9 Things To Consider Against The Falcons
By Cory Mageors | @inthemageors
Well, here we are uncomfortably in first place in the NFC East with two costly injuries.
I can never tell how I should feel about return dates because there are so many variables to deal with.
Will Romo be crisp when he returns? Will Dez be sharp and as capable when he comes back? Will the team even be in the hunt still? Will the defense be exhausted/exposed?
With that I present to you, 9 things consider this week against the Falcons.
Brandon Weeden - I'm hopeful that Weeden can play within the scheme. The good thing is, I don't think the Cowboys have quite found a consistent offense yet so instead of forcing him into being a Romo duplicate, they might just ask him to do what it is he's good at.
But do you know what he's good at?
Best guess is short passing game, coupled with heavy run and occasional deep shots from his strong arm. A key here is to protect the quarterback because your depth talent is virtually non-existent.
The reason Weeden provides hope is because he's been in the system for a couple years. In no way are you relying on him to go out and win the game though…right?
The Defense – I'm a huge fan of what they accomplished over the last two weeks.
They kept Odell Beckham Jr. to 44 yards and no soul crushing big plays, Demarco Murray had to go other worldly and leap over Brandon Carr just to gain yards, and Sam Bradford looked lost on the field. This is a different offense in that Matt Ryan is capable and lethal and has Julio Jones and Roddy White, two big strong receivers.
It appears the running game is adding something. But Ryan likes to force things so we could see a couple of turnovers.
Pass vs Run – It's a problem matchup in my opinion.
The Falcons haven't given up 100 yards rushing to either NFC East opponent, they've held the starting running back in check for the most part AND, the passing D is giving up 313 yards a game.
But do you trust Weeden to throw 40 times?
If Romo was in, I'd say unleash the fury, let it fly around and take advantage of the soft spots in their defense. However, do you trust the run game to carry you against a defense that isn't giving up much?
Again I say balance it out, but it sure would be nice to take advantage of an air defense that has holes in it.
The Line – No not the betting line (look to RJ Choppy for his Degenerate Picks). I stink at picking games. But the offensive line has left much to be desired for me.
It was a true struggle with the Eagles, and the numbers show that there was more negative with Mackenzy Bernadeu than it was with Collins.
I tweeted Sunday that I felt like we were missing Bill Callahan, and now the numbers are showing the Redskins are benefitting from a revamped run game…just saying you can follow me @inthemageors I'm verified. But Ronald Leary is back this week, and you know he wants to prove something.
Linebackers – The Falcons will try to expose the nickel coverage the Cowboys deploy with Julio Jones.
What? We have an extra cornerback on the field how can they do that?
With two linebackers hovering around the line of scrimmage, Jones will match up with a slot corner and work his way inside behind the linebackers on a play fake and in stride try to catch the ball beat whatever safety might be left deep.
If the Cowboys choose to come down and play a one-high safety below will be something they will try to do.
Again Sean Lee and Anthony Hitchens will have to stay disciplined and if I know Marinelli, he will bait the Falcons into running this and then drop the LB's into zone for a pick.
The Run Game – On Shan & RJ I heard Fox Sports Fantasy Guru Ryan Fowler say this is a make ore break game for Joseph Randle. He's right. But not for his starting role with the Cowboys.
He's producing at the position, and if things correct on the offensive line, he's going to break for a few big gains that will make everybody calm down. Also take into consideration something key. Fowler is a Fantasy Football guy, what he's saying is in the world of fantasy where consistent 100 yards and a touchdown is 16 points a week.
If fantasy owners aren't getting that and are getting 12, 4, 11 out of him, they cannot trust him. So to gain the trust of fantasy owners, of which I own Randle in two leagues, he needs a nice game with steady output. But as for the Cowboys, they understand what he's doing and he's still the No. 1.
Where to watch – I'll be watching football Sunday at Dave & Busters in Arlington on Sunday 425 Curtis Mathes Way. We givee away huge prizes like power cards every quarter, sometimes two and three times a quarter. We have K&C T-Shirts and the grand prize somebody gets to shoot Kevin Hageland in the face with a T-Shirt out of a T-Shirt Cannon! Also $19.99 all you can eat wings that includes a $10 powercard. Massive TV's with all the games. It's an absolute blast and we get rowdy and loud so if you are looking for a place, join us.
Jason Garrett – I don't feel bad for him, because life throws curveballs and how you respond is what makes or breaks you. But if somebody had told Garrett he was going to lose Orlando Scandrick, Tony Romo, Dez Bryant, Randy Gregory and be without Greg Hardy and Rolando McClain heading into this season he probably would have turned Red and gotten distraught internally resulting in more "Process" talk. However, this is a guy who is battle tested as a backup and won games in that role. He's able to inspire this team and he has a defense on fire right now.
I don't think this is going to be a second guess of Garrett week, but a week where we say he's becoming a transcendent coach.
Tony, Tony, Tony – Man we're going to miss this guy.
He'll be there with a sling on and a headset to stay in Weeden's ear, but his intangible leadership qualities and ability to make checks and reads will be missed.
If the Cowboys are down by 20, you still always feel like the team is in the game. I can't say everybody will feel that way with Weeden at the helm.
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