4:30 PM CDT reply actions

i also agree with josh

by lee on Sep 19, 2005 4:34 PM CDT reply actions

I hope we do some play action out of running formations on 1st down some tonight. they are expecting us to run almost every 1st down….we can catch them sleeping.

by Lambert on Sep 19, 2005 6:00 PM CDT reply actions