Blogging The Boys
Some predictions for the game.
Nick: The Cowboys needed a bye week in the worst way. Now, they need a football game just as bad. Taking absolutely nothing away from the tragic events that have occurred in the last 10 days, the Cowboys must figure out a way to be mentally stronger than ever before. I have always been convinced that games are won and loss during the week. Sure, both teams will be hyped at game time under the bright Monday night lights. But are they prepared? Have they done everything necessary to be at their best?That’s always the question to ask but for the Cowboys this week, you have to wonder just how ready they’re going to be. This will be a huge test for Brian Schottenheimer and his staff but something tells me they’re not only going to be ready to play, but prepared to play as well. Hopefully, the combination of the extra emotions, coupled with the new faces and returning players on defense, and the fact this week’s opponent is near the bottom the league, I think the Cowboys will play well and be in control from start to finish. I’ll take the Cowboys running away with a 38-21 win.
Kyle Youmans: I keep hearing the phrase “get right game” tossed around this week when it comes to the Cowboys-Raiders matchup on Monday night. I don’t like that term for multiple reasons, but mostly because Las Vegas could be saying the exact same thing about playing the Cowboys at home despite a 2-7 start. Coming off the bye week, playing with a more talented roster on paper, and with an entirely new look on the defensive side of the ball, this Cowboys team should play a spirited brand of football this week. They’ll control the line of scrimmage against a Raiders team that has struggled in that regard at times, and they’ll win this game in a big way. Cowboys 33-20.
A look at some important aspects of the game.
1) Can the Cowboys offense fix their recent slump?
The Cowboys have been able to run up the scoreboard with Dak Prescott under center this season. However, the last two games for the Dallas offense have not been up to par. During the team’s last two losses, the Cowboys are averaging 20.5 points per game, compared to 31.7 points per game in their first seven games. The return of CeeDee Lamb, who missed three games due to an ankle injury, has been an adjustment for Prescott and the rest of the Cowboys offense. But the production of George Pickens in his first season in Dallas has created a conversation of the Cowboys having the best wide receiver duo in the NFL. Pickens is averaging 84.9 receiving yards, while Lamb’s contributing 81.8 yards...
