December 30th will be a huge turning point in the Washington Redskins franchise. For essentially 20 years, mediocrity has been accepted and braced due to the terrible seasons endured by Redskins nation. This will all change on Sunday night. While Santa Claus is about to go to bed, many kids and parents can't wait to see what the morning will bring, in DC the fans can't wait until Sunday night when Christmas really arrives.
10-6 is the only thing on the minds of the burgundy and gold. Dallas week, Christmas, even a little Griffmas vs Philly, and we all want more. When the Redskins take the field against Dallas on Sunday night, it will be a mad house. I will personally be in attendance and I know how loud that place can get during a Dallas game. Throw in the fact that it is potentially win or go home versus your rival and its the last game of the NFL regular season in front of millions of viewers nationwide!
These are the games where in the past Tony Romo has faltered. Sure his statistics are pretty damn good, but so were Dan Marino's. Everyone knows if you don't win the big games, stats mean nothing. Romo may have looked sharp versus New Orleans, but who hasn't? Dez Bryant had a huge game Sunday, but how will his finger hold up in 20 degree weather? DeMarcus Ware is ailing and missed half of the game versus New Orleans, do we not think that the Shanahan's won't run Alf at him all day and wear him down? Romo will throw a pair of touchdown passes I am sure, our defense isn't that good. However where the defense struggles, it also picks itself back up. I am predicting more turnovers (fumbles lost and interceptions) by Romo than he has touchdowns. The Redskins defense has been putting quarterbacks in terrible spots since the Carolina loss. Dez Bryant will have his typical 6-7 catch 110-120 yard day maybe even a touchdown, but he will drop at least 2 or 3 balls and you will see a drop in a crucial moment of the game. Hall, Wilson and Crawford need to play on Bryant from the snap and slap that finger/hand all night, every single time the ball is snapped go after it. The cold will do the rest and before you know it his head will be elsewhere.
Special teams will be a draw, both kickers are pretty damn good, same with the punters. The Redskins have contained some of the best return men in the league this season, so as far as big returns, I expect nothing on either side. The penalties is what will set up the field position. If the Redskins can stay away from the holding and illegal block penalties, they will start on the 35-40 quite often. Even just a 30 yard kick return turning into a 10 yard kick return or a punt return in the same regard, makes the field that much longer.
My key matchup's are simple, first Dez Bryant vs D-Hall. Hall isn't a shutdown cover corner, but he isn't terrible either. If Hall can grab an interception and just contain Bryant, I consider it a successful afternoon there. Secondly is Romo vs Fletcher. London Fletcher has done a hell of a job quarterbacking the defense and that was on display Sunday in Philadelphia when he completely stumped Foles with an audible. Romo is in a chess match with Fletcher all day and as we know Fletcher doesn't lose those battles very often. Lastly is going to be the Redskins offensive line versus the Dallas front 7. The skins dominated on Thanksgiving in every faucet of the game. They must continue this dominance on the line in order to win. We have no idea if RG3 will be able to run next week. We don't know if it was just because of the brace or he is just not healthy yet. In order to keep him upright and healthy we need a heavy dose of Alfred Morris and plenty of time for Griffin to find his targets.
So yes, I am calling out a Redskins victory simply because Dallas is due to falter. Sure they have some parts of their game that is better but what they aren't is hungry. You never see RG3 doubt himself or his teammates. You never see him look down on the sideline. These guys are up watching each other and cheering the other side of the ball on. The Redskins want this game more than any single player on the Dallas sideline. Honestly, once Jerry Jones realizes what Snyder did (in putting personnel in the hands of someone with a clue) then I will be afraid of Dallas. Until then, Hail to the Redskins and let's all watch how embarrassed the Cowboys look after they miss the playoffs yet again!
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