Redskins-Cowboys: Last Dance at Texas Stadium?

On Dallas": Redskins Fans Gear Up for the Cowboys">Wednesday and Thursday we started an extended look into the upcoming NFC East showdown between the 3-0 Dallas Cowboys and the 2-1 Washington Redskins taking place for what is likely the "last dance" at Texas Stadium between the two.

This division could easily finish the season with the fourth place team boasting a remarkable 10-6 record. The Cowboys are the "class" of the NFC and the Redskins are a team on the rise.

For the Redskins to be in the hunt for a playoff spot in 2008, they likely need to win at least one road division game. Having already lost at Giant Stadium, to the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants, this is a tough task for sure. Following this week's game, the Redskins will travel to Philadelphia for another critical divisional road game.

If the Redskins can come away from this two game road trip with at least one win, they stand a good chance of accomplishing Head Coach Jim Zorn's first postseason appearance. If they lose both, it will be difficult for the 'Skins to make it to the playoffs, despite still holding a strong opportinity for a winning season.

For the Cowboys, this game marks yet another step in their quest for NFC dominance. With a win they will solidify their hold on "the best team in the NFL" status and continue their march into the NFL postseason.

Today, we'll finish up this breakdown with a closer look at each team's defense and special teams and wrap up what it all means. As was already noted, the Redskins have won four of the last six meetings, but the Cowboys hold a 56-32-2 series edge.

The Cowboys have easily dominated the games overall, but in particular, they have been prevailed in games played at Texas Stadium. Winning 15 of the last 18 meetings played at Texas Stadium, the Cowboys have made it difficult for the Redskins to find success in Texas.

The Redskins have kept it close of late, however. The Cowboys' two wins in the last six meetings, with what is essentially the current roster, (both teams have had significant coaching changes in the last two seasons), were both at Texas Stadium. A 27-10 win in '06, and a 28-23 win in the '07 season.

Both teams come into the game featuring mixed messages defensively. The Cowboys are currently ranked ninth, and the Redskins are 13th in yards allowed. The Redskins hold the edge in allowed points per game, ranked ninth, while the Cowboys are 16th. 

Each defense has faced quality offenses in at least two of their first three games. For the Cowboys, their oppnents included the Packers and Eagles, and for the 'Skins, their opponents were the Giants, Saints and Cardinals.

The Cowboys defense found it difficult to slow down the Eagles in the first half of their Week Two meeting, but played well in Green Bay in Week Three, holding the Packers to only 16 points.

The Redskins' defense hasn't allowed more than 17 points to any team this season, but are easily facing their biggest test this Sunday. Redskins' Defensive Coordinator, Greg Blache has used essentially three very different game plans in the Redskins' first three games.

Facing the Giants in Week One, Blache opted to play a very basic defense which prompted mixed results. Giants' running back Brandon Jacobs ran wild, compiling 116 yards on only 21 carries and wide receiver Plaxico Burress caught 10 passes for 133 yards. Most of Burress' damage came in the first half however, as he received only three catches for 35 yards in the second half.

Cowboys' defensive end DeMarcus Ware presents a significant challenge for the Redskins offensive line. Off to a good start to the season, Ware has three sacks and 13 tackles through three games. He is a force both as a pass rusher and in run defense, and his play on Sunday will be critical.

Ware has had success against Redskins' pro-bowl left tackle Chris Samuels, “His first year in the league, I pretty much won that match-up, but since then he has been tough on me,” Samuels said. “Last year, he beat me twice. I definitely have my work cut out for me.”

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