Cowboys vs. Vikings: TV Schedule, Radio and Online Live Streaming Info

Where: Mall of America Field

When: Saturday, August 27th. 8:00 PM EST

Watch: KTVT/CBS 11 Dallas, KARE-11 Minnesota; online at NFL.com (must pay $19.99 for full league-wide package), live look-ins on NFL Network; game replay: 8:00 p.m. Monday, NFL Network.

Hear: 105.3 The Fan Dallas, KFAN FM 100.3 Minnesota

Preseason Week 3 features yet another matchup between two teams that really have a lot to prove, even in the preseason. The Cowboys travel up north to square off against the Minnesota Vikings. Both teams need this game to continue building up repetition and getting ready for the preseason. Even though the game might not mean anything on the scoreboard, I can guarantee you that the players and coaches will be taking it very seriously.

The Cowboys need this game to get things together on both sides of the ball. Tony Romo is coming off a year that saw him go out with an injury, so he needs the time to get the Cowboys offense back on track. They have been struggling with timing and getting everybody on the same page. Romo is going to have to find a way to get all of his playmakers together.

Defensively, the team is still struggling to make the transition to new defensive coordinator Bob Ryan's defense, so obviously any game-speed repetition they can get will be appreciated.

The Vikings need to continue to get Donovan McNabb used to running the offense, and the more reps he can get with the first team the better. McNabb will be the starter for as long as the team thinks Christian Ponder needs time on the bench, which should be most of this year. McNabb is just two years removed from being one of the better quarterbacks in the league, so obviously the Vikings are hoping he can return to that form. I expect to see him playing a lot against Dallas, especially considering that their defense is in transition. If the Vikings can build up his confidence and the team's confidence in him, I guarantee you they will.

What They're Saying:

The big news out of Dallas was the contract extension that the Cowboys gave to cornerback Orlando Scandrick. The Associated Press reports via USA Today that Scandrick hopes he can prove that he was worth the big-time contract that the Cowboys awarded him with.

The Associated Press via the Washington Post writes about cornerback Marcus Sherels and how he continues to step up in a struggling Vikings secondary. The Vikings are dealing with injuries in their secondary, and that is providing Sherels the opportunity to step up and play as well as return punts. So far in the preseason, he has been a bright spot for Minnesota.

What's Worth Watching:

Tony Romo and the Dallas offense has the ability to be one of the best in the league, but they seem to be having a hard time putting it all together. I wouldn't count Romo out just yet, and I think that this will be the preseason game in which they will break out and put together a couple really good series. I expect at least one great touchdown throw out of Romo, which will be good to see.

Donovan McNabb and the Vikings offense is almost in the same position as Romo and the Cowboys, so they will also be an interesting watch. McNabb has a few very explosive weapons around him, but can he make it happen and lead the Vikings down the field?

Biggest Storyline:

The McNabb saga in Minnesota has to be the biggest storyline. Like I said, he is only two years removed from being one of the better quarterbacks in the league, and if he can put it together, he can really lead the Vikings to a surprise year. Many are expecting them to finish last in the NFC North, but if McNabb can turn it on, I think they may have a chance to contend with the Lions and the Bears. The fate of their season all rests on his shoulders though, so can he handle it?