NFL Week 15 Staff Picks & Predictions: Cowboys vs. Steelers

Steven Mullenax — Sun, 16 Dec 2012 10:15:12 +0000

Every week of the NFL regular season, we 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 Sunday’s game between our Cowboys and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

December 9, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) passes the ball as San Diego Chargers defensive end Corey Liuget (94) and outside linebacker Melvin Ingram (54) close in during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The San Diego Chargers won 34-24. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Jeff Federspiel, Staff Writer: The Cowboys are 4-1 in their last 5 games and have managed to keep their playoff hopes alive, despite having to overcome a heartbreaking tragedy and a seemingly endless string of injuries. They are now in a part of the season where every game is a must-win situation if they wish to keep their destiny in their hands. If the Cowboys offense can find balance, they have a real shot at winning this game and set themselves up for a meaningful December push. Cowboys 24, Steelers 21.

Tammy Garrett, Staff Writer: The Dallas Cowboys are coming off an emotional road win against Cincinnati. The ‘Boys will once again be fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive when the Pittsburgh Steelers roll into town Sunday afternoon. Although their defense is struggling, especially on third down conversions, they pull out a win on the strength of their passing attack. Dallas 21, Pittsburgh 17.

Mark Lane, Senior Writer - Steelers and their belligerent, frontrunning fans come into Cowboys Stadium and do what they couldn’t do in Super Bowl XLV. Zone blitzes befuddle Dallas’ offensive line and Romo delivers a below average performance. Emmanuel Sanders torches the Cowboys’ back end, as Heath Miller exposes Ernie Sims and Dan Connor. All the Cowboys’ heart can’t save them, as it’s evident they need their injured talent to do that. Steelers win 27-17.

Alex Young, Staff Writer: On the surface, it says the Cowboys will be at home this week, but the trained fan knows otherwise. Few fans travel as well as Steeler fans and in this great rivalry, expect a large amount of “terrible towels” waving all game long. Both teams desperately need to win in order to keep playoff hopes alive, but Pittsburgh is coming off being embarrassed at home by the Chargers. The Cowboys have been very underwhelming at home this season and have struggled to get off to good starts. Playing a solid defense like Pittsburgh won’t make that task any easier, especially with an ailing Dez Bryant. The Steelers will run and pass the ball effectively en route to a close victory, Dallas just has too many key defensive injuries. Steelers 26 Cowboys 20.

Mike Burke, Staff Writer: Pittsburgh is currently in the 7th spot for the AFC playoffs. Their critical matchup is next week against Cincinnati. Then they close against Cleveland. If they win those last 2 games this week is inconsequential to them given the fact Cincy won last night. I won’t be surprised if they happen to be a little flat as they look to not sustain more injuries to try and finish strong. Dallas 27, Pittsburgh, 17.

Michael Huff, Staff Writer: This one is a real battle of defenses. Cowboys win 21-10.

Todd Toombs, Senior Writer: The Steelers may be one of the only teams as beat up as the Cowboys. Big Ben won’t finish the game and the Cowboys carve out a close win. Cowboys 20, Steelers 16.

Kudos to the Cowboys for a Quiet Off-Season

thelandryhat — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 15:10:38 +0000

By: Joe D.

I know I am tempting fate by acknowledging the unspoken, but the Dallas Cowboys players and management have been incredibly well-behaved this off-season. While management may have been tempted, they did not sink millions of dollars into mediocre (& often malcontented) talent.

The players have mostly avoided the police blotter (save for Deon Anderson). That doesn’t mean there hasn’t been “wrong doing”. In this society, getting caught doing wrong is often more important than the wrong doing itself.

Football is a sport played by abnormal people. They have to have a special warring mentality. Players tend to have a greater amount of testosterone which translates into a larger frame and debatably more aggressive behavior. They especially have to embrace the concept that they are indestructible. This certainly contributes to the number of NFL players who drive while intoxicated (Joey Porter, Ronnie Brown, Spencer Havner, Donte Stallworth, etc.). Even being an idiot while intoxicated (BIWI) is now prohibited (Ben Rothlisberger).

Some players also have unfair pressure placed upon them. There are countless stories where a player will enter the bar and not surprisingly will be the biggest guy at the bar. Drunk guys looking to impress fickle women will pick a fight. Avoiding a fight isn’t as easy as it sounds, and not nearly as much fun as the alternative.

Despite all that, the players have been model citizens (save for Deon). Kudos players; kudos management for bringing in players who are both talented and good character guys (or at least smart enough not to get caught). The Cowboys reputation as bad boys may not change anytime soon, but even our bad boys weren’t that bad when they were on the team(Owens – zero arrests; Tank Johnson – zero arrests; Adam Jones – a stupid case of friendly fire).

So Jerry, keep the high character guys coming, and for all of our sakes, avoid Carlos Dunlap, Mike Williams, etc.

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NFL Week 15 Staff Picks & Predictions: Cowboys vs. Steelers

Kudos to the Cowboys for a Quiet Off-Season