Game Scout: Redskins at Cowboys
Washington Redskins (1-3) at Dallas Cowboys (2-3)
Sunday, 8:30 p.m. ET, at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas - TV: NBC
*TV announcers: Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth, Michele Tafoya
*Keys to the game: Tony Romo became gun shy in two abysmal efforts against the Redskins last season -- he threw a total of five interceptions when left to carry the offense (99 pass attempts) absent a dependable running game. Play-caller Bill Callahan has shown the same tendency to forget RB DeMarco Murray that brought critics of Jason Garrett. Washington allowed 142.3 rushing yards per game before a bye Week 5 and ranks 32nd in total defense. Romo found TE Jason Witten an easy outlet -- 16 receptions in two games in '12 -- in recent meetings and given the rate of pressure teams have applied (13 sacks), he won't have time to liberally launch passes deep to WR Dez Bryant. That's not necessarily true of QB Robert Griffin III. The Cowboys are the first team in NFL history to allow three 400-yard passers in five games. Griffin's comfort level should improve with time and confidence after January knee surgery. The Cowboys want to key on RB Alfred Morris, who rushed for 200 yards and three touchdowns in the 2012 season finale, while remaining alert to Griffin's mobility.
*Matchup to watch - Redskins LT Trent Williams vs. Cowboys DE DeMarcus Ware -- Ware has an NFL-best 115 sacks going back to 2005 and has faced Williams six times. Ware hasn't beaten Williams for a sack since 2010 and didn't sack Griffin last season. Williams outweighs Ware by 67 pounds in a classic speed vs. power battle.
*Player spotlight - Cowboys WR Miles Austin: Back as the slot receiver following a two-week absence to heal his hamstring, Austin was held without a catch and was targeted just five times in two games against the Redskins last season.
*Fast facts: A Redskins victory would give Washington a three-game winning streak over Dallas, its first since 1986-88. ... Dallas leads the NFC with 152 points scored.
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
Until proven otherwise, Robert Griffin III isn't the same quarterback who shredded Dallas in 2012. Tony Romo and the Cowboys rebound in another high-scoring shootout.
*Our pick: Cowboys 28-25