THE 2006 DALLAS COWBOYS SCHEDULE: Part One
By The Dodger
Cowboys Central Staff Writer
"And they're off!"
Three months have gone by since the NFL released the 2006 regular season schedule, and in that period of time, for whatever reason, I haven’t really found myself all that interested in analyzing it, much less taking a quick peek just to see who the Cowboys play on Thanksgiving.
But then something happened the other day. A bold prediction by the enemy, a fan who, likely propelled by a national sports writer’s glowing review, promised victory in week 2 of the upcoming season.
Victory?
I don’t think so.
And then there I was, checking out the early games, the November pothole…so to speak, and that stretch at the end where the Cowboys play five of their last seven at home.
Suddenly, the wheels began to turn.
Yeah, I know. We’re not even at training camp yet. How can anyone seriously look at the schedule and analyze games when we don’t even have the final rosters?
A challenge, no doubt, but one made easier this time of year compared to three months ago. After all, the draft and the mini-camps have come and gone, and before you know it, the season will be upon us. So let’s have a look, shall we, at the first four games of the fast approaching 2006 Dallas Cowboys season, keeping in mind and accepting the caveat that this is indeed an early look, meaning that opinions can and may change before September 10th rolls around.
Sunday, September 10:
@ Jacksonville Jaguars
The initial stage of the Cowboys season starts much as it did last year: with a visit to a powerful AFC opponent: the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Last season, the Jags finished 12-4 but suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of that familiar squad called the Patriots in the wildcard round of the playoffs. Since that time, the Jags have held the nucleus of their team together, and many national writers still see them as probable 2006 contenders.
In 2005, the Jags offense finished in the middle of the pack in terms of yards gained, first downs, and yards per play. They were a top 10 rushing team but finished in the bottom half in passing.
This year, I see a few question marks on offense, starting with Fred Taylor who turned 30 years old in January. Sure, he averages 4.6 yards a carry over his career, but last season was one of his worst in terms of stats, and recent injuries make me wonder if Taylor is at the start of a downward trend.
At quarterback, Byron Leftwich enters his fourth year at the helm of the Jags, and every season he seems to improve…based on QB rating anyway. Some people though, myself included, wonder just how good Leftwich really is, and I say that because I’m not sure if anyone has really seen what he can do in the NFL due to what many consider to be a pretty conservative offensive scheme in Jacksonville.
Of course, the retirement of Jimmy Smith doesn’t help matters, forcing guys like Wilford, Matt Jones, and first round draft pick Marcedes Lewis to fill in the void. Looking at this group, though, how could Leftwich miss? These guys have to be the biggest group of receiving targets in the NFL. They’re all huge. Question is, can they produce in a huge way? Better yet, will Jack Del Rio allow them to?
On defense, the Jags finished 6th overall last season, produced 47 sacks and 19 picks, and there is every indication that they’ll be just as good this year. Most of their starters will be returning, including a defensive line that produced over 30 sacks in 2005. The LB unit is led by Mike Peterson, a terror on the field entering his 8th season, and third year player Daryl Smith. The Jags have, in my opinion, a good core of players in the secondary, but there are some depth problems here and at linebacker as well, but the additions of Ingram and Webb in the draft could provide some help in 2006.
Key Matchups:
Can the Cowboys offensive line keep the talented Jaguar defensive linemen, guys like Spicer, Meier, Hayward, and McCray from getting to Bledsoe?
Can the undersized Jag corners keep TO, or the entire Dallas passing attack for that matter, at bay?
I see this as mainly a contest between the Dallas offense and a very good Jaguar defense, a unit which has become the strength of that team. The emphasis will be on the Jags pass rushers and the Dallas offensive line. If Bledsoe can get the protection he needs, and that’s far from a certainty, he and the Dallas receivers are more than capable of torching the Jags secondary. But if that Jaguar defensive line is able to attack and pressure Bledsoe with little resistance, this game could get ugly in a hurry.
On offense, the Jaguars will likely employ their usually conservative approach against a stout Dallas defense. Fred Taylor will get plenty of carries, and Leftwich will be looking for his big receivers in favorable matchups against the Dallas secondary, especially if no one in Big D has stepped up to effectively fill the FS position.
