- Messages
- 79,281
- Reaction score
- 45,652
Updated: Wednesday, September 30, 2009
By Ken Moll
Scouts Inc.
Dallas at Denver
When: 4:15 PM ET
Watch: FOX
Preview
More scouting reports: Week 4
Scouts Inc. Position Advantage
QB RB WR OL DL LB DB ST Coach
After breaking down film of both teams, Scouts Inc. offers 10 things to watch in this week's Cowboys-Broncos matchup.
1. Dallas must be physical in the trenches: The Broncos have run the ball well, averaging more than 157 yards per game, and the Cowboys' front seven needs to make Denver's offense one-dimensional. When the Cowboys get in the red zone, they need to be physical with a power zone ground attack to score touchdowns.
2. Expect Dallas to put eight in the box: The Cowboys have been a bit inconsistent at defending the run, yielding more than 114 yards per game at 4.7 yards per carry. The Broncos' running game is much improved with rookie Knowshon Moreno carrying the load. Look for Dallas coach Wade Phillips to design a game plan that will include more interior stunts and eight-man fronts in this matchup.
3. Dallas must create turnovers: The Broncos have turned the ball over only twice so far, which is a big reason for their success. The Cowboys will need to create turnovers to get the win on the road. Look for Phillips to dial up more zone blitzes and pressure packages to take the crowd out of the game.
4. Look for the Dallas coverage defenders to get physical: The Broncos' air attack has been very efficient. Look for Cowboys cornerbacks to play more jam and press man techniques to reroute and disrupt the Denver passing game.
5. Matchup to watch -- Dallas TE Jason Witten vs. Denver LB D.J. Williams: Cowboys QB Tony Romo clearly looks to Witten when he wants to move the chains, and this should be a great battle between two excellent players who are performing at a high level. Williams will likely draw the task of covering Witten in passing situations and will need to stay in his hip pocket to be effective. Witten is an outstanding route-runner who knows how to utilize his quickness out of his breaks as well as his body to get separation.
6. Denver needs to stop the run: Even though the Cowboys' backfield is banged up, their running attack is still a concern for Denver. Dallas utilized more misdirection and lead draws in Week 3; its offensive line must keep its fits and gap control responsibilities.
7. Broncos must stay in rush lanes: Romo is best when improvising, and the Denver defenders need to be disciplined when rushing the passer. Not letting Romo step up or slide in the pocket will be a key for the Broncos as they try to stop Dallas' passing attack.
8. Broncos must stay balanced: The Broncos have done a nice job of staying balanced with their offensive game plan. It will be important for them to stay out of long-yardage situations. Look for them to use high-percentage early down passes as well as a variety of downhill and perimeter running plays.
9. Protecting Kyle Orton is key: The Cowboys haven't had much success rushing the passer early in the season, but they have excellent personnel to put pressure on Orton. The Broncos have yielded only three sacks so far and will need to continue to keep this aggressive Dallas defense at bay with tight splits, slide protection or an extra man in to block in passing situations.
10. Matchup to watch -- Denver OLB Elvis Dumervil vs. Dallas OT Flozell Adams: Dumervil is a short, athletic player who is making an excellent transition to the 3-4 OLB position. Adams is a massive left tackle who has been inconsistent at blocking great edge quickness and speed. The winner of this battle will give his team a distinct advantage.
Prediction
Dallas 24
Denver 20
http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/scouting?gameId=291004007
By Ken Moll
Scouts Inc.
Dallas at Denver
When: 4:15 PM ET
Watch: FOX
Preview
More scouting reports: Week 4
Scouts Inc. Position AdvantageQB RB WR OL DL LB DB ST Coach
After breaking down film of both teams, Scouts Inc. offers 10 things to watch in this week's Cowboys-Broncos matchup.
1. Dallas must be physical in the trenches: The Broncos have run the ball well, averaging more than 157 yards per game, and the Cowboys' front seven needs to make Denver's offense one-dimensional. When the Cowboys get in the red zone, they need to be physical with a power zone ground attack to score touchdowns.
2. Expect Dallas to put eight in the box: The Cowboys have been a bit inconsistent at defending the run, yielding more than 114 yards per game at 4.7 yards per carry. The Broncos' running game is much improved with rookie Knowshon Moreno carrying the load. Look for Dallas coach Wade Phillips to design a game plan that will include more interior stunts and eight-man fronts in this matchup.
3. Dallas must create turnovers: The Broncos have turned the ball over only twice so far, which is a big reason for their success. The Cowboys will need to create turnovers to get the win on the road. Look for Phillips to dial up more zone blitzes and pressure packages to take the crowd out of the game.
4. Look for the Dallas coverage defenders to get physical: The Broncos' air attack has been very efficient. Look for Cowboys cornerbacks to play more jam and press man techniques to reroute and disrupt the Denver passing game.
5. Matchup to watch -- Dallas TE Jason Witten vs. Denver LB D.J. Williams: Cowboys QB Tony Romo clearly looks to Witten when he wants to move the chains, and this should be a great battle between two excellent players who are performing at a high level. Williams will likely draw the task of covering Witten in passing situations and will need to stay in his hip pocket to be effective. Witten is an outstanding route-runner who knows how to utilize his quickness out of his breaks as well as his body to get separation.
6. Denver needs to stop the run: Even though the Cowboys' backfield is banged up, their running attack is still a concern for Denver. Dallas utilized more misdirection and lead draws in Week 3; its offensive line must keep its fits and gap control responsibilities.
7. Broncos must stay in rush lanes: Romo is best when improvising, and the Denver defenders need to be disciplined when rushing the passer. Not letting Romo step up or slide in the pocket will be a key for the Broncos as they try to stop Dallas' passing attack.
8. Broncos must stay balanced: The Broncos have done a nice job of staying balanced with their offensive game plan. It will be important for them to stay out of long-yardage situations. Look for them to use high-percentage early down passes as well as a variety of downhill and perimeter running plays.
9. Protecting Kyle Orton is key: The Cowboys haven't had much success rushing the passer early in the season, but they have excellent personnel to put pressure on Orton. The Broncos have yielded only three sacks so far and will need to continue to keep this aggressive Dallas defense at bay with tight splits, slide protection or an extra man in to block in passing situations.
10. Matchup to watch -- Denver OLB Elvis Dumervil vs. Dallas OT Flozell Adams: Dumervil is a short, athletic player who is making an excellent transition to the 3-4 OLB position. Adams is a massive left tackle who has been inconsistent at blocking great edge quickness and speed. The winner of this battle will give his team a distinct advantage.
Prediction
Dallas 24
Denver 20
http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/scouting?gameId=291004007
