Cowboys @ Redskins: Washington has injury issues

by Dave Halprin on Nov 13, 2008 10:21 AM CST in Dallas Cowboys News

We've spent the past month fretting over injuries and how they have put a damper on the season. Of course injuries haven't been the full extent of our problems but they had an effect. Getting Tony Romo, Terence Newman and Kyle Kosier back should put a smile - or at least a mild grin - on the faces of Cowboys fans. If you want to go to full smile with teeth showing, give me Felix Jones on the field this Sunday, too.

So while we've been moping about our own injuries over the past month, it turns out our opponent this weekend is having some major injury problems and their situation is current instead of mostly past-tense.

This Washington Post article sums up the situation for the Redskins but I'll give you the abbreviated version.

Clinton Portis can finally straighten his leg but won't practice this week and will be a game-time decision. Ladell Betts is practicing on a limited basis and could make his first appearance in a game in over a month. If neither of those two can go, the Redskins will turn to Shaun Alexander. Alexander was once one of the better backs in the league but those days are past. I'm not going to jinx us by saying he's over-the-hill and washed-up, but he's let's say - slightly long-in-the-tooth. Washington could also turn to Rock Cartwright, who is a pretty decent player and has one of the best names in football.

Washington's injury issues don't stop at the running back position. Santana Moss is working through a hamstring problem, Shawn Springs and Jason Taylor have calf issues, Marcus Washington is trying to regain strength in his shoulder and Chris Samuels has knee pain. Most of those guys are expected to play but may not be at 100%.

Jason Campbell says he thinks Portis will play even though he admits he's just trying to be optimistic.

For more on the Redskins visit Hogs Haven.

There's more, click below.

If Clinton Portis doesn't play, maybe he can jump into the TV booth and become an analyst for the game. Here's his evaluation of the Cowboys defense.

"As far as Dallas, when you see Dallas and they're not in sync, it's a blown coverage or a blown assignment somewhere. It's obvious because you'll see the guys arguing or looking back at each other as if they didn't know it."

As much as it pains me to say, that's the absolute truth. Watching the games afterwards for the Film Review, I see that all the time. As I've written before, we can't cover the bunch formation to save our lives. The Redskins love to run pick routes on the outside and last year they ate us alive with those formations over and over. The Cowboys secondary does an awful job of passing off receivers to each other and get thoroughly confused with their zone assignments when zones are flooded with receivers. I hope Dave Campo spent the past two weeks figuring this problem out.

Sounds like Jason Garrett and the offense are going to try a few new things this weekend.

Terrell Owens said the Cowboys have "tweaked" some of what they do offensively over the bye week. Tony Romo coyly talked about some "different things" that have him excited about what is ahead for the offense.

I'll believe it when I see it.

A statistical look at the chances of making the playoffs after a win or loss this weekend.

Since that season [1990], 88 teams have come out of their 10th game at 6-4, with 59 making the playoffs. Conversely, just 24 of 83 teams with 5-5 marks made the tournament.

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Comments

I hope Jason Taylor plays

I wanted the brother in law drama when we played them last time, and was disappointed when he wasn’t able to play. I think it’ll make each player play harder. Who will Zach’s sister cheer for?

How Bout Them Cowboys!

by sprprsnmn on Nov 13, 2008 10:27 AM CST reply actions

Drew Henson cut today

Somewhere in Montecito, a tear is shed …

by Elberraco on Nov 13, 2008 10:30 AM CST reply actions

Wow. You know you've hit rock bottom when you get cut by the Lions. Time to hang it up, Drew.

"I got a fever. And the only prescription is more cowbell." -- Bruce Dickinson

www.brainfriednetwork.com [NEWS/SPORTS/FOOTBALL]

by silverblue5 on Nov 13, 2008 10:44 AM CST up reply actions

Cry me a river

I’m having a hard time working up any sadness over the ‘Skins injury situation. I don’t care if they are down to their 4th string RB, I just want to beat them, and to beat them badly.

I think it’s a good thing this is an SNF game – the Cowboys always plays well under the bright lights. It’s those noon (well, 10 am for me) kickoffs against the crappy teams that they have problems with.

by DannyWhite on Nov 13, 2008 11:02 AM CST reply actions

but if we win

no one will give us credit because they didnt have Portis.

by Carl Shelton (GloryDayz88) on Nov 14, 2008 6:38 AM CST up reply actions

if that's the case,

then just give us the win and we’ll stay home.

I commented. You're welcome.

by bulldog jeeper on Nov 14, 2008 7:08 AM CST up reply actions

Just curious

does anyone know if Romo is going to be wearing a splint Sunday? And if he is when will he be able to take it off?

by quincyyyyy on Nov 13, 2008 11:08 AM CST reply actions

According to Ed Werder

He will be… the athletic trainers will come up with something…..

Cowboys fan since 1978.. I was 3 years old

by Mullin on Nov 13, 2008 12:20 PM CST up reply actions

Take that with a grain of salt

by Mandmeisterx on Nov 13, 2008 1:55 PM CST up reply actions

Werder?

