NFL Week 12 Staff Picks & Predictions: Cowboys vs. Redskins
Every week of the NFL regular season, we ask all of The Landry Hat writers and contributors to submit their picks and predictions for the upcoming Dallas Cowboy game. This week, we asked our experts for their predictions for today’s game between our Cowboys and the Washington Redskins.
Nov 18, 2012; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) looks to pass during the first half against the Washington Redskins at FedEX Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-US PRESSWIRE
Steven Mullenax, Editor & Head Writer: The Cowboys’ offensive line is terrible right now. Their running game is stale and will continue to be so until DeMarco Murray returns. Relying solely on Tony Romo and the passing game produces the amazingly inefficient results we’ve gotten in the past few weeks. Dallas’ defense is the only thing keeping the Cowboys upright. But I expect Robert Griffin III to shine in the Thanksgiving spotlight. Dallas breaks their fans hearts on their day off; Cowboys 20, Redskins 23.
Michael Huff, Staff Writer: This one will be a bit of a shootout that looks like the the last one with the ball wins. Cowboys hang on to win 31-28.
Todd Toombs, Senior Writer: The Cowboys defense must stop the run first in this game. On offense, they should throw and throw and throw. Past performance for both teams is not a good indicator of how they will play in this heated rivalry. They both bring their best. Here’s hoping for a happy Thanksgiving for Cowboys fans. Cowboys 27, Redskins 20.
Mark Lane, Staff Writer – Being only the fifth rookie quarterback to face the Cowboys on Thanksgiving, Robert Griffin III has all day to pass or run on Rob Ryan’s defense. If the offensive line would give Romo enough time and the backs enough lanes, perhaps it would be a classic Cowboys-Indians holiday shootout. Instead, it’s another Dallas performance for which to be “unthankful.” Redskins win 33-21.
Jeff Magnia, Staff Writer: The Cowboys can win this game by doing several things: contain RGIII; minimize the penalties especially the drive killing, holding penalties; contain RGIII; run the ball a little more effectively; keep giving the ball to the Dallas Cowboy players and not the Redskin DB’s; and most importantly, contain RGIII. As you can tell, we need to contain RGIII, the best plan of attack is to prepare the way we did for Carolina and Cam Newton. This game can go one of two ways, a low scoring snoozer or a touchdown festival. I am going for touchdown festival as the Dallas Cowboys win the game, 38-35.
Jonathan Barger, Senior Writer: Tony Romo and Thanksgiving go together like mashed potatoes and gravy, turkey and dressing, and pumpkin pie and whipped cream. He is exceptional each and every Thanksgiving and Romo will not disappoint. RGIII is prolific and will be an incredible player, but these Dallas Cowboys will hit him in the mouth. Cowboys continue the playoff push, and advance to 6-5, exactly what the New York Giants will be sitting at after Sunday. Cowboys 34 – Redskins 27.
Alex Young, Staff Writer: A turkey day showdown with the Cowboys arch rival is just what the doctor ordered for Dallas to get some consistency back. Tony Romo is 5-0 on Thanksgiving and has usually put up spectacular numbers against various opponents (Jets, Raiders, Buccaneers) in recent years. Dallas is banged up offensively and defensively, but something about Thanksgiving always brings out the best football the boys can play. Washington may have Robert Griffin III, but they also have a porous defense that should be shredded provided Romo has some time, and it is hard to imagine the line playing as poorly against Washington as it did against the Browns. Cowboys move over .500 for the first time in awhile. Cowboys 31, Redskins 21.
Steven Phillips, Senior Writer: The short week has historically treated the Cowboys well in November. RG3 and the Redskin offense looked very good last week, but let’s face it…everyone looks good against the Eagles these days. Dallas keeps the streak of consecutive wins on Thanksgiving going against an improved Redskin team that will give the Cowboys all they can handle. Dallas wins 27-24.
Artie Cappello, Senior Writer: Tony Romo usually plays lights out on Turkey Day. That’s the only positive thing I can think of. Happy Thanksgiving Cowboys Nation! Cowboys 24 – Redskins 17.
Jeff Federspiel, Staff Writer: After narrowly winning in overtime against a bottom tier team like the Cleveland Browns, it’s natural to come into the Thanksgiving game with a little trepidation. Do the Cowboys have what it takes to keep a winning streak and subsequent playoff push alive? With nary a running game in sight and an offensive line held together with bailing wire and chewing gum, the Dallas Cowboys manage to pass their way to a victory and spoil the homecoming of RGIII. Cowboys 24, Redskins 17.