NFL Week Two Picks & Predictions: Cowboys vs. Seahawks (Part One)
Every week of the NFL regular season, we will ask all of The Landry Hat writers and contributors to submit their picks and predictions for the upcoming Dallas Cowboy game. This week, we asked our experts for their predictions for the NFL season opening game between our Cowboys and the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.
Nov 6, 2011; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys tackle Tyron Smith (77) blocks for Tony Romo (9) in the third quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Cowboys Stadium. The Cowboys beat the Seahawks 23-13. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE
Steven Mullenax, Editor & Head Writer: I know that some predictions are calling this game a potential blow-out, but I’m a little more cautious. The Seahawks play in one of the loudest stadiums in the league and that 12th man should be rocking on Sunday. I expect a better outing out of Seattle rookie quarterback Russell Wilson at home and this is a team who shocked the Baltimore Ravens, the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Giants last season. Still, the Dallas revamped defense should be up to the challenge. Marshawn Lynch scorched us for 135 rushing yards in our last meeting. Yet, Dallas still beat Seattle behind 139 rushing yards from DeMarco Murray. I see a close game with the Cowboys winning in the end, 24-20.
Brad Austin, Senior Writer: This is the ideal game Rob Ryan has longed for since arriving in Dallas. He now has the big guns needed to defend the fort while fiercely attacking the enemy. Seattle is led by a 5’11” rookie quarterback who spent most of last Sunday running for his life. The Seahawks offensive line proved very vulnerable against Arizona. With Carr and Claiborne locking down Braylon Edwards and Sidney Rice, look for Ryan to unleash the dogs early, often, and from all angles. Dallas 27, Seattle 13.
Michael Huff, Staff Writer: Romo will have plenty of opportunities, several of them coming from him doing his thing, making a play while trying to get out of trouble. I think Murray runs well and the defense does a good job. Final score, Cowboys win, 28-13.
Slimjizzle83, Video Contributor: My prediction to the game is Cowboys 34, Seahawks 13.
Jeff Federspiel, Staff Writer: The Cowboys, high after the win against division rival and Super Bowl Champion New York Giants, must move on and take each game one week at a time. The talented but unproven Seattle Seahawks are an easy win on paper, but this has the potential for being a trap game if this young team is overlooked. I predict that the Cowboys remain focused and go 2-0 on the road to open the season. Cowboys 21, Seahawks 10.
Jonathan Barger, Senior Writer: Leon Washington can keep this game interesting for the Cowboys. Defensively, Seattle will not be able keep up with the Cowboys offense. Romo will continue to roll. On offense, rookie QB Russel Wilson is going to have a hard time with not enough talent at enough positions to put up more points than Romo & Co. Cowboys win, 31-17.
Todd Toombs, Senior Writer: This game will tell us more about this team than the big win against the Giants. Coming off what was without a doubt a huge win against a division rival, the Cowboys are ripe for a letdown. On paper, they should handle the Seahawks fairly easily – including the fact that it is a road game in a very loud and unfriendly stadium. But, this is why they play the games. I like the tone I have been hearing out of Valley Ranch this week. Feels like the team is aware that they can’t take the Seahawks lightly and are using the extended time off to prepare for a tough game.
The Cowboys defense should be the difference in this one as I don’t see Seattle being able to run the ball effectively. That puts the game in the hands of rookie QB Russell Wilson. He’s talented but still learning on the job and the Cowboys secondary is much improved. They’ve already handled Eli Manning, Hakeem Nicks, and Victor Cruz. They should have no problem with Seattle and I expect there to be at least 2 interceptions. On the offensive side, DeMarco Murray should have a big day but the offensive line still scares me. Romo needs to use his mobility to get out of trouble and stay healthy. But, I think the Cowboys take care of business and win going away. Cowboys 31, Seahawks 13.
If you liked a particular answer, please check out the author’s other articles by clicking on their names.
And join us tomorrow morning as we’ll have more picks and predictions from our other writers and contributors!
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