War paint, onIt's been just over three months since the Dallas Cowboys lost to the Washington Redskins in the first game of the season 13-7.
Where to start?
The Cowboys netted 24 first downs and nearly 400 offensive yards and scored just seven points. Miles Austin had 10 catches for 146 yards. Who didn't think he wind up with 120 catches and 1,400 yards?
To end the first half, the Redskins scored their only touchdown after Tony Romo threw a screen to Tashard Choice, who had the ball stripped and ran back for a score by DeAngelo Hall.
Meanwhile, Donovan McNabb went 15-32 for a lousy 171 in his Washington debut.
The game ended with Cowboys replacement right tackle bear hugging Brian Orakpo negating a Roy Williams, potentially game-winning touchdown. Thus ending the game.
That's been the 2010-11 season in a nutshell. Turnovers, dumb decisions and a complete lack of playmaking and execution even on the most basic of levels.
It set off a shitstorm unseen in the Cowboys landscape. In the franchise's 60th year, the year the Cowboys were supposed to be the first to play a home game during the Super Bowl.
Since, the head coach was fired, the starting quarterback broke his arm, the third highest-paid receiver in the NFL has disappeared and the defense went into hiding.
And it started three months and one week ago.
Five things:
Rex Grossman
Got to give it to Mike Shanahan: He loves some drama. I don't blame him for being disappointed in Donovan McNabb, because he's stunk. However, does Rex Grossman give you the best opportunity to win. Even if he does, is it worth dividing your locker room to prove a point? With Rex Grossman? As much as he's screwed every fantasy owner with his running back musical chairs, the fact that he's prompted about a million owners to get the Cowboys defense might be his biggest coup.
Miles Austin
It's convenient to give Austin the benefit of the doubt. Losing Tony Romo killed his year. However, there aren't many bodies left after Kevin Ogletree was lost for the season. By sheer attrition, Austin's production should improve.
The Young Ones
This week more than any other, there's been talk of the Cowboys give a bit more time to the young guys stuck in the pit of the depth chart. I love the whole "Fans still want to see their team win" bullshit extolled by members of the media. What a dumb idea. If fans were so fucking smart, they'd be running the teams. Fans are idiots. It's why most of us make a shit paycheck at dumb jobs. It's because we're not good enough to make decisions about a football team. Why not give Sam Young a couple of drives? Why not throw Barry Church out there? How will Church blow a coverage any worse than Alan Ball?
Ryan Torain
As much of a workhorse as you'll find in the NFC East. He's got 74 carries and 407 yards in his last four games. Extraordinary because he had a nine-carry, 10-yard day against Detroit two weeks ago. By all accounts, he's the lead back for Washington from here on out, including next season. Seems like a stud.
Secondary is Primary
I think the members of the Cowboys' secondary are playing for jobs. I really feel that way. I think more than one could be gone next year if things continue to go poorly back there. The Redskins have weapons. Whether Grossman can get the ball to them is a different question. However, lesser-known guys like Anthony Armstrong can make you look really silly, really quickly.
Predictions
Cowboys 17, Redskins 16
Several things always happen in the two-game sets between these teams: Each split a game and each plays down to the inferior opponent. Right now, the Redskins are inferior, but that won't stop the Cowboys from playing to their level and letting them stick around in this game. All prayers are going out to Rex Grossman as he's thrown in the fire.
