Redskins Target Dallas to Honor Taylor

ESPN Radio reported early this afternoon that the Dallas Cowboys are locked in the sights of every Washington Redskin player. A Redskins fan apparently brought a Sean Taylor autograph from the beginning of the season to show the entire team. In addition to his signature, Taylor wrote: “We want Dallas.” And that has become the rallying cry of NFC Wildcard Washington team.

The blew up a photo of the departed Taylor’s autograph and inscription for the whole team to see. The Redskins will first face Seattle in a couple hours, but their ambitions reach a bit higher despite their unlikely position. Despite a lackluster running game, Seattle is favored in this matchup against the Redskins. Seattle’s defense has been excellent this year, and the passing game is much improved with the return of wide receiver Deion Branch. Washington players don’t care. This is just one step in their bid for a Cowboys defeat and a Super Bowl appearance.

Should Dallas be concerned? Probably not. Although an emotionally charged Redskins team could be tough to beat after a victory against Seattle (assuming they faced the Cowboys next). Even with Terry Glenn back in the lineup, though, the Cowboys will be vulnerable if Terrell Owens can’t play the first game. They depended on him most of the season to jump start the offense. So worry about Dallas only if you hear that TO is sitting out. If that’s the case, pray that Glenn has made a miraculous recovery!

The Road to the Super Bowl

As the season draws to a close, it’s hard to deny that the Cowboys are the real deal, especially after soundly defeating the Packers. So let’s take a look at what that road could look like for America’s Team, and who poses the greatest threat to a Cowboys Super Bowl appearance.

The Boys have already wrapped up the division and home field advantage throughout the playoffs. Green Bay, Seattle, and Tampa Bay have clinched their divisions. The Giants are guaranteed a Wildcard spot. The remaining Wildcard could be Minnesota, New Orleans, or Washington.

Despite the Giant’s defense, the team as a whole is too sporadic to count on. Eli’s inconsistency, for sure, is a serious weakness to the team. The need to rest up and get healthy at the running back and wide receiver positions. They can be a serious threat on any given Sunday, but due to their spotty performance and Eli’s tendency to crumble under pressure, I wouldn’t count on them getting past the Wildcard game.

The Packers are probably the best team in the NFC besides the Cowboys, but the Cowboys have already demonstrated an ability to take them apart. Despite Favre’s experience and ability, expect him to be distracted. Again, not a reliable bet in the offseason. The Pack can come out hot or ice cold. It’s a toss up.

Seattle is my sleeper team. They’ve quietly made it into the playoffs without much of a running game, though their back has had a few decent performances. This team’s defense is probably the best of the NFC, and I expect to see them put a hurt on whichever wildcard team they face. This team poses the biggest threat to the Cowboys. Should they meet in the playoffs, expect BIG media coverage discussing Romo’s fumbled snap last year that cost the Boys a chance at the title.

Tampa Bay is a solid, second tier team in the NFC. I love their quarterback, but even the great Garcia isn’t enough to put the Cowboys away. Should they meet in the playoffs, expect a 14-17 point margin of Cowboy victory.

New Orleans isn’t worth mentioning this season. I don’t expect them to make it into the playoffs, but they’ll get wiped out soon if they do. Not much chance they’ll face the Cowboys.

Minnesota is my favorite of the remaining Wildcard contenders. I’m a HUGE Adrian Peterson fan. Chester Taylor has earned my respect as well. They are the backbone of this team. Young Jackson at QB is likely to make a mistake or two in a playoff game, but the running game should give them a chance at two playoff games this year. Expect them to give Seattle fits if they play in round one.

Washington can’t hang with the Cowboys, regardless of the outcome of this weekend’s game. Wade Phillips will sit some of his veterans to keep them healthy for the playoffs. He just better protect Romo. This all hinges on that guy staying healthy.

With a little bit of luck and big performance from returning receiver Terry Glenn, expect to see the Cowboys versus Patriots in the big game.