Blogging The Boys
From one cursed opponent to another, the Cowboys are ready for something to go their way. They haven’t beaten the Broncos this century, and the losing streak continued last week. They’ve also lost seven of their past eight matchups with the Cardinals, and are currently on a three-game losing streak.
Now, they host a Cardinals team that lost five straight games before heading into their bye week last week. Arizona lost star runner James Conner early this season, and quarterback Kyler Murray also won’t be starting in this game. He’s missed the previous two games, with Jacoby Brissett playing yet again. Does that tip the scales in the Cowboys’ favor? Our writers aren’t feeling overly confident.
Maintain discipline vs the run
In the first two seasons of the Jonathan Gannon era in Arizona, the run game has defined their offensive identity. Offensive line coach Klayton Adams was given lots of credit for that, which led to Brian Schottenheimer poaching him for the Cowboys this year. Between Adams’ departure and injuries to three different running backs, the Cardinals have had one of the most anemic run games in football this year.
Dallas started off this year playing fairly well against the run, but things have fallen off as teams realized how easy it is to trick this thin linebacker corps. DeMarvion Overshown should help with that once he returns, but he’s not back yet, and the Cowboys will need to bottle up the run in this one to prevent Arizona from getting hot and reclaiming their offensive identity.
Feed Fergy
Much was said about Jake Ferguson’s lack of involvement in the offense last week, especially with it being National Tight Ends Day. But it may be a delayed celebration, because the Cardinals are giving up lots of touches to tight ends. So far this year, tight ends are averaging 9.4 targets and 10.2 yards per reception per game when facing Arizona’s defense. Both of those are among the three highest figures for any defense.
Much of that has to do with Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson, who leads the team in completions allowed and yards after the catch. Ferguson is second on the Cowboys and seventh in the league in yards after the catch despite not recording a single reception last week. If you’re looking for a matchup nightmare in this one, it’s Ferguson on Wilson.
Now onto the predictions from your BTB writers…
Tom Ryle (3-4-1):
The Cowboys are back home. The Cardinals are not having a good season and don’t have their starting QB.
Give me Dallas 31-23.
Mike Poland (4-3-1):
The Cowboys offensive line should handle business here. The Dallas offensive line is allowing the third-fewest sacks and Arizona’s defense rank 24th in total pressures and fourth-least in sacks registered. That will leave Dak on the receivers to find time to get open against a secondary that’s dealing with injuries.
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