Cowboys @ Redskins: 5 Questions With Hogs Haven

It's Cowboys and Redskins on Sunday. Rivalry Week is here, but there doesn't seem to be a lot of heat this time around. With the Redskins struggling badly after a hot start, it was time to find out what's going on in the nation's capitol. I checked in with Kevin over at Hogs Haven to get his take.

Blogging The Boys: Gotta ask about the QB situation. Is there any preference between Grossman or Beck, or have you guys just given up on both?

Hogs Haven: We've given up on both, but it's clear Grossman gives us the better chance to lose with less embarrassment. Beck has two unforced fumbles and clearly gets fluttered when the pocket starts collapsing, which is often with this depleted OLine. The Redskins WRs corps is adamantly behind Grossman since he's confident in the huddle and throws the ball down the field. Grossman has a nice spiral at least.  

Four more...

BTB: Mike Shanahan came in with a big reputation. Is the fanbase still willing to give him time? Can he fix the Redskins?

HH: Yes, the majority of the fan base is willing to give the Shanaplan another year. Bruce Allen and Shanahan turned six draft picks into twelvelast year and a lot of these guys we learned are quality starters (Kerrigan, Jarvis Jenkins (IR), Hankerson (IR), Roy Helu). Perry Riley, a LB draft pick two years ago, is starting now over Rocky McIntosh and showing real promise. It's clear we need to draft a QB, so why overhaul the coaching staff now? We're clearly building something and our defense is playing at a high level. A quality QB changes everything (see Rams).

BTB: Do you think Tashard Choice will see a lot of action? We know he'd love to stick it to Dallas after they released him. What have you heard about him?

HH: I doubt it. Kyle Shanahan said yesterday he's still behind Helu and Torain, but if you ask Choice, he's ready to go. Redskins coaches have misled reporters before on starting RBs, but I don't expect Choice to see many carries. He's very vocal he wants to play his old team though. 

BTB: With all the troubles in Washington, what are the bright spots? Where do you see hope for better days on the horizon?

HH: The defense. The Redskins really have a quality line. Bowen, Cofield, Orakpo, Kerrigan, Jenkins, Carriker are all young guys. If we can find a QB that can extend drives and keep our defense off the field for more than 45 seconds, we got something. The Redskins fanbase will probably cry when London Fletcher can't play any more. Hopefully he's got 1-10 more years in him.

BTB: What's the best gameplan for the Redskins to win? Is it basically about the defense?

HH: The Redskins are 3-0 when they win the time of possession battle, 0-5 when they do not. The Cowboys run defense ranks 21st in yards per carry at 4.5. Obviously, the Cowboys offense runs up the score so teams have to start throwing the ball, so it's vital the Redskins offense stay on the field. The Skins OLine is depleted and have not had ANY success on the ground the last five weeks (including worst rush defenses like the Bills and Panthers). If the Redskins go 3-and-out on their first drive, I might have to switch over to the red zone channel. (not really, but I'll get that channel ready on my remote).

Thanks for the knowledge Kevin. Head over to Hogs Haven for more on the Redskins.