The Outcome:
This game will be close, and as it stands now, I’m not entirely convinced of a Cowboys victory as one question still has no answer: how good is the Cowboys offensive line?
Based on last year, with Adams healthy, the Cowboys’ passing gamed attacked with impunity. But after he was lost with a torn ACL against the Giants, the line crumbled, and Dallas’ aerial attack was reduced to a sputter.
If Flozell comes back and plays like he did before his injury last season, and there is every reason to expect he will based on reports out of Valley Ranch, I think the Dallas offense is capable of winning more battles than they lose, meaning the Cowboys might squeak out of Alltel Stadium with a close victory, perhaps winning in overtime. Perhaps…
But as of now, this one is too close to pick.
Sunday, September 17th
Washington Redskins
Just like in 2005, the Cowboys play their second game of the season at home against their hated division rival, the Washington Redskins. However, unlike their first encounter last year, I’m willing to bet that Santana Moss will not be taking the Boys by surprise in this meeting.
Much has been said about the Redskins already with analysis provided by Midswat just a few weeks ago, so I won’t go over the entire team again here. But what I will repeat is worth repeating: the Skins have a great defense, one that relies on complicated yet aggressive blitzing schemes to be effective. And effective they are, for as their defense goes, so go the Redskins.
The offense, however, is a different story. Despite what some fans believe, the Redskins are not as powerful on the offensive side of the ball. Granted, the Skins finished 11th overall in yards per game and a very respectable 7th overall in rushing yards, and that trend should continue again this season.
I think that the big question for the Redskins offense is in the passing game where Mark Brunell enters his fourteenth NFL season. Last year he put together one of the best campaigns of his career and managed to stay healthy for all 16 games, something he hadn’t been able to do for the previous four years. His fortunes may well continue into this season, but I feel that there is at least an even chance that they won’t given Brunell’s age and recent history of injury.
The other concern for the Redskins offense is at receiver. Santana Moss returns, of course, but I wonder if 2005 can be duplicated again in 2006. I’m not saying that Moss will flop, but if Brunell can’t stay healthy for the majority of the season, just how well will Collins or last year’s pick Jason Campbell perform?
Additionally, the acquisition of Randle El and Lloyd looks good at first glance, but these are two guys who have never proven to be consistently productive receivers. Of course, that could change this year, but I’m taking the wait and see approach.
Key Matchups:
As in week one, the Cowboys offensive line will be challenged here by a very good defensive unit. Blitzes will be coming from every direction. Can the Cowboys line keep Bledsoe upright?
How well will the Dallas defense contain Clinton Portis?
This will be a contest of defenses, yes, but even more important is how effective the offenses will be against those defenses, and both teams have question marks.
The Redskins, of course, will be employing a new offensive system this season, but the key to their offense will still be the running game, and the Cowboys will try to shut down that running game and force the Skins to beat them by passing, much like in their first meeting last year when Portis was held to 52 yards. This time, however, I expect the Cowboys to clamp down on Santana Moss when the Skins turn to the air.
As for the Cowboys, my question is whether or not Julius Jones will be able to run effectively behind that Cowboys offensive line and against that tough Redskins defense. It may be enough, though, just to keep the Skins defense honest and pound out some hard earned yardage while making the brunt of the offensive attack through the air. If I’m Parcells, I’d be anticipating some of the matchups I’ll be getting with Cowboys receivers in single coverage against this defense.
The Outcome:
I know this is starting to sound like shades of last season when just about every game was close, but in week two of the young Cowboys season against a tough Redskins opponent, another game will come down to the fourth quarter in a nip and tuck defensive battle.
The way I see it, the team with the most efficient and mistake free offense wins, and since the Boys are at home in this one, every little bit helps. As long as there isn’t any fourth quarter meltdown as we witnessed last season, the Cowboys have a good shot at winning this contest.
Already strong in 2005, an improved Cowboys defense will once again limit Portis on the ground and force Brunell to the air, but unfortunately for the Skins, lightning will not strike twice with the deep ball. As in week one, this too should be a close game, but I think the more effective passing of the Cowboys will make the difference and help them win.
