Make it another must-win game for this Cowboys team, as they get ready to host the Chargers today. Get ready to watch a pretty good game between these two while you fill your belly with your favorite Thanksgiving meals!
It's been a rough, rough season but things just might start to change when the Cowboys take that field later today. At least, we all hope so.
Cowboys Wishlist normally comes out every Sunday morning, but having a game on a Thursday won't stop us. Here is this week's Cowboys Wishlist!
Wish #1: Offensive Line Wins In The Trenches
Understandably, the coaches have been relentlessly bashed by all of Cowboys Nation this last couple of weeks. Being the quarterback, Dak Prescott has suffered a lot of criticism as well. But, if Tyron Smith does play today, he might help hush a lot of people.
Surprisingly, La'el Collins made it to the Injury Report this Wednesday, but he should be good to go.
The Cowboys offensive line will have a very tough test when they line up against one of the best pass rushing duos in the NFL: Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram.
Although Zeke is suspended and Dak is missing on a few passes, the main reason why this offense has struggled so much is without a doubt the fact that Prescott is running for his life nearly every play.
That's why my first wish on the list features the OL winning the battle against one of the toughest defensive lines in the league, keeping 4 clean.
Wish #2: Switzer Has Another Big Kick Return
100% of the points scored by the Cowboys last week came from Mike Nugent. Yikes. But, the first three points on the board, were also thanks to rookie WR Ryan Switzer.
Over the year, the rookie has made impressive returns as well as very questionable decisions. But last week, he had a great 61-yard return in the opening kickoff.
Although we haven't seen much from Switz, some would argue that special teams´blocking hasn't been very good. Be it as it may, this kind of plays serve as a very special confidence boost for young players like Switzer.
Let's hope that shows on the field today, and we see another big return by him in a game that the Cowboys need to win if they want to remain in the hunt.
Wish #3: Cowboys Shine in the Passing Game
This wish directly relates to wish #2. When the Ezekiel Elliott suspension began, we knew just how important Dak Prescott would have to become for this offense and how he needed to step up big time for this team.
But, lost in the Zeke narrative, was the fact that LT Tyron Smith was injured. We all know the story. Dak's been sacked 12 times in the last couple of weeks.
Now, with a healthy OL, Dak has the opportunity to prove he can lead this offense without Zeke if he has a good pass protection. It's time for this receivers group to show they're the real deal, and not a few players who are not even threatening anymore.
This is a big game for Dallas. Winning would mean they have a chance to do something this year. Losing though, would probably end their realistic hopes of making it to the playoffs.
Wish #4: Bring Back The Sacks!
One of the biggest surprises this season has been how effective the pass rush has been with David Irving and DeMarcus Lawrence leading this defensive line.
Last week, although they pressured Wentz pretty often, they failed to get a sack. Chargers QB Philip Rivers has only been sacked 12 in 2017. If the Cowboys want to win this football game, they must get after Rivers.
I certainly expect Lawrence and Irving to have a bounce-back game and start racking up sacks once again. Without Sean Lee, the Cowboys must be able to get after Rivers if they want to be able to stop the Chargers.
Wish #5: Cowboys Win Big While Trying to Save the Season
This will be a tough game for the Dallas Cowboys. I've even said that if either Tyron Smith or Anthony Hitchens miss this game, the Chargers will end up victorious. They're not a simple opponent, even if they don't look threatening to some.
After surviving a week of complaints and of motions to get the entire staff fired, it'd be nice if the Cowboys win big versus the Chargers.
Not only would it be awesome for the fans, but also for a team that's trying to find its identity back. If the Cowboys are able to win by more than two touchdowns, at least we'll have a peaceful week and will be able to enjoy the most out of our Thanksgiving dinners.
