I predict:
We will beat Carolina in a tough, close game. Carolina was expected to be very good...they've had a horrible start because Delhomme has had two consecutive "romo" games.
It's very difficult to send any team, even the Rams, to an 0-3 start. Carolina will come out with everything they have to avoid seeing their season circle the drain after only 3 weeks. Both teams will play spirited, tough football.
The defense will finally get 1-2 sacks; we might even get 1 turnover, despite the fact that Carolina will be ultra conscious of protecting the ball.
We won't run the ball as well without Barber, but we'll do okay...Romo will have a solid, but not spectacular game.
Will fans be happy with a close win that sends us to 2-1? No freakin' way.
We'll see posts about "can't get turnovers against a Carolina team that's been giving them away"; "finally got a sack...not enough pressure"; "Tony was just average...he is what he is"; "Roy Williams doing his disappearing act...way to give away draft picks and let TO go, Jerry"; "We barely beat an 0-3 team at home...forget playoffs"; "Fire _________________ (basically everyone)."
That's my prediction...I'll be happy to be 2-1. What's yours?
Side Notes:
Offense has one new starter (Crayton), and he's been a starter before. The OLine is in tact; all the RBs are back; and we have our 2nd TE in his 2nd year. No surprise to see the offense moving the ball and putting up points, even when Romo gives too many possessions away.
However, the defense is looking at 1 new starter on the DL; 2 new starters at LB; 2 new starters in the secondary; and new youth in backup roles. It's good that we and they have high expectations of them, and it's true that they should perform better; however, it should be expected that this unit will be a work in progress, and it is a unit that should get better as the season rolls along.