Sunday, October 1st
@ Tennessee Titans
After the early bye, week four of the Cowboys schedule has the Boys hitting the road to take on a rebuilding Tennessee Titans team.
A 4-12 team a year ago, the Titans have much to prove…and clearly still have much work to do. Gone is fan favorite Steve McNair, and in his shoes steps Billy Volek, a guy who has proven that he is capable of putting up some big numbers when needed, but he’s never done so consistently, year after year.
Behind Volek in the backfield are a trio of injury prone running backs in Chris Brown, Travis Henry, and newly drafted LenDale White. When healthy, Brown is an elusive and potentially explosive back, but 851 yards while playing most of the season is not what the Titans were expecting. Henry, brought in to help with the two back offense, can’t stay on the field either. He had good success early in his career with Buffalo, but injuries and a general failure to live up to expectations has put a big question mark on his future in Tennessee. White, the 45th player selected in the draft, is expected to push for time, but a nagging hamstring injury has kept him away from offseason workouts.
At receiver, the Titans will be lining up youngsters Drew Bennett and David Givens, both of whom are more than capable of producing good numbers, especially since the Titans running game appears to be so inadequate.
Defensively, the Titans have some talent on the line, and last years acquisition, defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch, was like a shot in the arm with his sack total and leadership abilities. Chris Hope is another great free agent signing, and in 2006 his presence alone should make the young and smallish secondary play somewhat better.
Overall, however, the Titans still need more help, and this years draft looks like a good start…on paper that is. Looking at the defensive players the Titans selected, one has to wonder just how many of these guys will become the playmakers the Titans need as the majority of them appear, at least to me, longshots.
Key Matchups:
Look out for Vanden Bosch who will be lining up opposite second year tackle Rob Petitti. The Titan end has finally lived up to his potential and become a sack machine, and last season Petitti was often a turnstile when facing top defensive end talent. Of course, because he’s so good compared to his teammates, Dallas may double team him most of the game to negate his pass rushing skills.
I have to wonder if the Titan secondary can really match up man-to-man against the Cowboys receivers. Both Reynaldo Hill and Pacman Jones were small disappointments last year, and both are undersized compared to Owens, representing mere speed bumps when TO gets the ball.
The Outcome:
Parcells, as usual, will try to establish the run, and when star linebacker Keith Bulluck helps to clamp down on the Dallas running game, Parcells will start to mix in the pass. Look for Chris Hope to help double Owens, but when that happens, Glenn, and especially Witten, should be able to tear up the Titans defense when left in one-on-one matchups. Overall, the Titans don’t have enough personnel to adequately cover all of the Cowboys receiving threats.
The Titans have what appears to be an adequate offense this year, but the complete lack of a 100 yard rushing effort in 2005 has to be a concern this season. Opposing them in this contest is a young and powerful defense, one that’s expected to be even better than last season, possibly even dominate. The hard pressed Titans will have their hands full, especially if their running game falters and they’re left with a one dimensional passing offense.
I expect the Cowboys to win this game without too much difficulty.
Sunday, October 8th
@ Philadelphia Eagles
Despite claims to the contrary, the Eagles are a team that suffers from a glaring weakness at the skill positions on offense, and a 6-10 record last season was, in my opinion, not just a fluke but possibly a sign of things to come.
While I don’t expect the Eagles to completely collapse again in 2006, the road, nevertheless, won't be easy against vastly improved competition in what is now widely considered the toughest division in football.
Donovan McNabb returns, of course, and hopefully fully healed from his injuries of last year because yet again McNabb will be the undisputed catalyst on offense. But just how far can McNabb take this team?
With Reggie Brown and L.J. Smith being the only proven receiving threats, how will the Eagles establish any kind of effective passing attack? Logic suggests a more balanced approach, but with Andy Reid’s propensity to lob the ball over 60% of the time, opposing defenses will come out determined to stop the pass and force the Eagles to run the ball.
So let’s look at the Eagles running game. Westbrook is a dynamic threat, but he’s also a threat to end up nursing injuries if the Eagles push his workload. That leaves second year player Ryan Moats who is sort of a Westbrook clone: dynamic but undersized, which could be a concern if the Eagles are forced to throw a big workload onto his shoulders.
