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The Cowboys did a great job of battling back through adversity in the Eagles game. Tony Romo and Dez Bryant carried the offense to one of their best performances of the season as they hooked up on several occasions in crucial moments of the game.
On defense, J.J. Wilcox had one of his best games as a professional as he had an interception and a forced fumble. When the Cowboys needed a big play on defense, Wilcox stepped up to the plate.
The first opponent standing in the way of the Cowboys' playoff pursuit is the Indianapolis Colts. If the Cowboys don't beat the Colts, they will likely lose control of their playoff destiny, as they will have to rely on other teams losing to make it in.
Let's take a look at three matchups that will go a long way in deciding the victor in this matchup of two 10-4 teams.
1. Orlando Scandrick vs. T.Y. Hilton
One of Andrew Luck's favorite targets is wide receiver T.Y. Hilton, who is a small, extremely quick and agile wide receiver. The Cowboys will likely match up Orlando Scandrick with Hilton as he is the only cornerback who can match the short area explosion and speed of Hilton.
Thus far this season, Scandrick has had his best year as a cornerback. He has done a great job of not allowing many big plays while thoroughly blanketing opposing receivers throughout the season. This was epitomized by the fact that he held Eagles receiver Jordan Matthews catchless in a crucial game for the Cowboys.
Scandrick has incredible foot quickness, hip fluidity and football intelligence, which allows him to play well in zone or man coverage. He rarely makes mistakes and opposing receivers have to fight for every reception.
Scandrick is one of the few cornerbacks who match up well with the small, quick receiver. However, Scandrick's effectiveness is not limited to just small receivers as he has done a great job against receivers across the physical and athletic spectrum.
Anytime the Cowboys are looking to shut down a specific receiver, they look to Scandrick to get the job done.
For Scandrick to limit Hilton, he will have to be flawless with his footwork. If he slips or takes any false steps, Hilton will make him pay in a bad way.
All in all, Scandrick should be able to do a good job limiting Hilton as he has the type of skill set that Hilton struggles to beat.
2. Dez Bryant vs. Vontae Davis
While Dez Bryant picked on the Eagles' subpar secondary last week, he will have a much tougher task this week against Vontae Davis.
Kevin Bowen of Colts.com mentioned an interesting stat that shows how effective Davis has been this year:
Davis has been one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL this season as he has become more disciplined with his technique. Davis is ranked No. 3 overall in the NFL among cornerbacks per Pro Football Focus (Subscription required).
For Bryant to have another great performance, he will have to do a good job of getting off the press against Davis. When Davis gets his hands on receivers, it's over. He's too quick and strong for a receiver to get up in enough time if they do not get a clean release.
Expect the Cowboys to move Bryant around and manufacture situations where he can get a clean release and utilize his big frame to box out Davis.
Expect this matchup to be a battle all day as each player will have good and bad moments throughout the game.
3. Anthony Spencer vs. Gosder Cherilus
When the Colts are on offense, the Cowboys have to take advantage of the Colts' weaknesses or they have no shot of slowing down Andrew Luck and company. The Colts' biggest weakness on offense is their right tackle Gosder Cherilus.
ESPN's college football XO producer Ben Fennell gave a good representation of why Cherilus struggles:
Gosder Cherilus struggles with his lateral movement because of his sloppy footwork. The Cowboys will need their defensive end Anthony Spencer to take full advantage Sunday.
Andrew Luck is such an incredible quarterback that even with pressure in his face, he can make unbelievable plays. However, this does not mean the Cowboys should not try to pressure Luck because he is near impossible to stop if he has time in the pocket.
The Cowboys will rely on Anthony Spencer to generate pressure throughout the game.
Read more Dallas Cowboys news on BleacherReport.com
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