Next Question … =)

Stop the Madness - Enshrine Bob Hayes
"I played for the world's greatest professional sports team in history. Once a Dallas Cowboy, always a Dallas Cowboy." - Bob Hayes

by Raul Villaronga on Nov 13, 2008 3:25 PM CST up reply actions

he will but it won't be the kind

he was trying to wear for the Rams games, it will scaled down quite a bit from what I read on DC.com.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Nov 13, 2008 2:46 PM CST up reply actions

+1

I read that the training staff are constantly modifying it throughout the week. Sort of “rough drafting” it until Gameday

by AikmanNailedMySis on Nov 13, 2008 3:59 PM CST up reply actions

Injuries

are a part of the game.
Lord knows we’ve had our share this year!

You'll never get in a traffic jam,while going the extra mile. -Roger staubach

by TrueBlue24 on Nov 13, 2008 11:09 AM CST reply actions

My daily input from ESPN...

Being that I’m one of about 4 people on this blog that still watches ESPN (What can I say? I’m a gluton for punishment), I want you all to know how hard I laughed during a Romo clip. He looked up at the reporters with the smile that ya’ll have been missing and said “We’re trying some new stuff and it’s exciting. We’re going to go out and attack the Washington Redskins. This team has some really good football ahead of us.” That’s not a direct quote but DAMN AM I EXCITED NOW!!! I was going crazy because I’ll be attending my first Cowboys game of my young life, but holy hell I’m bouncing off the walls now!!!

by AikmanNailedMySis on Nov 13, 2008 11:09 AM CST reply actions

Hey...I love that attitude...

Its about time we went after someone with our offense.
Hey Aikman….Enjoy the game!
Maybe give us a 1st person update after the game…..would be cool!

You'll never get in a traffic jam,while going the extra mile. -Roger staubach

by TrueBlue24 on Nov 13, 2008 11:13 AM CST up reply actions

I hope your sister is not as young as your are.

by quincyyyyy on Nov 13, 2008 11:24 AM CST up reply actions

right.....

by WestTxHornFan on Nov 13, 2008 11:51 AM CST up reply actions

The full interview

can be seen on the dallas cowboys website (about 12 mins) instead of the snippets that NFL Net and BSPN post.

Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!

by cowboy78 on Nov 13, 2008 11:37 AM CST up reply actions

Congratulations on you first live game!

Dude, that’s awesome. I hope the Cowboys reward you with a Redskins butt kicking.

by Baked Potato Soup on Nov 13, 2008 2:32 PM CST up reply actions

Aikman, glad you’re excited, who wouldn’t be if their sister were nailed by Troy. Did she at least get you an autograph?

Keep watching ESPN, sort of like an antibiotic except it will attack your good brain cells.

by rha on Nov 13, 2008 11:16 AM CST reply actions

aikman nailed my sister….

now thats a handle.

by THE Jarhead on Nov 13, 2008 11:41 AM CST reply actions

And it could be any Aikman, really. It’s not like he specifies THE troy aikman.

by Elberraco on Nov 13, 2008 12:02 PM CST reply actions

Correct me if I'm wrong,

but I’m almost positive he mentioned on here once he doesn’t even have a sister. I guess that pretty much eliminates all of the speculation. The real question is, would you let Aikman nail your sister?

by Mandmeisterx on Nov 13, 2008 12:12 PM CST up reply actions

uh no....

but if it’s the day before the super bowl, i might let her go to the shooting range with tank….jesus what am i saying? would i really sell out my own blood out for another ring? the answer should be no…it should be no…it’s no…i think it’s no….can i have a lifeline?…..lol…

"They need security in the world, Craig!"

by Tuna Helper on Nov 13, 2008 12:25 PM CST up reply actions

5 yard penalty

conflict of interest

by sublimezg on Nov 13, 2008 1:03 PM CST up reply actions

Oh and

I just got your sig

We’re top flight security of the world Craig. Not just the city, the world!

by sublimezg on Nov 13, 2008 1:05 PM CST up reply actions

I thought

That it was a little off..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DGg6XsYTJ8

"If you see me up in the mountains with a lion, I ain't lyin
don't help me, help the mountain lion"

by Wmillion on Nov 13, 2008 3:18 PM CST up reply actions

bingo! I got action.

lol.

"They need security in the world, Craig!"

by Tuna Helper on Nov 13, 2008 4:00 PM CST up reply actions

QUICK CLARIFICATION!

I don’t have a sister. I’m the youngest of 5 boys. Second, if I did have one, I would definitely let Aikman nail her. He’s been my fave player since I can remember and that would just be an awesome story to tell. And I watch SportsCenter on ESPN. That’s generally it. Other than, I avoid any analysis. Just coverage for me…And thanks for the congrats, the only time I could see the Boys play is against the Skins and I can FINALLY afford to get those tix now. I’m freakin’ STOKED!!!!!!!!

by AikmanNailedMySis on Nov 13, 2008 4:02 PM CST up reply actions

What I want to know

Is he the byproduct of the aforementioned Aikman nailing of his sister?

by MadMick on Nov 13, 2008 1:05 PM CST up reply actions

Skins injuries

I would never wish an injury on a player, no matter how much I disliked his team. But, I think it’s only fair that I shouldn’t wish away any injuries from a hated team once the injury occurs! So, I’ll just hope for a lengthy but complete recovery for any of the injured Skins.

