Hailredskins.com- Week 3 Preview

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This is a great little gem of a write up from the guys over at Hailredksins.com. Great format, and well-rounded perspectives.

http://www.hailredskins.com/GamePreview.htm

Game Preview: Week Three Washington/Dallas

Welcome a new FORMAT for Game Preview! Preview is written by NamVet4 with information provided by YOU the members of hR!

The Facts:

Who: Dallas Cowboys (v) Washington Redskins

What: Week 3 of the NFL Regular Season

When: Monday, September 27, 2004

Where: FEDEX Field

Introduction:

In our House! Monday Night Football. This is the night of the week that every true Redskins fan has circled on the calendar and burned into their soul. The ‘Boys from Dallas make their appearance in Fortress FedEx! Two legendary Coaches square off after 14 years and set the tone for the rest of the season! At 8:59 p.m. on Monday the excitement level will reach a crescendo when the fans in “The Jack” become the dominant “12th man” in the NFL! This recent one-sided rivalry is definitely due for a change! How do you preview this extravaganza? Through the writings and thoughts of the best Redskins fans in the world, the posters at hailRedskins.com. Who better than the most knowledgeable and passionate fans to provide unique insight to this all-important game?

Offensively:

The QB position for this game is in a quandary due to the injury situation to Mark Brunell . As of this writing, it is still a decision waiting to happen. We will look at Patrick Ramsey as the starter.

“First, and most obviously do not turn the ball over. Brunell, Ramsey and Portis need to put last week behind them.” – flave1969.

The loss at the swamp is history. But history does teach lessons, the first lesson being those seven turnovers - they do not win a game.

“Let me say first if you win the battle of turnovers you have a 73% chance of winning in the NFL.” – Hogs86.

Coach Gibbs has continually preached that sermon and has addressed the issue in both meetings and practice, of that you can be assured. The Cowboys have not been immune from the turnovers and dumb penalty problems either! Just look at the stats for their last game. If Patrick Ramsey starts

“ Dallas will crowd the line of scrimmage in order to stop Portis. They will also blitz considering Ramsey ’s history. Ramsey ’s performance will be the key for this game.” – mexskins.”

”. . . they're obviously going to crowd the box to stop Portis and will force Ramsey to beat them with his arm.” – RedskinsVision.

The consensus is that the “Boy’s will prepare to attack the running game of Clinton Portis while trying to frustrate our QB. Clinton Portis is averaging 108.5 yards per game, in the top ten in the NFL.

“We must persevere with the run as well. Both Minnesota and Cleveland ran for over 130 yards on Dallas , Clinton Portis is the best RB that they will have faced so far” – flave1969.

And it certainly doesn’t hurt that last week Clinton Portis had 29 receiving yards. Versatility! While Roy Williams , the Dallas Safety, will try to silence Portis’s sideline jaunts, the Redskins running game continues to look beyond Clinton Portis. With the “Boy’s” defense at a definite size disadvantage we will learn if “The Cowboys' defense is fast and relatively small. We need to be able to run the ball right at them, knock a few defenders on their butts every play, and make sure they understand that size does, in fact, matter. I personally would use Betts more than he will generally be used, and keep running gut plays with him until Dat Nguyen can't spell his own name (shouldn't take too long).” – JoeDaSchmoe.

And there is a degree of confidence in the ability of Patrick Ramsey to counter the run shut down threat with his arm. Or is there?

“ Patrick just has to make good decisions. He will have our guys one on one against the Dallas secondary. He has the opportunity to have a huge game if he can stop making mistakes. And…our receivers have to hold onto the ball.”-LaVarPa.

Patrick Ramsey ‘s three interceptions last week has raised some serious questions about our # 2 quarterback, who could be our # 1 for this crucial game. Is there an answer?

“Even on third down I would rather see him throw the ball away than force it right into the opponents hands. We have a great D these days that will get him the ball back quickly. He needs to learn to get rid of the ball the right way.” – 28thegreat.

There is a high degree of probability that the lesson has been taught.

