Dallas Cowboys-Redskins Preview: Hay-Hay-Haynesworth and 'Skins Host Dallas

Dallas @ Washington (plus-3.5)

It's tough to overlook the Redskins' addition of Donovan McNabb, but leave it to Albert Haynesworth to make that seem secondary. The massive defensive lineman failed multiple conditioning tests this summer before finally passing it in mid-July, clashing with head coach Mike Shanahan along the way.

"Contrary to an oft-quoted line from The Hangover," said Shanahan, "it's not funny because he's fat. I shouldn't call Albert 'Fat,' that's disrespectful, to the real Fat Albert. So, let's just call him 'Hay-hay-hay-nesworth.

"But Albert's made a lot of progress, towards being traded to the Titans. That makes sense, because I'd love to send him right back where he came from.

"But really, this team's outlook hinges less on Haynesworth, and more on McNabb. After 11 years in Philadelphia, it's difficult, even for me, to comprehend McNabb as a Redskin. Almost as much as it is to comprehend a Muslim as president of the United States."

With the Super Bowl scheduled for early February at Cowboys Stadium, the 2010 season could be a magical one for Dallas. Or it could be another one marked by disappointment, Tony Romo dating scandals, and nervous Jerry Jones visits to the Cowboy sideline.

"Let's face it," said Jones, "if we don't make it to the Super Bowl this year, it will be painfully disappointing. But it won't be unprecedented. I can't count the number of times the Cowboys had a home playoff game and didn't show up."

I predict that the Cowboys take advantage of a team in turmoil, force three Redskin turnovers, and dominate on offense.

Dallas wins, 30-17.

check out more game previews at www.sports-central.org