Defensively, the Eagles suffered a huge dropoff in production in 2005, partly due to injuries, and partly due to an ineffective offense.
When you look at the defensive line, you see Kearse who is joined this year by free agent acquisition Darren Howard and rookie tackle Broderick Bunkley. But is this combination an improvement? We’ll just have to wait and see, but if I were an Eagles fan, I have to be a bit concerned about stopping the run because behind these pass rushing specialists are a group of adequate linebackers at best.
Trotter is good, obviously, but what about the undersized Dhani Jones and an aging Shawn Barber who is coming back from injury in 2005? If they falter, two very unproven backups are waiting in the wings to replace them at OLB.
The secondary is the strength of this defense, and suffice it to say that it’s here where the Eagles hope to make their biggest splash on defense, much like they did in 2004 when they sent 3 players from the secondary to the pro bowl.
Key Matchups:
The question for me is the Philly defense, specifically when defending the run. I’m interested in the matchup between the Dallas offensive line run blocking against the Eagles front four. This could be the game where Julius Jones has the opportunity to break out big.
Another matchup that I think will be key is the Dallas tight ends in single coverage with Eagles outside linebackers. Witten could have a big day, and if rookie Anthony Fasano develops into what Cowboys coaches think he’s capable of, this could be a breakout game for him as well.
The Outcome:
To me, this game will focus on the matchup between Dallas’ improved offense against what is supposed to be a tough Eagles defense. The Eagles will be trying to get to Drew Bledsoe all day, and Eagles corners will be waiting for the deep ball, but a less aggressive approach by Parcells may be the ticket to success with more attention to establishing an effective running game and throwing underneath to the tight ends and Owens on shorter routes.
As for the Eagles offense, I’m just not convinced that they have enough firepower to go against what should be a very good Dallas defense keyed to stop McNabb and the pass. Donovan won’t be able to get it done by himself, and last season’s 89 yards per game average by the running backs doesn’t help to convince me that they’ll have much success against a group of big, active, and tough Cowboys linebackers.
I expect the Cowboys to win this game.
Cowboys Central Staff Writer
"And they're off!"
Three months have gone by since the NFL released the 2006 regular season schedule, and in that period of time, for whatever reason, I haven’t really found myself all that interested in analyzing it, much less taking a quick peek just to see who the Cowboys play on Thanksgiving.
But then something happened the other day. A bold prediction by the enemy, a fan who, likely propelled by a national sports writer’s glowing review, promised victory in week 2 of the upcoming season.
Victory?
I don’t think so.
And then there I was, checking out the early games, the November pothole…so to speak, and that stretch at the end where the Cowboys play five of their last seven at home.
Suddenly, the wheels began to turn.
Yeah, I know. We’re not even at training camp yet. How can anyone seriously look at the schedule and analyze games when we don’t even have the final rosters?
A challenge, no doubt, but one made easier this time of year compared to three months ago. After all, the draft and the mini-camps have come and gone, and before you know it, the season will be upon us. So let’s have a look, shall we, at the first four games of the fast approaching 2006 Dallas Cowboys season, keeping in mind and accepting the caveat that this is indeed an early look, meaning that opinions can and may change before September 10th rolls around.
Sunday, September 10:
@ Jacksonville Jaguars
The initial stage of the Cowboys season starts much as it did last year: with a visit to a powerful AFC opponent: the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Last season, the Jags finished 12-4 but suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of that familiar squad called the Patriots in the wildcard round of the playoffs. Since that time, the Jags have held the nucleus of their team together, and many national writers still see them as probable 2006 contenders.
In 2005, the Jags offense finished in the middle of the pack in terms of yards gained, first downs, and yards per play. They were a top 10 rushing team but finished in the bottom half in passing.
This year, I see a few question marks on offense, starting with Fred Taylor who turned 30 years old in January. Sure, he averages 4.6 yards a carry over his career, but last season was one of his worst in terms of stats, and recent injuries make me wonder if Taylor is at the start of a downward trend.
