By Rich Tandler
I plucked an interesting question off of the CSNwashigton.com Facebook page:
Jeremy: Who will be the X factor for the Redskins in Monday Nights game?
I define “X factor” as a player who nobody is really talking about who could be a factor in the game. In the Cardinals game, for example, Roy Helu was the X factor. He only had one carry in the first game but the rookie came off the bench and he made a strong contribution to the win.
A good candidate for that role this week is cornerback Kevin Barnes. He may start if Josh Wilson can’t play due to a back injury he suffered against the Cardinals. In fact, Barnes did start against Arizona as the Redskins opened with three cornerbacks. But he moved into the No. 2 corner spot after Wilson went out.
Barnes is in his third season. He is athletic and he hits hard. If he is going to have a breakout season, this could be the year.
The Cowboys’ wide receiver corps is depleted through injury. Miles Austin almost certainly will miss the game with a hamstring injury and Dez Bryant may or may not be sufficiently recovered from a thigh bruise to be able to play. Dallas’ starting wide receivers could be Kevin Ogletree and Jesse Holley.
The Redskins should be able to get some pressure on the Dallas quarterback whether it is Tony Romo or Jon Kitna. Combine that with the relative inexperience of the Dallas receivers and you have the possibility of some takeaway opportunities for Barnes.
It is easy to see Barnes being the X factor and getting an interception and maybe forcing a fumble against the Cowboys on Monday.
