The Redskins and the Cowboys have one of the most storied rivalries in the NFL and this game is for first place in the NFC East.  Look for the Redskins to let it all out against the Cowboys this week.  The Cowboys’ defense is only giving up 292.0 yards of offense per game but that’s because they control possession of the football a lot.  With that in mind the Redskins will likely try to run the ball to play keepaway from the Cowboys.  Clinton Portis should be able to find running room against a Cowboys’ defense that is allowing 4.1 yards per carry this season.  Look for TE Chris Cooley to be the focal point of the passing game for the Redskins as the Cowboys safeties are the weak link of the secondary.  The Cowboys do have 10 sacks this season so throwing the ball short will benefit Jason Campbell.  If the Cowboys’ defense creeps up, WRs Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El will start running deep.  Also, expect Randle El to throw deep at least once in this game on a trick play.

The Cowboys will try to run a balanced offensive attack as always as they have thrown the ball 93 times and run it 90 times.  The Redskins’ linebackers will have their hands full in trying to deal with Marion Barber and rookie Felix Jones in the running game.  The Redskins must get a good pass rush on Tony Romo or Terrell Owens, Patrick Crayton and Jason Witten will all have big games.

PREDICTION:  DALLAS COWBOYS 31, WASHINGTON REDSKINS 21

The Redskins have lost DE/OLB Jason Taylor indefinately after he underwent emergency surgery on his calf last Monday.  He has made 7 tackles, has 1 sack and he has defensed 4 passes this season for the Redskins.  The Redskins will definately miss Taylor’s pass rush ability as no one on the current roster has a skill set comparable to him.

The Redskins played just good enough to beat the Cardinals last Sunday.  Jason Campbell was solid in completing 22 of 30 passes for 193 yards with 2 TD passes.  He also carried the ball 4 times for 26 yards (6.5 ypc).  Antwaan Randle El completed his only pass attempt for 11 yards and he also caught 3 passes for 23 yards.  Clinton Portis carried the ball 21 times for 68 yards (3.2 ypc) with a TD run.  He also caught 2 passes for 19 yards (9.5 avg).  WR Santana Moss led the way in the passing game for the Redskins with 7 catches for 75 yards (10.7 avg) with a TD grab.  The Redskins finished up with 136 yards rushing on 31 carries (4.4 ypc) and they also completed 23 of 31 passes for 187 yards.

The defense was stout when it needed to be to help the Redskins win this game.  LB Rocky McIntosh (10 tackles, 1/2 sack) and S Reed Doughty (9 tackles) both had solid games to lead the Redskins on defense.  CB Carlos Rogers also had a huge game with 4 tackles, a interception and a fumble recovery.  The Cardinals finished up with 116 yards rushing on 23 carries (5.0 ypc) and they also completed 17 of 31 passes for 197 yards.  The Redskins are now 2-1 on the season with this win.

The Redskins have won six in a row against the Cardinals including 17-13 at Arizona last year.  But, this Cardinals team is a different animal this season as they are 2-0 having outscored their opponents 54-23 this year.  True, the 49ers and Dolphins aren’t anywhere near as good as the Redskins are…..but no one can deny that the Cardinals still look pretty good this season.  Despite having Kurt Warner and a great corps of WRs the Cardinals erun the ball more than they throw it.  Edgerrin James and rookie Tim Hightower could find some running room against the Redskins’ defense.  But make no mistake, the Cardinals are going to challenge the pass defense of the Redskins with Kurt Warner (128.5 QB Rating), Larry Fitzgerald (9 rec, 184 yards) and Anquan Boldin (14 rec, 222 yards, 3 TDs).

The Cardinals’ defense looks much improved this season but the Redskins play a physical brand of football that could wear them down.  Clinton Portis (180 yards rushing) will be the focal point of the offense for the Redskins in this football game.  If Portis has a decent game that will open up the play action passing game for the Redskins with speedsters Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El.

PREDICTION:  WASHINGTON REDSKINS 27, ARIZONA CARDINALS 24

The Washington Redskins looked like a completely different football team yesterday and that’s a good thing.  Jason Campbell had an outstanding game as he completed 24 of 36 passes for 321 yards passing with 1 TD pass and 0 interceptions.  Clinton Portis was also busy with 96 yards rushing on 21 carries (4.2 ypc) with 2 TD runs (9, 8 yards).  Ladell Betts pitched in with 25 yards rushing on 6 carries (4.2 ypc) yesterday.  Santana Moss had an outstanding game yesterday as he finished with 7 catches for 164 yards (23.4 avg) and he rushed 1 time for 27 yards.  Moss caught Campbell’s only TD pass a 67-yarder that put the Redskins up for good in this game.  TE Chris Cooley pitched in with 5 catches for 72 yards (14.4 avg).  Antwaan Randle El also had a decent game catching 4 passes for 53 yards (13.3 avg).  The Redskins finished up with 149 yards rushing on 31 carries (4.8 ypc) and they also completed 24 of 36 passes for 306 yards.  The Redskins’ offense had possession of the football for 34:14 in this game and that was impressive.

Linebacker London Fletcher led a good defensive effort by the Redskins with 7 tackles.  Safety Chris Horton also had a big game as he had 3 tackles, recovered a fumble and he had 2 interceptions.  The Saints finished up with only 55 yards rushing on 19 carries (2.9 ypc) and they also completed 22 of 33 passes for 195 yards.  The Redskins are now 1-1 on the season.