At quarterback, Byron Leftwich enters his fourth year at the helm of the Jags, and every season he seems to improve…based on QB rating anyway. Some people though, myself included, wonder just how good Leftwich really is, and I say that because I’m not sure if anyone has really seen what he can do in the NFL due to what many consider to be a pretty conservative offensive scheme in Jacksonville.
Of course, the retirement of Jimmy Smith doesn’t help matters, forcing guys like Wilford, Matt Jones, and first round draft pick Marcedes Lewis to fill in the void. Looking at this group, though, how could Leftwich miss? These guys have to be the biggest group of receiving targets in the NFL. They’re all huge. Question is, can they produce in a huge way? Better yet, will Jack Del Rio allow them to?
On defense, the Jags finished 6th overall last season, produced 47 sacks and 19 picks, and there is every indication that they’ll be just as good this year. Most of their starters will be returning, including a defensive line that produced over 30 sacks in 2005. The LB unit is led by Mike Peterson, a terror on the field entering his 8th season, and third year player Daryl Smith. The Jags have, in my opinion, a good core of players in the secondary, but there are some depth problems here and at linebacker as well, but the additions of Ingram and Webb in the draft could provide some help in 2006.
Key Matchups:
Can the Cowboys offensive line keep the talented Jaguar defensive linemen, guys like Spicer, Meier, Hayward, and McCray from getting to Bledsoe?
Can the undersized Jag corners keep TO, or the entire Dallas passing attack for that matter, at bay?
I see this as mainly a contest between the Dallas offense and a very good Jaguar defense, a unit which has become the strength of that team. The emphasis will be on the Jags pass rushers and the Dallas offensive line. If Bledsoe can get the protection he needs, and that’s far from a certainty, he and the Dallas receivers are more than capable of torching the Jags secondary. But if that Jaguar defensive line is able to attack and pressure Bledsoe with little resistance, this game could get ugly in a hurry.
On offense, the Jaguars will likely employ their usually conservative approach against a stout Dallas defense. Fred Taylor will get plenty of carries, and Leftwich will be looking for his big receivers in favorable matchups against the Dallas secondary, especially if no one in Big D has stepped up to effectively fill the FS position.
The Outcome:
This game will be close, and as it stands now, I’m not entirely convinced of a Cowboys victory as one question still has no answer: how good is the Cowboys offensive line?
Based on last year, with Adams healthy, the Cowboys’ passing gamed attacked with impunity. But after he was lost with a torn ACL against the Giants, the line crumbled, and Dallas’ aerial attack was reduced to a sputter.
If Flozell comes back and plays like he did before his injury last season, and there is every reason to expect he will based on reports out of Valley Ranch, I think the Dallas offense is capable of winning more battles than they lose, meaning the Cowboys might squeak out of Alltel Stadium with a close victory, perhaps winning in overtime. Perhaps…
But as of now, this one is too close to pick.
Sunday, September 17th
Washington Redskins
Just like in 2005, the Cowboys play their second game of the season at home against their hated division rival, the Washington Redskins. However, unlike their first encounter last year, I’m willing to bet that Santana Moss will not be taking the Boys by surprise in this meeting.
Much has been said about the Redskins already with analysis provided by Midswat just a few weeks ago, so I won’t go over the entire team again here. But what I will repeat is worth repeating: the Skins have a great defense, one that relies on complicated yet aggressive blitzing schemes to be effective. And effective they are, for as their defense goes, so go the Redskins.
The offense, however, is a different story. Despite what some fans believe, the Redskins are not as powerful on the offensive side of the ball. Granted, the Skins finished 11th overall in yards per game and a very respectable 7th overall in rushing yards, and that trend should continue again this season.
I think that the big question for the Redskins offense is in the passing game where Mark Brunell enters his fourteenth NFL season. Last year he put together one of the best campaigns of his career and managed to stay healthy for all 16 games, something he hadn’t been able to do for the previous four years. His fortunes may well continue into this season, but I feel that there is at least an even chance that they won’t given Brunell’s age and recent history of injury.
The other concern for the Redskins offense is at receiver. Santana Moss returns, of course, but I wonder if 2005 can be duplicated again in 2006. I’m not saying that Moss will flop, but if Brunell can’t stay healthy for the majority of the season, just how well will Collins or last year’s pick Jason Campbell perform?
