Keys to the Game: 'Skins v 'Boys

Usually my Mondays are spent writing an article in relation to Sunday's Redskins game, win or lose. However, I woke up this morning feeling unfulfilled, waiting for the 830pm kickoff in Dallas.

So, here's a preview of coming attractions (without Ms. Clio's help).

The Cowboys

1. The Cowboys' offense won't be as bad as people are predicting: Yes, a lot of the starters are hurt, but this is the Redskins versus the Cowboys; watch for replacemet players like Kevin Ogletree (Wahoo Wah!) and savior from Week 2, Jessie Holly, to fill in nicely. And, don't forget Jason Witten (averaging close to 100 yards receiving per game thus far) is still earning a paycheck from Jerry Jones.

2. The Cowboys' offensive line will not protect their quarterback effectively: be it Tony Romo or Jon Kitna behind center, both of them will be harassed all night long. This pressure will result in many poor drives by the Cowboys, but at the same time, watch out for a few missed assignments by the Redskins' defense that will lead to big gains by the Cowboys' offense.

3. Demarcus Ware will wreck havoc: Ware already has four sacks on the season, and will get on the board again tonight with at least one sack. The Redskins' offensive line already has given up five sacks this year, look for the Cowboys to add another three to that total.

The Redskins

1. If Laron Landry plays, his impact will be immediate: now, whether his impact is positive or negative depends on how well he prepared for the game. Look for a few Landry-esque hits but also watch out for his potential for a lack of discipline, resulting in at least one late-hit penalty.

2. Rex Grossman will have two "what was that?" moments: either holding the ball for too long and getting sacked, or forcing a ball into a tight window, Grossman's performance will regress a little towards the mean. Look for him to finish with over 300 yards, 2 touchdowns, but also turn the ball over twice.

3. Chris Cooley will remind Cowboys fans (and Redskins fans) that he is a force. Cooley has played second-fiddle to standout Fred Davis so far this season, only catching 2 balls for 21 yards. Cooley will easily surpass his season total in receptions, catching 4 balls for 60+ yards. He won't find the end zone, but his efforts will lead to scores.

4. Tim Hightower will run well (80+ yards and a touchdown) but will put the ball on the ground for the first time as a Redskin: Hightower hasn't even come close to fumbling the ball since he donned the Burgundy and Gold, but that will end tonight. The fumble won't lead directly to any Cowboys' points, but it will cut a good Redskins drive short.

Prediction: Redskins 27-Cowboys 24 in a game that's good 'til the final whistle.

(Jonathan Wigginton is the Chat Sports Senior Writer for the Washington Redskins)

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