Blogging The Boys
The last time the Cowboys were on the field, they still had a mathematical shot at the playoffs. But, as has been the case all year, things were very out of their control. That run came to an end Saturday night, when the Eagles beat the Commanders to not only clinch the NFC East but eliminate the Cowboys.
That means when they take the field to face the Chargers, all they have left to play for is love of the game. Sometimes that results in spirited wins, as this team demonstrated last year against the Buccaneers, and sometimes it doesn’t. Our writers have varying degrees of confidence in the former being the case.
Stop the run (or at least try)
The Chargers have a franchise quarterback in Justin Herbert, but head coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman love to run the ball. They’ve had some up’s and down’s in that department, whether it be injuries at running back or the offensive line, but they’ve started to rise again with the recent return of rookie rusher Omarion Hampton.
Against a Dallas defense that’s seemed allergic to stopping the run lately, you can be sure that Harbaugh will look to establish the run early. Matt Eberflus will call this game from the booth, rather than the sideline, so perhaps that will change his perspective when it comes to fixing these issues that plague his defense.
Start fast
Brian Schottenheimer has received plenty of praise for his offense’s performance all season long, and rightfully so, but one area he’s still lacking is the way this offense starts. Too often they come up short on their opening drive, and it usually takes some time before things really start to click.
Only seven teams have played fewer downs while trailing this year than the Chargers. When they get a lead, they typically don’t give it away. If the Cowboys want to win this one, they have to strike first and keep striking.
Now onto the predictions from your BTB writers…
Tom Ryle (6-7-1):
Just to try a little reverse jinx…
Chargers 27, Cowboys 23
Mike Poland (7-6-1):
The Chargers offensive line is the worst in the league. Last in Pass Block Win Rate, 31st in Run Block Win Rate, and have given up the second-most sacks this year (the most being Las Vegas where the Dallas defensive line churned out four sacks).
Sure, Justin Herbert is the key here, but as long as the pass rush keeps up the pressure then this one tilts to Dallas. Being the pure optimist of the group I’m not backing a loss even if the season for Dallas is done.
Let’s go Cowboys 27, Chargers 24
Matt Holleran (6-7-1):
The Cowboys may be mathematically eliminated before this game kicks off, but I have a strong feeling they’ll put together a good performance against the Chargers...
