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How the Cowboys can win
I don't think it's impossible for the Cowboys to beat the Patriots. In fact, I expect a close game. Official prediction: Patriots 31, Cowboys 28.
Here are the biggest keys to the Cowboys pulling out a win:
DEFENSE: OLBs win individual matchups in pass rush. It sounds exciting to say that the Cowboys should blitz the heck out of Tom Brady, but he's not a guy who rattles easy.
Do you really want Cowboys cornerbacks to have to cover Randy Moss one-on-one? Or, for that matter, a safety or LB singled up on speedy TE Ben Watson?
Wade Phillips isn't real keen on the idea. He'd rather see DeMarcus Ware, Anthony Spencer and Greg Ellis wreaking havoc, allowing the Cowboys to play regular coverage schemes.
"If you try to blitz those kind of guys, they really beat you," Phillips said. "You have to beat people one on one some."
OFFENSE: Control the clock. This was a huge factor in last season's upset of the Colts, when the Cowboys had the ball for 33:42.
The concept is real simple. The best way to keep Tom Brady, Randy Moss and Co. from lighting up the scoreboard is to make them stand on the sideline.
The Cowboys, with their massive offensive line, have consistently controlled the clock this season. Their average time-of-possession per game is 31:44.
The most conventional way to chew up the clock is to run the ball. But the Cowboys rushed for only 117 yards vs. the Colts last season. Short passes to T.O. on the move can be just as effective moving the chains and potentially much more explosive.
Posted by Tim MacMahon at 2:28 PM (E-mail this entry)
I don't think it's impossible for the Cowboys to beat the Patriots. In fact, I expect a close game. Official prediction: Patriots 31, Cowboys 28.
Here are the biggest keys to the Cowboys pulling out a win:
DEFENSE: OLBs win individual matchups in pass rush. It sounds exciting to say that the Cowboys should blitz the heck out of Tom Brady, but he's not a guy who rattles easy.
Do you really want Cowboys cornerbacks to have to cover Randy Moss one-on-one? Or, for that matter, a safety or LB singled up on speedy TE Ben Watson?
Wade Phillips isn't real keen on the idea. He'd rather see DeMarcus Ware, Anthony Spencer and Greg Ellis wreaking havoc, allowing the Cowboys to play regular coverage schemes.
"If you try to blitz those kind of guys, they really beat you," Phillips said. "You have to beat people one on one some."
OFFENSE: Control the clock. This was a huge factor in last season's upset of the Colts, when the Cowboys had the ball for 33:42.
The concept is real simple. The best way to keep Tom Brady, Randy Moss and Co. from lighting up the scoreboard is to make them stand on the sideline.
The Cowboys, with their massive offensive line, have consistently controlled the clock this season. Their average time-of-possession per game is 31:44.
The most conventional way to chew up the clock is to run the ball. But the Cowboys rushed for only 117 yards vs. the Colts last season. Short passes to T.O. on the move can be just as effective moving the chains and potentially much more explosive.
Posted by Tim MacMahon at 2:28 PM (E-mail this entry)