Redskins vs. Cowboys: Position by Position, Which Team Has the Edge?

The Washington Redskins and Dallas Cowboys clash tonight on Monday Night Football will be a chess match between two very good head coaches. 

Which team has the advantage this evening?

Let's break it down, position by position.

Quarterback

Rex Grossman has demonstrated a fine command of Mike Shanahan's offense in the first two games, which has come at a surprise to most of us. 

He has been very accurate and has hit the big play when need be. 

For the Cowboys, all the talk has been about Tony Romo's gutsy effort against the 49ers last week, as well it should be. 

Statistically, the polarizing quarterback has been among the league's elite, but has to limit mental errors late in games. 

The loss of Miles Austin will hurt.

Advantage: Cowboys. But it's closer than you'd think.

Running Back

Tim Hightower hasn't been outstanding for Washington this season, averaging 3.7 yards per rush, but he's been good enough to keep defenses honest. The Cowboys boasts a big and very physical defensive front four. Hightower should have a respectable game. 

Felix Jones is questionable for this game and simply cannot stay off the injury list. 

Advantage: Redskins

Wide Receivers

Besides Santana Moss, the Redskins receiving contingent is rather unknown, but they have some guys with talent. Jabar Gaffney is a legitimate deep threat and Anthony Armstrong is very underrated. All seem to be in sync with Grossman thus far.

With everyone healthy, Dallas certainly has the more skilled and dangerous wide receivers. But Miles Austin is out and Dez Bryant is questionable for this one.

Advantage: Redskins

Tight Ends

This one is tough. Jason Witten is one of the best tight ends in the league and a favorite target of Tony Romo.

Washington's Fred Davis and Chris Cooley are very athletic and have great hands.

Still, Witten alone is too special.

Advantage: Cowboys

Offensive Lines

Both teams' offensive lines aren't Patriots-esque but they are much improved. A real toss-up. 

Advantage: Cowboys

Defensive Lines 

The Redskins have stud Brian Orakpo and the Cowboys have Jay Ratliff and DeMarcus Ware. 

I'll give this one to Dallas. 

Advantage: Cowboys

Secondary 

DeAngelo Hall is playing like he's in his mid-20s and is the quarterback of the defensive backfield. The Cowboys are getting Terrence Newman back but have some holes. 

Advantage: Redskins