The receiving corps is in a state of flux, also. Silly stat of the week: Both Coles and Gardner have 63.5 yards per game and the reason is that Rod Gardner is still living up to his nickname,”50 - 50 or as written in:

The Weekly Rod Gardner Spotlight: 2 Games: 7 catches, 4 Drops. Nickname-to-date: "63/36" Outlook: Abysmal - dj_stouty.

This puts added pressure on Laveranues Coles , our primary receiver, who can have a field day against porous coverage in the ‘Boy’s backfield even though

“ Coles is likely to draw Newman, who is solid and can catch errant passes” – truant.

Newman , unfortunately, has trouble with physical receivers, and if Cole ’s performance last week as a receiver and blocker are any indication, life is not getting any better for Terence Newman . There are additional options at wide receiver on our Team. Who else could step up and contribute?

“This team needs a heavy dose of DMC . I mean really, really needs it. The man's a hard worker and doesn't drop balls that hit him in the hands while no one is touching him. Please, God, deliver us a D-Mac sighting.” – JoeDaSchmoe.

Darnerian McCants may get his shot this week – especially in the Red Zone. Look for our standout Rookie, Chris Cooley , to be loose in the backfield when it counts and improve upon his

“STATS: Receiving 4 Cat 30 Yards 1 TD Other 1FF “ – 2Cooley.

And how will our QB make this happen?

“Don't force the play, use Cooley as the dump off guy, and roll out or tuck the ball and take off if you feel the need too – Patrick .

The Cowboys defensive backfield is not shabby, including Roy Williams and Tony Dixon in addition to Newman . However, by consensus Newman is not the shut down corner he thinks he is.

Most of the so-called sports “gurus” characterize our offensive line as poorly balanced, weak and not effective at protecting our “immobile” quarterbacks. The “Dirt Bags” are starting to come together, even after some miscues and bumps along the way. The O-line is capable of

“… playing with a chip on their shoulder, as well as the entire offense. Make no mistake, being among the offensive line with the least penalties is no fluke and hard counts will draw the cowgirls offside if they attempt to gang the line.” – bgforever.

Expect to see a different game plan on Monday night as Coach Gibbs and Coach Bugel profit from the errors and mistakes of last week. Plus, how can you go wrong when Coach Bugel tells you to “bring the brass knuckles’”?

Defensively:

Hear the Roar! The FedEx Fortress will be rocking and Fan Power is going to take over.

“Just as this team is going to learn to be winners again, we are learning how to properly channel our energy as a 12th Man. We are going to have a hell of a time "re-introducing" ourselves to the nation Monday night, and it will only get better from there. – SuperSkin.

It always starts with the Defense! The “ ‘Boys” will attempt to run against us while forty year old Vinny Testaverde tries to match the numbers of week 2 – when he went 23 of 25 for 322 yards, 1 TD and 3 interceptions. However, there is an issue that he should consider:

“If we can take away the slant then watch out Vinny because a five step drop = a Marcus Washington and LaVar Arrington sandwich. (They're the bread, you're the 40+ year old lunchmeat).” – whitskins.

Not so silly stat of the week: Linebacker LaVar Arrington has sacks in each of his last two games against Dallas .

Last Minute Update:

“dude i'm sorry but LaVar had surgery today, he's out 2 to 4 weeks.” – Redwolf1218.

(Do not hammer this poster, there were over 5 pages of posts on this late on Thursday)

And what if Vinny takes a shot at the slant route to Keyshawn Johnson ?

“. . . so we'll bring a stud like Sean Taylor or Matt Bowen down to cut off the slant.” – whitskins.

This is not a very enviable position for a QB who has limited mobility and is a prime target for our blitz. Coach Williams has shown that the Defense is better prepared and executes better than most of us thought during the pre-season. Last week, the Cowboys resorted to some “old time” trickery, a flea flicker to set up the first Cowboys touchdown and later a fake punt. Will Coach Parcells dip into his bag of tricks again?

“Parcells wants to light it up quick to dictate the run. Since the run isn't his best offense its up to Testaverde to his wideouts, screens and TE. He needs gadgets to open things up. “ – bgforever.

