As a fan and as an amateur analyst, the Dallas Cowboys are giving me something to write about. While their current 4-game winning streak isn't the most impressive, style points do not matter in the NFL. A win is a win is a win.
The Cowboys will be going for their fifth straight win tomorrow against the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals come into this game 4-7, but don't let the record fool you. This team can play (sometimes) with some good squads.
The player that the Cowboys will need to contain (if at all possible) is stud wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. By far one of the best receivers in recent years, Fitzgerald can make good secondaries look paltry. Unfortunately, the Cowboys own a Dr. Jeckyl and Mr. Hyde secondary. It can be good on one day, to a terrible secondary the next.
Sure, Mike Jenkins should be back for the 'Boys, but covering Fitzgerald is still a ridiculously difficult task. Fitzgerald will, inevitably, get his tomorrow. It's up to Dallas to contain that.
Here are my keys for a Cowboy W:
1. THE PASS RUSH MUST EXCEL. Of course, this is usually a necessity every game. Kevin Kolb should be making his return at quarterback for the Cardinals, so what better way to welcome him back than with a tough pass rush? Kolb can make passes if given time, and Fitzgerald is one of the best "bad ball" receivers in the league. In order to prevent easy receptions to Fitzgerald, or even Early Doucet, Kolb must be continuall flushed out of the pocket. Make him put that healing turf toe to the test. If Kolb continues to have time, then the only hope for the Cowboys is to outscore the Cardinals.
2. KEEPS BEANIE WELLS DOWN. While he is questionable, it appears that Wells is likely to play. Last week, Wells set a franchise record against the lowly Rams with a 228 yard outing on 22 carries. He was also able to add a touchdown to that. Lately, the Cowboys rushing defense hasn't been up to par. Dallas will need to quickly plug up the holes on running plays. Sean Lee and the rest of the linebacker crew should be quite busy Sunday.
3. KEEP FEEDING DEMARCO MURRAY THE BALL. As the media (and I) like to smash into your brains, DeMarco Murray is the harbinger of great things to come for the Cowboys. No doubt his running abilities have changed many opposing defensive coordinators' game plans, and it will continue to do so as long as he keeps performing. Whether it be handing it off for a sprint up the middle or a pass in the flat, Murray is a great weapon for Dallas. As long as he keeps getting the ball, defenses will creep up to the offensive line. Then, Tony Romo will use the play action to catch the defense off-guard. That is where Romo is most effective.
They are simple keys, but keys nonetheless. The defense will be tested, and I am quite curious to see how they perform. Also, I would like Murray to have 300 total yards with three touchdowns, but hey, that's just Fantasy GM Dustin talking.
Prediction: Cowboys 27, Cardinals 17
All opinions are solely those of Dustin McWilliams. McWilliams is a sports writer at the Denton Record-Chronicle. If you have any questions or feedback, please message McWilliams at dmcwilliams82@gmail.com
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