Redskins vs. Cowboys: Why Redskins Won't Score Upset in Dallas

The Washington Redskins have surprised a lot of people this season, off to a 2-0 start after defeating the New York Giants and Arizona Cardinals.

They've already looked miles better than last season, when they finished 6-10 behind the dysfunction surrounding Albert Haynesworth and Donovan McNabb.

But their "winning streak" will come to an end Monday night in Dallas against the Cowboys.

I've been one of the Redskins' biggest supporters and predicted they would surprise this season after drafting Ryan Kerrigan and signing defensive tackle Barry Cofield and former Baltimore Ravens cornerback Josh Wilson.

Head coach Mike Shanahan has also done a tremendous job getting the team prepared this season after so much turmoil in 2010.

But the fact of the matter is, the Cowboys are simply a better team than the Redskins, and that will show on Monday night.

Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, suffering from a fractured rib, will play on Monday, and if the second half of the Cowboys' 27-24 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Week 2 is any indication, Romo should perform well.

I was a little skeptical of this team coming into the season given a suspect secondary, but new defensive coordinator Rob Ryan has completely transformed this defense. Through two games, the Cowboys have racked up 10 sacks—most in the league—and the pass and rush defense has been much better than expected.

The biggest problem for the Redskins on Monday will be containing the Cowboys' defensive front, a front that includes DeMarcus Ware, Anthony Spencer and nose tackle Jay Ratliff. The Redskins have only allowed five sacks in the first two games, but those numbers are a bit misleading. They've been using screen passes and quick dump-offs to make up for a beatable offensive line. Against a raging Cowboys' pass rush, I see the O-line having problems.

Now, don't get me wrong, I believe this game will be a close one, but the defensive front, combined with Romo's breakthrough in crunchtime in Week 2 and the added advantage of playing at Cowboys Stadium, will ultimately see the Cowboys come out on top.

But all signs point to this being a game worth the historic rivalry.