That’s fine; however, even though Testaverde topped 300 yards for the second straight week, his sloppy decision-making was exploited by the Browns grabbing 3 interceptions – unfortunately a familiar sounding number after last week for both teams. And you can expect our safeties and corners to be well aware of that fact. Eddie George and ReShard Lee – I know, I ‘m not too sure If I heard a lot about Lee either, will take the few and far between carries for the Cowboys. And what of Eddie George ? He carried 18 times for 62 yards and a TD in the game against Cleveland . The aged runner is just that, aged!

The Cowboys' ground threat is similar to those Iraqi weapons of mass destruction; no one can find either one! Look for our #1 rushing defense to hold the Cowboys in check. Our top ten pass defense is not too shabby for this time of the year either. What can we expect?

“I think that is why we will see more of Sean Taylor this week because Keyshawn is a huge target and comes across the middle for first downs. Sean Taylor is a huge defender who happens to play in the middle...” – Conrad Country.

The Cowboys still have Antonio Bryant and Terry Glenn with tight ends Dan Campbell and Jason Witten , of the bruised jaw, to try and make a passing game out of it. Right now the Cowboys have the number 1 passing offense with Antonio Bryant , Terry Glenn and Keyshawn Johnson compiling 11 receptions among them. And to challenge the continuance of that ranking, Matt Bowen , Shawn Springs , Antonio Pierce and Fred Smoot will be playing with intensity and fire – just as this rivalry deserves! And the word on Fred Smoot is:

“What has impressed me the most is his willingness to tackle and jump up in run support. Last year the RB had to have a 100 dollar bill dangling from his pants for Smoot to tackle him, not this year.” – Conrad Country.

Specially Speaking:

Even with John Hall listed as probable, the Redskins are in their house for this one and John is most comfortable at home. Tom Tupa will have a challenge on Monday night, but Coach Smith will have him ready for it.

“Special Teams will be given a huge emphasis by both, since the initial field position on each exchange will be key.” – bgforever.

Coach Smith is working very hard and making aggressive improvements in the entire unit. Yes, there is still more to do! There is a feeling that Chad Morton is about to break a big one and this game is the perfect spot to do it in. And a unique update on Special Teams:

“If Jimoh is our last line of defense on kickoff and punt coverage, then we definitely need him on our team considering the number of long returns we've given up so far this season. If his being here means that we don't give up a single touchdown on special teams, then I'm glad he's here.” – hockeygoalie29.

Ade Jimoh , who has certainly gotten the fans attention after 5 opening day ST tackles and being named as the ST Captain for the Giants game, is making an impact.

Closing Thoughts

“I have not been so jacked for a game in years. Come on Monday night” – Skins 57

“Somewhere in there they mention that they want you there early to support the Marching Band and the cheerleaders. So, do as they say.” –rskinsfan10

“ Welcome TexasCowboy. I've read where a lot of girl fans don't consider the Redskins as their main rival these days. And to a point I can understand. But be assured....Its back on now...!” – CarMike

“Turnovers, turnovers, turnovers.

They taste great piping hot out of the oven, but I don't want to see any from our guys on Monday night.” - Spence

“Let's get ready to rummmmmmbbbbbbllllllleeee” - hail2skins

“It's Dallas week, Needs to be posted here! It's Dallas week dammit!” - PennSkinsFan

Thank you to all the posters at hailRedskins.com for your contributions.

That is THE game preview brought to you by all of you, the posters at hailRedksins.com

The Advantage Corner:

Quarterbacks: Advantage Cowboys – Slight, Aged immobility vs. youthful mobility

Running Backs: Advantage Redskins – Redskins – Aged immobility vs. youthful mobility!

Offensive Line: Advantage Cowboys – Slight - hey do have Flozel Adams

Receivers: Advantage Toss Up – Who beats the coverage better!

Defensive Line: Advantage Toss Up – Their speed, our size

Defensive Backs: Advantage Redskins – Another Capitol Defense!

Special Teams: Advantage Redskins – Coach Smith ’s corrections!

Coaching: Advantage Redskins – 3 Rings, 3 Quarterbacks, Same Team!

Home Field: Advantage Redskins – You have to ask?

Fearless Prediction:

Redskins 21

Cowboys 17