Out Of The Chute: Redskins at Cowboys

Every week during the season, we’ll scout out the Cowboys next opponent. This week, that opponent is the Washington Redskins.

The Opponent: The Washington Redskins, aka the Burgundy and Old. Get it? Because they’re old and terrible! TEEHEEHEE!!!

Record: 5-8. One game ahead of the Cowboys in the NFC East.

The Line: Cowboys by 6.

Last Game: A brutal 17-16 loss to Tampa that ended when the Skins got a gift fifth down from the refs, hit a touchdown pass, and then botched the snap on the extra point. It’s been quite a downhill slide for these Redskins, who started the season 4-2 and looked very much like a surprise contender in the East. What a difference time makes between now and when the Skins beat the Cowboys on Sunday Night in Week 1 of the season. That game was the beginning of Wade Phillips’ downfall and seemingly a sign that the Skins were finally resembling a professional football team again. Then we come to last week and that same Washington team looks very much like the disjointed Dallas team it edged out in the first matchup. Circle of life, kids…

The Coach: Mike Shanahan. If you need someone to sabotage your season by spending 12 weeks warring with a headcase d-lineman instead of just cutting him, Mike’s your guy!

The Offense: Pathetic. Ryan Torain ran for a zillion yards in the first quarter against Tampa, and then suddenly fell of the face of the Earth in the second half. That one bright half of running constitutes the best the Skins ground game has looked in ages. As for the passing game, McNabb is skipping passes, the line is getting beaten and the wideouts are lousy. The Skins are like a house made of wet cardboard.

The Defense: No LaRon Landry for Washington this week, as he’s out for the year with an Achilles’ injury. Albert Haynesworth also ate his way out of the lineup, so you’re looking at a mightily crippled Skins defense.

Key Matchup: Doug Free vs. Brian Orakpo. Orakpo is the lone dangerous player remaining on this defense. If the Cowboys can get him blocked up, Jon Kitna should be able to make a few decent plays in between throwing horrible picks. Buckle up, gang. PRIDE IS ON THE LINE. HORRIBLE, MISPLACED PRIDE.