Additionally, the acquisition of Randle El and Lloyd looks good at first glance, but these are two guys who have never proven to be consistently productive receivers. Of course, that could change this year, but I’m taking the wait and see approach.
Key Matchups:
As in week one, the Cowboys offensive line will be challenged here by a very good defensive unit. Blitzes will be coming from every direction. Can the Cowboys line keep Bledsoe upright?
How well will the Dallas defense contain Clinton Portis?
This will be a contest of defenses, yes, but even more important is how effective the offenses will be against those defenses, and both teams have question marks.
The Redskins, of course, will be employing a new offensive system this season, but the key to their offense will still be the running game, and the Cowboys will try to shut down that running game and force the Skins to beat them by passing, much like in their first meeting last year when Portis was held to 52 yards. This time, however, I expect the Cowboys to clamp down on Santana Moss when the Skins turn to the air.
As for the Cowboys, my question is whether or not Julius Jones will be able to run effectively behind that Cowboys offensive line and against that tough Redskins defense. It may be enough, though, just to keep the Skins defense honest and pound out some hard earned yardage while making the brunt of the offensive attack through the air. If I’m Parcells, I’d be anticipating some of the matchups I’ll be getting with Cowboys receivers in single coverage against this defense.
The Outcome:
I know this is starting to sound like shades of last season when just about every game was close, but in week two of the young Cowboys season against a tough Redskins opponent, another game will come down to the fourth quarter in a nip and tuck defensive battle.
The way I see it, the team with the most efficient and mistake free offense wins, and since the Boys are at home in this one, every little bit helps. As long as there isn’t any fourth quarter meltdown as we witnessed last season, the Cowboys have a good shot at winning this contest.
Already strong in 2005, an improved Cowboys defense will once again limit Portis on the ground and force Brunell to the air, but unfortunately for the Skins, lightning will not strike twice with the deep ball. As in week one, this too should be a close game, but I think the more effective passing of the Cowboys will make the difference and help them win.
Sunday, October 1st
@ Tennessee Titans
After the early bye, week four of the Cowboys schedule has the Boys hitting the road to take on a rebuilding Tennessee Titans team.
A 4-12 team a year ago, the Titans have much to prove…and clearly still have much work to do. Gone is fan favorite Steve McNair, and in his shoes steps Billy Volek, a guy who has proven that he is capable of putting up some big numbers when needed, but he’s never done so consistently, year after year.
Behind Volek in the backfield are a trio of injury prone running backs in Chris Brown, Travis Henry, and newly drafted LenDale White. When healthy, Brown is an elusive and potentially explosive back, but 851 yards while playing most of the season is not what the Titans were expecting. Henry, brought in to help with the two back offense, can’t stay on the field either. He had good success early in his career with Buffalo, but injuries and a general failure to live up to expectations has put a big question mark on his future in Tennessee. White, the 45th player selected in the draft, is expected to push for time, but a nagging hamstring injury has kept him away from offseason workouts.
At receiver, the Titans will be lining up youngsters Drew Bennett and David Givens, both of whom are more than capable of producing good numbers, especially since the Titans running game appears to be so inadequate.
Defensively, the Titans have some talent on the line, and last years acquisition, defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch, was like a shot in the arm with his sack total and leadership abilities. Chris Hope is another great free agent signing, and in 2006 his presence alone should make the young and smallish secondary play somewhat better.
Overall, however, the Titans still need more help, and this years draft looks like a good start…on paper that is. Looking at the defensive players the Titans selected, one has to wonder just how many of these guys will become the playmakers the Titans need as the majority of them appear, at least to me, longshots.
Key Matchups:
Look out for Vanden Bosch who will be lining up opposite second year tackle Rob Petitti. The Titan end has finally lived up to his potential and become a sack machine, and last season Petitti was often a turnstile when facing top defensive end talent. Of course, because he’s so good compared to his teammates, Dallas may double team him most of the game to negate his pass rushing skills.
I have to wonder if the Titan secondary can really match up man-to-man against the Cowboys receivers. Both Reynaldo Hill and Pacman Jones were small disappointments last year, and both are undersized compared to Owens, representing mere speed bumps when TO gets the ball.