In that DMN article Romo said he planned to “push the tempo”…that sounds like no huddle, or at least hurry up to prevent D substitutions by Washington.

I was also encouraged by hearing that Romo’s smiling again. Before he was hurt, he looked like he had the world on his shoulders. He’s much better when he’s loose and having fun.

Now, “Aikmannailedmysis”..this family is hardcore. (in more ways than one)
I hope it’s just a joke, anyway, have fun at the game. As your first time at Texas Stadium, I’d be interested in hearing some of your first impressions on being at the game.

Madmick, is there anything wrong with your last question?

"Trust me, we're going to kick these Redskin's asses!" - George Armstrong Custer

by Jim Vance on Nov 13, 2008 1:42 PM CST reply actions

Yes.

by MadMick on Nov 13, 2008 1:57 PM CST up reply actions

Venue

As your first time at Texas Stadium, I’d be interested in hearing some of your first impressions on being at the game.

The game’s in Washington …

Stop the Madness - Enshrine Bob Hayes
"I played for the world's greatest professional sports team in history. Once a Dallas Cowboy, always a Dallas Cowboy." - Bob Hayes

by Raul Villaronga on Nov 13, 2008 3:31 PM CST up reply actions

Oh NO

Now Aikmannailedmysis is gonna be sitting there in Texas Stadium all alone?

My bad, I just assumed he was in Dallas

"Trust me, we're going to kick these Redskin's asses!" - George Armstrong Custer

by Jim Vance on Nov 13, 2008 10:11 PM CST up reply actions

Nope, he's in Baltimore...

by AikmanNailedMySis on Nov 14, 2008 7:11 AM CST up reply actions

No Increase in Optimism on Portis

A later WaPo update

No Increase in Optimism on Portis

Coach Jim Zorn said he was hoping for a better report on Clinton Portis today, but the tailback was unable to do much more than get more treatment for his knee sprain. “I was hoping today there would be a little more optimism, but there’s not,” Zorn said.

by scottmaui on Nov 13, 2008 1:56 PM CST reply actions

Is it me or your avatar?

JimV, dude, your avatar is killing me, Disturbing for sure, WTF is it?

by rha on Nov 13, 2008 2:03 PM CST reply actions

rha

Yours isn’t exactly comforting either….

by goat3000 on Nov 13, 2008 2:15 PM CST reply actions

at least I’m incredibly good looking.,,,

by rha on Nov 13, 2008 2:35 PM CST reply actions

JimV,

nevermind, I clicked your profile, I get it.

by rha on Nov 13, 2008 2:36 PM CST reply actions

Gee-Roj's avatar

I actually thought Gee-Roj’s avatar was the old hag lady from The Goonies and Throw Momma From The Train until I actually clicked on his profile.

by MadMick on Nov 13, 2008 2:40 PM CST reply actions

The statistical look

David,

“Since that season 1990, 88 teams have come out of their 10th game at 6-4, with 59 making the playoffs. Conversely, just 24 of 83 teams with 5-5 marks made the tournament.”

That is exactly what I was conveying on the Blue and Silver Report and was slammed for it. Of course I didn’t have the stats to back me up. If we lose to Washington, we are done for. Yeah, there’s a chance. A 20% chance according to your stats. Not good.

by torchindefenses on Nov 13, 2008 2:48 PM CST reply actions

torch,

Didn’t San Diego do it last year? Started 5-5 I think.

by rha on Nov 13, 2008 3:23 PM CST reply actions

nice to see you move here rha

It’s not impossible. If they lose to Washington, they would have to win every game thereafter and still could miss it. Atlanta, Tampa and Washington are all playing very well not to mention the Beagles.

by torchindefenses on Nov 13, 2008 4:10 PM CST up reply actions

Disagree about Tampa

If the Cowboys win out, they’ll still have the tiebreaker over Tampa who I’ll guarantee will finish no better than 11-5. Also, as well as Atlanta as playing, they have a pretty tough remaining schedule themselves. 11-5 will get the Cowboys in regardless.

by MadMick on Nov 13, 2008 4:45 PM CST up reply actions

They did.

But the AFC West stunk last season (oh wait, it stinks this season too!), so they would have won it even if they didn’t go 11-5.

Come and whisper in my ear, give us dirty laundry - ESPN

by Nelson... on Nov 13, 2008 5:29 PM CST up reply actions

and let's be honest...

there’s a HUGE difference in the competition in the AFC West and the NFC East. it’s not even close. you could sleep through 8 games and still win the AFC West.

Question: what are the chances of the NFC East finishing with all four teams with winning records?

Answer: about the same likelihood that all of the AFC West finsigh will losing records

I commented. You're welcome.

another transplant from The Blue & Silver Report

by bulldog jeeper on Nov 14, 2008 7:20 AM CST up reply actions