The Dallas Cowboys play host to the rival Washington Redskins on Sunday - and even though the Cowboys aren't going to be making the playoffs, they will be out for revenge. The Redskins defeated the Cowboys 13-7 in Week 1, which proved to be an ominous sign of things to come for the Cowboys and their fans.
The Redskins, who are 5-8 on the season, also will not make the playoffs this season. Washington is one of the few teams in the NFL who has had a more turbulent season than Dallas. New head coach Mike Shanahan has had problems with Redskins defensive tackle Albert Hayensworth all season before suspending him for the final four games of the year. Even worse, Donovan McNabb, the Redskins prized pick up in the offseason, has played poorly this year and will be benched on Sunday. Shanahan has elected to start the inept Rex Grossman over McNabb against the Cowboys.
Defensively, the Redskins have played poorly this season as their record indicates. Washington has the 29th ranked passing defense and the 28th ranked rushing defense. The Redskins allow nearly 24 points per game to opponents.
The Cowboys come into this game coming off a 30-27 loss to Michael Vick and the Philadelphia Eagles. Dallas, much like in each of the games where Jason Garrett has been the head coach, played hard despite the loss.
Dallas has listed running back Marion Barber as questionable with a calf injury. Barber has been limited in practice this week and has missed both of the Cowboys last two games since injuring the calf against the New Orleans Saints on Thanksgiving. Roy Williams is also listed as questionable for the Cowboys with a groin injury and Manuel Johnson would be in line to serve as the third receiver if Williams is unable to go on Sunday.
Kickoff is slated for 1 PM EST, 12 PM local time. Televised coverage can be found on FOX.