Cowboys-Dolphins: A look ahead
From staff reports
Why the Cowboys win
Dallas gets Wade Phillips his first road win as coach by solving its pass defense issues. Terence Newman or not, Jacques Reeves and Anthony Henry lock down the Dolphins' receivers, especially on third down. If Nate Jones, the dime cornerback, can put pressure on quarterback Trent Green by blitzing, it will be a long day for Miami. Dallas will be hard pressed to get 45 points again, especially with Jason Taylor running around with the Miami defense, but if he's contained and Tony Romo connects early with Terrell Owens and Jason Witten, a victory is possible.
Why the Cowboys lose
The defensive problems the Cowboys had in Week 1 are not solved. If Terence Newman plays, his effectiveness will be questioned. With Jason Ferguson out at nose guard, Miami might run more between the tackles. It's important for Bradie James and Akin Ayodele to provide run support up the middle, if not, Dallas will struggle. Miami is going to challenge Dallas' secondary deep and could gain success if Ken Hamlin and Roy Williams don't get their communication problems fixed on long pass plays.
The last meeting
Dolphins 40, Cowboys 21, Nov. 27, 2003, Texas Stadium Quincy Carter threw three interceptions and Dallas' offense managed seven second-half points in a Thanksgiving Day loss to Miami.
Carter completed 24 of 40 passes for 288 yards with two touchdowns. But Miami, which led 23-14 at halftime, scored 17 consecutive points to start the second half to take command of the game.
Miami receiver Chris Chambers had five catches for 96 yards and three touchdowns. Ricky Williams, a former Texas star, rushed 31 times for 104 yards in the victory. Miami quarterback Jay Fielder was strong, completing 16 of 20 passes for 239 yards and three touchdowns.
Cowboys receiver Terry Glenn had four catches for 97 yards in the loss. Click here for the story on dallasnews.com.
By the numbers
The Cowboys have lost two of their last three road openers, including last year at Jacksonville. The last time Dallas played in Miami was Oct. 27, 1996, and they beat the Dolphins, 29-10. The last five road openers for the Cowboys.
Year Result Site
2002 L, 19-10 Houston
2003 W, 35-32 (OT) NY Giants
2004 L, 35-17 Minnesota
2005 W, 28-24 San Diego
2006 L, 24-17 Jacksonville
Why the Cowboys win
Dallas gets Wade Phillips his first road win as coach by solving its pass defense issues. Terence Newman or not, Jacques Reeves and Anthony Henry lock down the Dolphins' receivers, especially on third down. If Nate Jones, the dime cornerback, can put pressure on quarterback Trent Green by blitzing, it will be a long day for Miami. Dallas will be hard pressed to get 45 points again, especially with Jason Taylor running around with the Miami defense, but if he's contained and Tony Romo connects early with Terrell Owens and Jason Witten, a victory is possible.
Why the Cowboys lose
The defensive problems the Cowboys had in Week 1 are not solved. If Terence Newman plays, his effectiveness will be questioned. With Jason Ferguson out at nose guard, Miami might run more between the tackles. It's important for Bradie James and Akin Ayodele to provide run support up the middle, if not, Dallas will struggle. Miami is going to challenge Dallas' secondary deep and could gain success if Ken Hamlin and Roy Williams don't get their communication problems fixed on long pass plays.
The last meeting
Dolphins 40, Cowboys 21, Nov. 27, 2003, Texas Stadium Quincy Carter threw three interceptions and Dallas' offense managed seven second-half points in a Thanksgiving Day loss to Miami.
Carter completed 24 of 40 passes for 288 yards with two touchdowns. But Miami, which led 23-14 at halftime, scored 17 consecutive points to start the second half to take command of the game.
Miami receiver Chris Chambers had five catches for 96 yards and three touchdowns. Ricky Williams, a former Texas star, rushed 31 times for 104 yards in the victory. Miami quarterback Jay Fielder was strong, completing 16 of 20 passes for 239 yards and three touchdowns.
Cowboys receiver Terry Glenn had four catches for 97 yards in the loss. Click here for the story on dallasnews.com.
By the numbers
The Cowboys have lost two of their last three road openers, including last year at Jacksonville. The last time Dallas played in Miami was Oct. 27, 1996, and they beat the Dolphins, 29-10. The last five road openers for the Cowboys.
Year Result Site
2002 L, 19-10 Houston
2003 W, 35-32 (OT) NY Giants
2004 L, 35-17 Minnesota
2005 W, 28-24 San Diego
2006 L, 24-17 Jacksonville
posted by The Gryphon at 7:51 AM
<< Home