Redskins vs Cowboys: Which Team Will Grab Reins in Shaky NFC East?

It's arguably the biggest, most important NFC game of Week 3, and possibly even the most crucial in the NFL for any two teams.

Right now, the Washington Redskins are 2-0 after winning two homes games to kickoff the 2011 NFL season.

Game one was an upset over the New York Giants, who have now gotten back on track with a big NFC East win at Philadelphia.

The second came over the Arizona Cardinals of the NFC West, who have now dropped two straight and aren't looking nearly as strong as they did two weeks ago.

So, you could argue the Redskins have had a fairly easy schedule to this point, and with the Cowboys on the fritz, Week 3 may turn out the same way, at least that's what Washington fans hope.

And speaking of Dallas, after its Week 1 blunder in the fourth quarter against the New York Jets, the Cowboys started off slow in San Francisco, but managed to rally late and win in overtime.

The win over the 49ers was a huge escape from the abyss that is the bottom of the NFL food chain, and with the NFC getting stronger and stronger, beginning 0-2 may have diminished all hope.

In any event, Big D got a big win, but at a costly price as QB Tony Romo is not going to be 100 percent, neither is RB Felix Jones or WR Dez Bryant.

To make matters worse, WR Miles Austin is out, thus only increasing Washington's odds of winning.

That being said, the Cowboys defense has a lot of confidence going since the second half of the 49ers game commenced.

After San Francisco went up 14-0, the 'Boys defense picked it up and only allowed ten more points, while the offense put up 27.

Against the Redskins on Monday night, Dallas' defense must shut down Washington's running game because not only is RB Tim Hightower capable of compiling over 100 yards, but its rushing attack ranks No. 9 in pro football.

In forcing Redskins QB Rex Grossman to pass more than head coach Mike Shanahan wants, that only favors the Cowboys as Grossman is still finding himself to prove the cynics wrong.

And until Grossman performs solid on a consistent basis, Washington won't be as dynamic as  it would like to be.

As for the Redskins, establishing a rushing attack is exactly what they need to do.

They're not a good enough team to pass-first then setup the run later on. They're a run-first then setup the pass, because defenses aren't threatened by Grossman yet.

Defensively, the Redskins need to pressure Romo as much as possible (assuming he suits up) because with Bryant not 100 percent and Miles being out, Washington's secondary won't have as much too worry about in defending the pass.

Yes, TE Jason Witten is going to get his, but with Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan coming all game long, Romo isn't going to have much time in the pocket.

The Redskins' defense is much better than given credit for, but using some quick tosses and misdirections to get their front seven off balance is key.

Otherwise the passing game becomes moot, and DBs DeAngelo Hall and LaRon Landry will have a field day.

In the end, Washington wins a close defensive battle, as both dark sides shut down the run early, but the Redskins force more turnovers to gain the advantage.

Sure Dallas has DeMarcus Ware coming off the edge, but having one guy isn't enough to win when Washington has arguably the best linebacker core in football.

Prediction

Washington Redskins 16, Dallas Cowboys 13

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