Last week was rough. It was sort of like being a teenager again, on prom night… you’re nervous, and she’s beautiful. All she wants to do is dance and have a good time but your feet feel like bricks. Well, the Cowboys stumbled on their first step.
But it’s only 7:30. The night is still young. Your date may have giggled under her breath when you fell, but she’s still here. Plenty of time to make things right.
In the second of 16 contests the Cowboys will endure this night, the Dallas Cowboys travel to D.C. to face the Washington Redskins, their second consecutive divisional foe of the season. They’ve got some egg on their face, still clinging to their beards from week one, but they’ve got a better plan this week.
Game time is noon today, just about an hour from now, and for most of us it’ll be airing on FOX’s early slot.
As we’ve done each week so far, the writers here at Inside The Star have put their predictions on paper. Let’s get to it.
Brian Martin (Cowboys 24 – Redskins 17)
The Cowboys offensive line is due to bounce back against the Redskins after underperforming against the Giants. This allows the running game to dominate and opens up the entire offense. On defense, the Cowboys are able to do just enough to slow down the Redskins and come away with a victory.
Follow Brian on Twitter at @bmart0204
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Sean Martin (Cowboys 28 – Redskins 21)
The Cowboys offensive line is capable of winning this game, and I think they’ll be a big reason why the Cowboys get to 1-1 on the season. In a bounce-back performance, the likes of La’el Collins and Zack Martin will open up holes allowing Ezekiel Elliott to finally showcase his skills. Once again dominating the time of possession, Dallas scores touchdowns instead of field goals, and gets the job done.
Follow Sean on Twitter at @ShoreSportsNJ
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Jess Haynie (Cowboys 23 – Redskins 20)
Dallas has its chronic issues, but they don’t include playing poorly on the road. They’re essentially the same team home or away, and they should be able to have a resurgent rushing attack against Washington’s defense.
Follow Jess on Twitter at @CowboysAddicts
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Kevin Brady (Cowboys 27 – Redskins 23)
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive success in Washington last week gives me a ton of hope for Sunday. Ezekiel Elliott and this offensive line are going to hit that gear we all know they have, and potentially even out-do what DeAngelo Williams did a week ago. The Cowboys run the ball effectively, Dak Prescott makes some timely deep throws, and they escape Washington with their first win.
Follow Kevin on Twitter at @KevinBrady88
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John Williams (Cowboys 35 – Redskins 24)
The Dallas Cowboys’ coaching staff takes the reigns off of rookie quarterback Dak Prescott and he has his first touchdown, first multi-touchdown game, and first 300 yard game. Ezekiel Elliott bounces back from a lackluster week one and posts his first 100 yard game. The defense does just enough to hold down the Washington offense and Dallas comfortably closes them out in the fourth quarter.
Follow John on Twitter at @john9williams
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Justin Grohowski (Cowboys 27 – Redskins 24)
Dez Bryant hasn’t had a signature game since 2014, and that changes today in Washington. Shots have been fired all week at Bryant and the coaching staff for not taking enough shots down the field. Dak Prescott airs it out early and often here, and Ezekiel Elliott dominates on the ground as a result. Prescott records his first turnover as a pro, but thrives with more trust in his hands. The Dallas defense makes enough timely stops to win the time of possession battle yet again. Dan Bailey may just be the best kicker in the game, and he adds to his resume here, nailing the game winning field goal.
Follow Justin on Twitter at @grohowknowhow
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RJ Ochoa (Cowboys 31 – Redskins 13)
The Cowboys defense isn’t as bad as we all thought in our overreaction. The Offense is capable of putting together long and methodical drives that will eat up clock and limit Washington’s possessions. Field goals will equal touchdowns this time around, and we’ll all celebrate a .500 lifestyle.
Follow RJ on Twitter at @RJOchoa
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Ian Koplowitz (Cowboys 23 – Redskins 20)
The Cowboys offensive line got its butt kicked last week. I don’t expect that to happen again. I think this running game will be able to get going and Dak Prescott will fix some of the mistakes he made last week. While the defense is still suspect, I think it will do enough to allow us to hold on.
Follow Ian on Twitter at @BleedingTheStar
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Bryson Treece (Cowboys 28 – Redskins 10)
I’m looking for the Cowboys to prevail in Washington where they stalled in Arlington last week, converting two red zone possessions into touchdowns. Dak Prescott and Zeke Elliott find a bit more comfort on the field and with the speed of things, putting on a solid show for Washingtonians. Sean Lee also gets his name called a couple of times. Cowboys win.
Follow Bryson on Twitter at @BrysonTreece
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Looks like the offensive line and our star offensive rookies, Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott are taking center stage here, and they’ll be center stage all afternoon in Washington, too.
It’s an early game today, so not much time to linger on these. If you have a moment, tell us your predictions via the comments below and, as always, GO COWBOYS!!!