The Outcome:
Parcells, as usual, will try to establish the run, and when star linebacker Keith Bulluck helps to clamp down on the Dallas running game, Parcells will start to mix in the pass. Look for Chris Hope to help double Owens, but when that happens, Glenn, and especially Witten, should be able to tear up the Titans defense when left in one-on-one matchups. Overall, the Titans don’t have enough personnel to adequately cover all of the Cowboys receiving threats.
The Titans have what appears to be an adequate offense this year, but the complete lack of a 100 yard rushing effort in 2005 has to be a concern this season. Opposing them in this contest is a young and powerful defense, one that’s expected to be even better than last season, possibly even dominate. The hard pressed Titans will have their hands full, especially if their running game falters and they’re left with a one dimensional passing offense.
I expect the Cowboys to win this game without too much difficulty.
Sunday, October 8th
@ Philadelphia Eagles
Despite claims to the contrary, the Eagles are a team that suffers from a glaring weakness at the skill positions on offense, and a 6-10 record last season was, in my opinion, not just a fluke but possibly a sign of things to come.
While I don’t expect the Eagles to completely collapse again in 2006, the road, nevertheless, won't be easy against vastly improved competition in what is now widely considered the toughest division in football.
Donovan McNabb returns, of course, and hopefully fully healed from his injuries of last year because yet again McNabb will be the undisputed catalyst on offense. But just how far can McNabb take this team?
With Reggie Brown and L.J. Smith being the only proven receiving threats, how will the Eagles establish any kind of effective passing attack? Logic suggests a more balanced approach, but with Andy Reid’s propensity to lob the ball over 60% of the time, opposing defenses will come out determined to stop the pass and force the Eagles to run the ball.
So let’s look at the Eagles running game. Westbrook is a dynamic threat, but he’s also a threat to end up nursing injuries if the Eagles push his workload. That leaves second year player Ryan Moats who is sort of a Westbrook clone: dynamic but undersized, which could be a concern if the Eagles are forced to throw a big workload onto his shoulders.
Defensively, the Eagles suffered a huge dropoff in production in 2005, partly due to injuries, and partly due to an ineffective offense.
When you look at the defensive line, you see Kearse who is joined this year by free agent acquisition Darren Howard and rookie tackle Broderick Bunkley. But is this combination an improvement? We’ll just have to wait and see, but if I were an Eagles fan, I have to be a bit concerned about stopping the run because behind these pass rushing specialists are a group of adequate linebackers at best.
Trotter is good, obviously, but what about the undersized Dhani Jones and an aging Shawn Barber who is coming back from injury in 2005? If they falter, two very unproven backups are waiting in the wings to replace them at OLB.
The secondary is the strength of this defense, and suffice it to say that it’s here where the Eagles hope to make their biggest splash on defense, much like they did in 2004 when they sent 3 players from the secondary to the pro bowl.
Key Matchups:
The question for me is the Philly defense, specifically when defending the run. I’m interested in the matchup between the Dallas offensive line run blocking against the Eagles front four. This could be the game where Julius Jones has the opportunity to break out big.
Another matchup that I think will be key is the Dallas tight ends in single coverage with Eagles outside linebackers. Witten could have a big day, and if rookie Anthony Fasano develops into what Cowboys coaches think he’s capable of, this could be a breakout game for him as well.
The Outcome:
To me, this game will focus on the matchup between Dallas’ improved offense against what is supposed to be a tough Eagles defense. The Eagles will be trying to get to Drew Bledsoe all day, and Eagles corners will be waiting for the deep ball, but a less aggressive approach by Parcells may be the ticket to success with more attention to establishing an effective running game and throwing underneath to the tight ends and Owens on shorter routes.
As for the Eagles offense, I’m just not convinced that they have enough firepower to go against what should be a very good Dallas defense keyed to stop McNabb and the pass. Donovan won’t be able to get it done by himself, and last season’s 89 yards per game average by the running backs doesn’t help to convince me that they’ll have much success against a group of big, active, and tough Cowboys linebackers.
I expect the Cowboys to win this game.
posted by The Gryphon at 8:26 AM
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