jobberone
Kane Ala
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It’s do or die time for the Cowboys. Can they give their fans a nice Christmas present?
If you get to Week 16 and there is still excitement about a chance to make the playoffs, then that’s a good deal. Playoffs or not, the Cowboys are trying to finish out strong and have two-straight 10+ win seasons, which is something they haven’t done in over 20 years. This week’s match-up against the Seattle Seahawks should be a great battle as both these teams are fighting for their playoff lives. Here are five things to watch for this Sunday.
1. The Running Man
Despite missing six games due to suspension, Ezekiel Elliott only needs 217 yards to break the 1,000 yard mark for the second straight season. For the year, he has rushed for just under 100 yards per game, which means it could come down to the wire if he hits the mark or not. But prior to his suspension, the Cowboys were on a three-game winning streak and Zeke was running wild. In that span, Elliott was rushing for an average of 130 yards per game and had six total touchdowns. We all know he is hungry and he even bet Hall of Fame running back Eric Dickerson that he would rush for 200 yards in his return.
That might just sound like your typical ego talk one might expect from a player who’s chomping at the bit to get back in action, but this might not be so far-fetched after all. The Seahawks run defense has been struggling lately as they have averaged 200 yards allowed over the last two games. Having to face a highly-motivated Elliott who has some fresh legs is not going to make things any easier for them.
2. That Wascally Wilson
Unlike the Cowboys who can produce 100-yard game rushers like Elliott and Alfred Morris, the Seahawks get next to nothing from their running backs. They haven’t had a 100-yard rusher all season. In fact, the running back with the most rushing yards on the season is Chris Carson with 208 yards. That is insane.
The Seahawks offensive line has been problematic all season. Desperation set in so bad that the team traded away a second-round pick (2018) and a third-round pick (2019) to get a 32-year-old former All Pro tackle in Duane Brown.
Some bad football in 1st Half of #SEAvsTEN game. Never this before 5 whiffed cuts & a fumbled snap Tough Times for @Seahawks OFFENSE pic.twitter.com/e3eBJD7j7R
— Shaun O'Hara (@ShaunOHara60) September 25, 2017
Without the ability to run the ball, it should surprise no one that the Seahawks offense rests entirely on Russell Wilson. Unfortunately for Seattle, Russell just doesn’t have much time in the pocket and spends most afternoons running for his life. Last week, the Los Angeles Rams sacked him seven times.
Getting after Wilson will be crucial for Dallas. While the sack numbers have dropped off for the Cowboys recently (absence of David Irving?), they are still one of the top teams in applying pressure to the quarterback.
Applying pressure to the QB makes everyone on the defense better- here are the teams applying the most pressure to Quarterbacks this season!#HTTR #Jaguars#LARams #Bengals50 #KeepPounding #DallasCowboys #HereWeGo #BroncosCountry #BeRedSeeRed #RavensFlock #Bucs pic.twitter.com/6vtSKkPSnE
— NFL Matchup on ESPN (@NFLMatchup) December 21, 2017
Putting pressure on Wilson won’t be enough. They need to contain him and wrap him up whenever they get the chance. The Cowboys defense has done a great job as of late, but they have given up some big plays when the quarterback has been able to escape the pocket. It the same thing happens against Seattle, Wilson will make them pay.
.@DangeRussWilson's ability to extend the play is just incredible. #Seahawks pic.twitter.com/AijDXza4qW
— NFL (@NFL) December 17, 2017
https://cowboyszone.com/threads/btb-five-things-to-watch-when-the-cowboys-host-the-seahawks.393335/
