Carolina @ Dallas: Keys to the Game

Tonight begins the epic journey to the Superbowl. I am an optimist on all accounts. I pull for Romo and I defend the team, but tonight is BIG. There is a very big difference between …

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Tonight begins the epic journey to the Superbowl. I am an optimist on all accounts. I pull for Romo and I defend the team, but tonight is BIG. There is a very big difference between 1-2 and 2-1, and that difference more then likely in a tough division means everything. When the Eagles and Giants are winning with injuries, you must do the same, or find yourself on a tough road to no where.

The Carolina Panthers come into the Jerry Megaplex tonight looking for redemption. They look to prove that their Quarterback is the man, their running game is stellar, Steve Smith still has it, and the defense can hang with the best. On the otherhand, the Cowboys have much to prove also. After starting the season very well and coming in last week on a more upsetting game, this is the defining game. THIS IS THE BIG GAME for Tony Romo. So without further introduction, we’ll look at the keys to the game for this week at home against the Carolina Panthers.M

1. Run The Ball: The Carolina Defense has allowed 168 rushing yards a game so far. Not only are they 29th in the league in rush defense but they will be without starting linebacker Na’il Diggs, Everette Brown and Starting Strong Safety Chris Harris. If our running game can be productive expect bigger things to come out of Romo. Since the Play Action Fake will be more effectively Utilized and Bennett and Witten will be regarded a little easier with Felix and Tashard keeping the ball so much. Note: Marion Barbers Status is still Questionable, you can expect a limited role if he plays.

2. Stop The Run: The Panthers haven’t been outrageous on the run this season like some expected, ranked merely 14th in the league. However, the potential or this backfield is limitless. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart present a true challenge, and if we let them get rolling, it’ll be a long night. On our side, the running defense looked good last week and I expect it to be better this week. We have the most talented linebacker core in the NFC East I believe and the talent should prevail tonight.

JuliusPeppers

3. Pressure the Quarterback: Jake Delhomme has been sacked 4 times so far and has thrown 5 interceptions. That bodes well for a defense who is sackless and pickless in two weeks of ball. DeMarcus Ware is starting to get attention from the media, but let it be known the pressures still there just sacks not being registered. If the Cowboys can rattle Delhomme’s cage, expect turnovers and sacks to ruin Carolina’s evening.

4. Field Position: The Cowboys have been pretty effective on special teams, which is a vast improvement over last year. They have had 4 touchbacks already and average only 21 yards a return. Field position will be key tonight

5. Protect, Find, Contain: The offensive line needs to protect Romo which they’ve done a good job at so far, but Julius Peppers can surely make it hurt so he must be contained. Romo must make smart reads meaning finding Witten, Roy, Patrick, Miles, Marty-B, and Felix in favorable match-ups, reading the defense, and delivering precise throws. Lastly, Steve Smith is still averaging 13 yards a catch he will be a chore for Newman.

Injury Report:

Dallas:

Michael Hamlin- Wrist (Out)

Jason Williams- Ankle (Out)

Stephen McGee- Full participation this week (Probable)

Marion Barber- Limited with Strained Thigh (Questionable)

Carolina

Na’il Diggs- Rib (Out)

Everette Brown- Ankle (Doubtful)

Chris Harris- Knee (Doubtful)

Brad Hoover- Back (Doubtful)


Last Minute:

I just want to reach out to Redskins fans and let them know how classy there team was this week. After losing to the Detriot Lions, the Redskins congratulated, celebrated, and prayed with the Lions. This was an epic and inspiring display of class that is very seldom witnessed in the National Football League anymore. I hope that coaches and players took notice of this display of sportsmanship and will encourage their plays to do the same.


5 thoughts on “Carolina @ Dallas: Keys to the Game”

  1. While I get where this is coming from Bryan, I’m fairly certain there is a rule somewhere on this website that frowns on giving the Washington Redskins any credit. If there isn’t a rule, I vote there should be one. But that’s just me…lol.

    Great write up, by the way!

    I can see Flozell having some serious issues with Peppers; Garrett will likely use the 12 formation to have Witten/Bennett chip him and prevent him from running around Slo-Flo (I just thought of that, you can use it if you want) before they continue in to their route. Seems to be the wisest course of action, in my mind.

    I’m actually hoping they keep Marion out of this game. I love Marion, but we have yet to see Felix get an extended look in a game, and I would really like to know what we have in him.

    As far as Ware’s lack of contribution, I honestly think this is an indictment of Spencer and the coaching staff that thought it was time to release Ellis (I’m guilty of that assessment, too, though).

  2. Giving the Skins some credit is fine, just so long as they remain rightfully under the turf lining Cowboys Stadium where they belong. =P

  3. The barbarian shouldn’t play at ALL. We will get to see if Felix can play a whole game without some sort of injury (hopefully so!) and Tash, i’m not worried about him, he’ll do fine the reps he gets. I think this is the game we will get some pressure and sacks on record, maybe one INT as well. Romo needs to utilize Witten and MARTY B, he’s to big and athletic to not be thrown to more.

    We should win by atleast 2 TD’s, can’t wait.

  4. I think I did a pretty good job on this one, Felix couldn’t get through a whole game without an injury ( kinda knew he wouldn’t, sadly) and Witten was def. utilized and what do ya know, by 14 lol.

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