Welcome to week 6, the Dallas Cowboys are on the road for the second straight week looking to rebound after last weeks beating.
They are in Los Angeles to take on former offensive coordinator Kellen Moore and Justin Herbert.
This is a game that many folks have been looking forward to because Dallas is getting a chance to face the man who called their plays a year ago.
GAME INFO:
Date: Monday, October 16 | Time: 7:20 p.m. CT
Location: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
TV: ESPN | Stream: NFL+ & FuboTV
Radio:105.3 The Fan (KRLD-FM), 107.5 La Grande in Spanish (KMVK-FM)
ODDS:
ESPN Matchup Predictor Odds to Win: 49ers (55.4%), Dallas (44.2%).
Fanduel Sportsbook Odds: (O/U: 50) | Line: Cowboys -2.5.
Both sides of the ball have to be better this week, but let's dive into my thoughts about what needs to happen with each to get the Cowboys back track.
DEFENSE
So how great is this Cowboys defense?
When are they going to show up against a high powered offense or are they just a neighborhood bully?
Beating up on the bad offenses and waiting for their older brother to show up?
I still think this defense is top-5 in football, but they sure as heck didn't show it against the 49ers.
I will get into the offense in a moment, but they let the 49ers drive right down for seven points on the first drive. That can't happen if you want to be the best in football.
They have another chance to show up against a really good offense on Monday.
Cowboys DC Dan Quinn: “Certainly, I'm bummed.” Wanted that 49ers game for players. The conversations since have been constructive. No finger pointing. “We're not going to let this game beat us twice.” pic.twitter.com/wUPXvY8xTr
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) October 9, 2023
OFFENSE
This offense with Mike McCarthy is so predictable, even Aaron Rodgers hated it.
Everyone knows what it is coming, they don't use CeeDee Lamb enough, and after five weeks the Texas coast is becoming Texas TOAST.
The Cowboys are 3-2, and are still going to make the playoffs. Probably as the seven seed and have to face Philly or the 49ers AGAIN on the road.
This isn't just a Dak problem, every defense knows what is coming. Their one scoring drive against the 49ers you saw movement and putting your best and fastest players in motion.
They do it once or twice and stop.
The offense only works when playing with a lead, and everytime they've had one they just blow the other team out.
Get Lamb involved more into this passing game.
He may not be a bonafide #1
But he's your #1 and can be a top 20 WRUSE HIM!!!!! https://t.co/QZhNMm4UgD
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) October 12, 2023
I think they win this game Monday night, but it won't be easy. Mike Williams is out with a torn ACL.
Austin Ekeler will be back and they still have Keenen Allen, but this Cowboys team is to talented to let this happen twice.
I will give Mike McCarthy one thing. This team has been very good following a loss.
Dallas deserved everything they got this week from the media. The players need to stop talking and show up and do their job.
Show up and punch this Chargers team in the mouth and don't let Kellen Moore and those boys push you around.
You want to make a statement after laying an egg, show up Monday night READY to play.
Cowboys win this game 28-26.
