Game 10 Preview: Dallas / Washington

Game 10 Preview
WASHINGTON REDSKINS (5-4, 3rd, NFC EAST) AT DALLAS COWBOYS (8-1, 1st, NFC EAST)

OVERVIEW: An NFC East showdown where a win would virtually guarantee Dallas a playoff birth. Washington has lost three of its last five, while Dallas has just one loss on the season, that coming to the mighty Patriots. Dallas is a perfect 6-0 in the conference while the Skins are 3-3.

QUARTERBACK: Tony Romo plus a shoddy Washington passing defense should mean another big game as Romo continues in his quest to rewrite the Cowboys’ passing records.
Tony Romo 22 completions, 269 yards, 2.8 TD, 0.7 INT

RUNNING BACK: Washington’s run defense is respectable, and Dallas will probably do most of their damage through the air, but that does not mean that the running game won’t get working. Unfortunately, they may be without Leonard Davis, who has a high ankle sprain.
Marion Barber: 11 carries, 48 yards, and 0.4 TD along with 3 reception for 18 yards
Julius Jones: 14 carries, 57 yards, 0.2 TD as well as 1 reception for 8 yards

WIDE RECEIVERS: Witten looks to get back on track and Owens and Crayton hope to continue their impressive seasons. Thankfully, they will try to do this against a Washington secondary lacking FS Sean Taylor. Expect good things.
Terrell Owens: 6 receptions, 90 yards, 1.1 TD
Patrick Crayton: 4 receptions, 58 yards, .5 TD
Jason Witten: 4 receptions, 44 yards, .3 TD

SPECIAL TEAMS: Nick Folk continues his strong season, as he continues on his way toward 130-140 points this season. Matt McBriar continues to be one of the most impressive punters in the NFL. Finally, the Cowboys return game remains solid to good. Redskins’ Rock Cartwright is a kick returner who must be watched.

DEFENSE: The Redskins have a solid 1-2 punch at the RB spot, but a poor passing game. Washington’s offensive line does a surprisingly good job of run blocking and pass protecting so Dallas could have some troubles putting pressure on QB Jason Campbell. Dallas, but I expect them to come through as they wear down the o-line late in the game.
Defense: 2.2 Sacks, 1.2 INTs

PREDICTION: Beware, Cowboys fans. It is easy to expect a blowout, but I expect Washington to hang around early. In the end, however, Tony Romo’s passing and Dallas’s defense will tire the Redskins.
Cowboys 31
Redskins 20