Cowboys vs Vikings — Over/Under Reactions

Frustration has been brewing in Dallas, as the Cowboys are looking to get back on track today against the Minnesota Vikings. This is going to be a more positive insight into today’s game, after the Cowboys’ disappointing loss to the Packers last Sunday. Let’s dive into the over/under reactions before kickoff.

OVERREACTION

Dak Prescott will show out against the Vikings.

Ever since the Packers game last Sunday, Dak Prescott has faced even more scrutiny than usual, as the Cowboys QB threw two interceptions last week that many feel caused the Cowboys to lose that game. Let’s be clear – Dak Prescott’s interceptions were not the reason the Cowboys lost. If anything, those two interceptions were not 100% Prescott’s fault, either. There were miscommunication issues between CeeDee Lamb, Dalton Schultz, and Dak Prescott on the two plays that led to interceptions.

We should also remember that Prescott and the Cowboys’ offense gave the defense a 28-14 lead going into the fourth quarter after those two interceptions, and the defense should shoulder just as much blame for the loss against the Packers, if not more than anyone else.

Dak Prescott says miscommunication with CeeDee Lamb and Dalton Schultz led to his interceptions:

"CeeDee has been a WR far too long to make blunders like these. You can't do the QB like that!" — @ShannonSharpe pic.twitter.com/VTmYPoKrL2

— The Facility (@TheFacilityFS1) November 15, 2022

That’s on my 88 if the center of field is close then 88 has to flatten that route across the Safty face. If it’s cover 2 or split safeties then you go up the field like 88 did. That int also is on the receiver not Dak……..just trying to help you guys understand the game

— Michael Irvin (@michaelirvin88) November 13, 2022

I have a feeling that after the way the game ended against the Packers, Dak Prescott and this offense will come out today and put on a clinic against the Vikings. It is typical Cowboys fashion to bounce back after an ugly loss and have a completely dominant game, just to give us all hope once again. I think Dak Prescott will have the best game of his 2022 season and will give the media plenty of more topics to discuss come Monday morning.

UNDERREACTION

The Cowboys will keep Dalvin Cook in check.

Call me crazy, yes. I do believe the Cowboys will not allow Dalvin Cook and the Vikings’ rushing attack to beat them. After the two ugly performances that Dan Quinn’s defense has displayed against the running game, I’d like to think that Dan Quinn will have this defense hungry and motivated. After the defense has seemingly been called out by Micah Parsons and Jayron Kearse earlier in the week, I have a feeling this defense will put everything together and stop Dalvin Cook from running over them all game.

While all eyes will be on arguably the best wide receiver in football, Justin Jefferson, and how the Cowboys plan to manage him – I think the most important task for this defense is stopping the run. What better way to send a message than stopping one of the top 10 running backs in the NFL this season?

This will be the second of the three games the Cowboys will play in a span of 12 days, and I find it too hard to believe the Cowboys end up losing two out of the three. The Cowboys know the circumstances of the NFC this season, and they simply cannot afford to fall behind if they have hopes of making a deep playoff run this year. Look for Micah Parsons and this Cowboys defense to bring their best today and look for Dak Prescott and this offense to start off hot.

The Cowboys will need all the momentum they can get, as they prepare to face their division rival, the New York Giants (8-2) in four days on Thanksgiving.