The ‘Skinny: Week 8 v. Dallas Cowboys

Welcome back to the second season of "The 'Skinny," a weekly preview of the local professional football team's upcoming game and opponent. Every Thursday, you can find any and all information* about the Redskins' next opponent in this space.

(*Sometimes, it may be some or most information.)

Opponent: Dallas Cowboys (6-1)

Game information: Mon., Oct 27 -- AT&T Stadium -- 8:30 p.m. -- ESPN

Last Week: Hey, the Redskins won a football game, defeating the Titans 19-17. How about that? Meanwhile, the Cowboys keep winning football games, their 31-21 victory against the Giants being their sixth straight.

What's The Skinny?

When the season began, few expected the Cowboys to be the league's best team nearly midway through, but here we are. Dallas is buoyed by running back DeMarco Murray, who leads the NFL with 913 rushing yards on 187 carries, 61 more than any other player. To thank his offensive line, Murray purchased iMacs for each of them

If the Redskins focus too much of their attention attempting to lock down Murray, then they might get burnt by Tomo Romo. The quarterback's 69.2 completion percentage is the best in the league. Terrance Williams and Dez Bryant have combined for 10 touchdown catches.

That is a lot to handle for Washington, which cannot defeat NFC East rivals (eight straight losses) or win on Mondays (4-15 since 2000). Projected starter Colt McCoy was 6-15 as a starter for the Browns in a previous life. All of those numbers conspire against the Redskins, but obviously the numbers are not playing the games, so you never know. 

Statistic Of The Week: Murray is the first running back in NFL history to start the season with seven straight 100-yard rushing efforts. He is also on pace to break Larry Johnson's single-season rushing attempt record of 416 set in 2006.

What They're Saying

“I’m approaching this like any other game … There’s no extra emotions. I’m not going out there trying to be no hero. I’m just trying to be the player I am.”

- Defensive end and former Cowboy Jason Hatcher on facing his former team


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