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Dec. 11, 2009
By Clark Judge
CBSSports.com Senior Writer
San Diego at Dallas, 4:15 p.m., ET (CBS)
The line: Cowboys by 2½
The story: The Chargers haven't lost a game in December since 2005, winning 15 straight. The Cowboys haven't had a winning December in seven years, and they're already on schedule with a loss last weekend against the Giants. So this one's a mismatch, right? Maybe. The Chargers are on a seven-game roll, while Dallas has lost two of its past four. But the Cowboys have won their past five at home, surrendering an average of 11 points per game, and they know what's at stake -- namely, first place in the NFC East and Wade Phillips' future.
Essentially, Phillips must make it to the playoffs and win at least one game there to return as head coach. But getting to the playoffs might be more difficult than he or any Dallas fan imagines. After San Diego, the Cowboys visit unbeaten New Orleans. Then it's on to Washington, a club that has played hard the past three weeks and should've beaten Dallas in Texas. Then they wrap up the season against Philadelphia, and anything's possible there.
For Dallas to succeed, it better resurrect its running game. We all saw what the one-dimensional approach did for the Cowboys at the Giants. Tony Romo threw for nearly 400 yards and had a franchise-record 41 completions, yet Dallas lost. So change your ways, Wade, and give the run a chance. San Diego is vulnerable up front, ranking 21st against the run, and has been since the departure of Jamal Williams to a season-ending injury. Take advantage, Dallas, and go run first, Romo second. If you don't, you may regret it.
Something to consider: San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers is 5-1 on the road with 13 touchdown passes, three interceptions and a passer rating of 107.5. In his past four, Rivers has seven TDs, no interceptions and a 133.2 passer rating.
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/...cy-visit-will-let-vikes-know-where-they-stand
By Clark Judge
CBSSports.com Senior Writer
San Diego at Dallas, 4:15 p.m., ET (CBS)
The line: Cowboys by 2½
The story: The Chargers haven't lost a game in December since 2005, winning 15 straight. The Cowboys haven't had a winning December in seven years, and they're already on schedule with a loss last weekend against the Giants. So this one's a mismatch, right? Maybe. The Chargers are on a seven-game roll, while Dallas has lost two of its past four. But the Cowboys have won their past five at home, surrendering an average of 11 points per game, and they know what's at stake -- namely, first place in the NFC East and Wade Phillips' future.
Essentially, Phillips must make it to the playoffs and win at least one game there to return as head coach. But getting to the playoffs might be more difficult than he or any Dallas fan imagines. After San Diego, the Cowboys visit unbeaten New Orleans. Then it's on to Washington, a club that has played hard the past three weeks and should've beaten Dallas in Texas. Then they wrap up the season against Philadelphia, and anything's possible there.
For Dallas to succeed, it better resurrect its running game. We all saw what the one-dimensional approach did for the Cowboys at the Giants. Tony Romo threw for nearly 400 yards and had a franchise-record 41 completions, yet Dallas lost. So change your ways, Wade, and give the run a chance. San Diego is vulnerable up front, ranking 21st against the run, and has been since the departure of Jamal Williams to a season-ending injury. Take advantage, Dallas, and go run first, Romo second. If you don't, you may regret it.
Something to consider: San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers is 5-1 on the road with 13 touchdown passes, three interceptions and a passer rating of 107.5. In his past four, Rivers has seven TDs, no interceptions and a 133.2 passer rating.
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/...cy-visit-will-let-vikes-know-where-they-stand