Why not save the best for last? Sunday night, football fans across America will be treated to an old fashion Redskins Cowboys rivalry game. It will be the final game of the 2012 NFL regular season and should make for an entertaining game. The Washington Redskins and Dallas Cowboys will duke it out on prime time television for the NFC East division title and possible final NFC playoff spot. When asked about the opportunity to play for the NFC East title, Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett told ESPN Dallas’ Todd Archer:
On Thanksgiving, the Redskins were able to jump ahead of the Cowboys 28-3 at halftime. However, like they had done all season, the Cowboys made an honorable comeback, but lost 38-31.
Since Thanksgiving, a lot has changed. First, both the Cowboys and Redskins are no longer chasing the Giants, who now find themselves in third place. Second, the Cowboys have been finishing their comebacks. Prior to last week’s overtime loss to the Saints, the Cowboys had won 3 games in a row after starting the 4th quarter from behind. Third, the Redskins are 1 game ahead of the Cowboys, but rookie quarterback sensation Robert Griffin III is battling a knee injury which has caused him to miss one game, and play another not at full capacity.
Sunday night’s game will go a long way in defining the careers of both Robert Griffin III and Tony Romo. If RGIII and the Redskins can come away with a victory, this years second overall pick would have taken a struggling franchise from last place to division winners, the first story of his potential legendary Redskins career.
On the other hand, Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo is looking to change the misperception that he can’t win the big game. This season Romo broke Troy Aikman’s Cowboys’ organization passing yards and touchdown record. Romo has 18 career 4th quarter comebacks. Yet, whenever the Cowboys lose in crunch time, all of the blame is directed towards him, despite how great of a game he plays. A win Sunday night could change the way Romo’s career is looked at both now and eventually when his #9 jersey is hanging in the Cowboys Stadium rafters.
The key matchup to keep an eye on will be injured, less mobile, RGIII vs. Rob Ryan’s Cowboys defense. According to ESPN Stats & Info, on Thanksgiving, RGIII handled the Cowboys blitz with ease. He completed 6-7 passes for 131 yards, 2 touchdowns and five 3rd down conversions. However, with RGIII playing injured and not possessing as much of an ability to run or avoid a pass rush, it may be wise for the Cowboys to bring pressure often. If Dallas can force RGIII to make decisions in the pocket and under pressure, they may exploit the unbelievable fact that he is a rookie. If the Cowboys are unable to do this, than expect an old fashion shootout.
Sunday night’s Cowboys vs. Redskins match up has all of the making to be an instant classic. With the division and playoffs on the line, expect the best from each team. For the legacies of RGIII and Tony Romo, this game will be talked about for years to come. There is no better way for the NFL to end such a great regular season .
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