10 observations about the Redskins

Here are 10 observations from the Redskins' 7-6 loss to the Cowboys last week.

And don't forget, we're live-chatting from the Linc Sunday afternoon.

1. Jason Campbell pretty much had no chance. You know the old idea of a quarterback dropping back, looking for a receiver and making a throw? Not sure that applies to him. Constant pressure. No trust between Campbell and the offensive line. He always had someone in his face. Campbell's been sacked 29 times on the season. Only Aaron Rodgers has been sacked more among NFC quarterbacks. When Campbell had time against Dallas, he made some nice, accurate throws.

2. The Redskins' tackles specifically had problems against the Cowboys. Trent Cole should be able to wreak havoc. The Cowboys also blitzed effectively. They got to Campbell with linebackers charging up the middle. The 'Skins also committed four false starts - three by the tackles.

3. Rock Cartwright had some success filling in for Ladell Betts and Clinton Portis. Thirteen carries for 67 yards. And seven catches for 73. Cartwright's one run was for 34 yards. Otherwise, he carried 12 times for 33. The Redskins' ground game did not look particularly good, even early on when Betts was in the game. But Campbell will likely look in Cartwright's direction quite a bit in the passing game. That means the Birds' linebacking crew will have to be active.

4. You have to wonder about some of the game-planning and scheming by the Redskins' coaching staff. There were multiple instances where linemen came at Campbell untouched. At one point, tight end Fred Davis was called for a false start. The play clock ran down on the very next play, and the Redskins were forced to used a timeout. And you thought the Eagles were bad...

5. Defensively, the Redskins were solid. Linebacker London Fletcher is 34, but he was flying all over the place, finishing with a game-high 13 tackles. He's got 90 on the season, third in the NFL. Fletcher made some really nice plays against the run, including one where he punched the ball out of Marion Barber's hands for an early turnover.

6. The 'Skins' run 'D' did not look very good. Dallas averaged 4.6  yards per carry and rushed for 153 yards. On the drive where Barber fumbled, the Cowboys ran six straight times from their own 47 to the Redskins' 16. In other words, LeSean McCoy should have a nice day, as long as he takes care of the football.

7. The Redskins finished with just one sack, but got decent pressure on Tony Romo. Both with blitzes and with their linemen. Keep an eye on Brian Orakpo. The rookie (No. 98) has seven sacks on the season. Veteran Andre Carter has eight.

8. Cornerback DeAngelo Hall was beat multiple times by Miles Austin on the Cowboys' lone scoring drive in the fourth quarter. Hall is out against the Eagles. DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin had seven catches in the first meeting. Jackson was targeted only five times, although one of those was a 57-yard touchdown. Look for more action for them this week. Jackson has 16 catches in the last two games.

9. Special teams could either allow the 'Skins to stay in it, or allow the Birds to pull away. Dallas got the ball at its own 35 and its own 47 in the first quarter. Devin Thomas returned the opening kickoff of the second half 38 yards. Meanwhile, kicker Shaun Suisham hadn't missed a field goal until last week when he was off-target on two.

10. We're not doing a No. 10 this week. That game was horrible. 7-6. I had enough trouble coming up with nine. Let's hope Sunday's game is more entertaining.