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It’s been a feast-or-famine start for the Dallas Cowboys defense.
In the season-opening 36-31 win over the New York Giants, Monte Kiffin’s crew forced six turnovers, including two returned for touchdowns.
But in the 17-16 loss at Kansas City in Week 2, the Cowboys failed to register any takeaways, while the Chiefs notched two.
So which unit will suit up for Sunday’s home game against the St. Louis Rams? The swarming, ball-hawking warriors from Week 1 or the solid-but-undynamic gang that faced Kansas City?
Rams coach Jeff Fisher is betting on the former.
“We’ve got a tremendous challenge,” Fisher said Wednesday during a conference call with the Dallas media to promote the battle of 1-1 teams.
“Dallas is very, very talented on defense. They’ve got playmakers, so it’s going to be a huge challenge for us, probably the biggest thus far.”
Unfortunately for the Cowboys, their playmakers let them down in Kansas City. Linebacker Bruce Carter and safety Will Allen both dropped interceptions, missed opportunities that could have made a difference in such a tight game.
“That was a play I have to make,” said Carter, who let a pick-six slip away. “I was thinking of the end zone before I caught it. I have to keep my eyes on the ball…That was a game-winning play. I hold myself accountable.”
The Cowboys rank 25th in total defense, yielding an average of 395.5 yards per game. Against the pass, they are 24th (313.5 yards).
The Rams are 10th in the NFL in total offense (393.5 yards) and fourth in passing offense (325.5 yards).
Bradford, who has yet to be sacked, is sixth in the league in passing after completing 63.4 percent of his attempts for 651 yards with five touchdowns and two interceptions for a 93.1 passer rating. Among his favorite targets are rookie receiver Tavon Austin (12 catches for 88 yards and two TDs) and tight end Jared Cook (eight catches for 151 yards and two TDs).
“We’re going to have to have a great week of practice, put a great plan together and go out there and execute, because the Cowboys are very talented,” Fisher said. “Monte’s a very, very experienced coach and he’s got them playing well and hard.”
That’s especially true along the line, which has recorded five sacks, 23 quarterback pressures, two tackles for loss, one forced fumble, one fumble recovered and an interception. Those are impressive numbers, considering tackle Jay Ratliff is out until at least October with groin and hamstring injuries and end Anthony Spencer still hasn’t fully recovered from July knee surgery.
The standouts up front have been end DeMarcus Ware (two sacks, eight pressures, an interception) and tackle Jason Hatcher (two sacks, five pressures).
“There is a sense of a relentless spirit they’re playing with,” coach Jason Garrett said of the line.
Injury report: Spencer (knee), receiver Dez Bryant (back) and linebacker Ernie Sims (groin) did nost practice, while Ware (neck) and cornerback Mo Claiborne (shoulder) were limited. With the exception of possibly Sims, all are expected to play Sunday.
Quarterback Tony Romo (ribs) had full participation.
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In the season-opening 36-31 win over the New York Giants, Monte Kiffin’s crew forced six turnovers, including two returned for touchdowns.
But in the 17-16 loss at Kansas City in Week 2, the Cowboys failed to register any takeaways, while the Chiefs notched two.
So which unit will suit up for Sunday’s home game against the St. Louis Rams? The swarming, ball-hawking warriors from Week 1 or the solid-but-undynamic gang that faced Kansas City?
Rams coach Jeff Fisher is betting on the former.
“We’ve got a tremendous challenge,” Fisher said Wednesday during a conference call with the Dallas media to promote the battle of 1-1 teams.
“Dallas is very, very talented on defense. They’ve got playmakers, so it’s going to be a huge challenge for us, probably the biggest thus far.”
Unfortunately for the Cowboys, their playmakers let them down in Kansas City. Linebacker Bruce Carter and safety Will Allen both dropped interceptions, missed opportunities that could have made a difference in such a tight game.
“That was a play I have to make,” said Carter, who let a pick-six slip away. “I was thinking of the end zone before I caught it. I have to keep my eyes on the ball…That was a game-winning play. I hold myself accountable.”
The Cowboys rank 25th in total defense, yielding an average of 395.5 yards per game. Against the pass, they are 24th (313.5 yards).
The Rams are 10th in the NFL in total offense (393.5 yards) and fourth in passing offense (325.5 yards).
Bradford, who has yet to be sacked, is sixth in the league in passing after completing 63.4 percent of his attempts for 651 yards with five touchdowns and two interceptions for a 93.1 passer rating. Among his favorite targets are rookie receiver Tavon Austin (12 catches for 88 yards and two TDs) and tight end Jared Cook (eight catches for 151 yards and two TDs).
“We’re going to have to have a great week of practice, put a great plan together and go out there and execute, because the Cowboys are very talented,” Fisher said. “Monte’s a very, very experienced coach and he’s got them playing well and hard.”
That’s especially true along the line, which has recorded five sacks, 23 quarterback pressures, two tackles for loss, one forced fumble, one fumble recovered and an interception. Those are impressive numbers, considering tackle Jay Ratliff is out until at least October with groin and hamstring injuries and end Anthony Spencer still hasn’t fully recovered from July knee surgery.
The standouts up front have been end DeMarcus Ware (two sacks, eight pressures, an interception) and tackle Jason Hatcher (two sacks, five pressures).
“There is a sense of a relentless spirit they’re playing with,” coach Jason Garrett said of the line.
Injury report: Spencer (knee), receiver Dez Bryant (back) and linebacker Ernie Sims (groin) did nost practice, while Ware (neck) and cornerback Mo Claiborne (shoulder) were limited. With the exception of possibly Sims, all are expected to play Sunday.
Quarterback Tony Romo (ribs) had full participation.
Continue reading...