Sept. 8, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) signals to teammates during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-US PRESSWIRE

#1. What are your feelings on QB Russell Wilson and his NFL debut against the Arizona Cardinals?

KM: Wilson was a bit over-hyped after his pre-season performance. He performed about as well as you’d expect a rookie to perform. He missed some plays, and he made some plays. He also wasn’t helped much by a banged up offensive line that let through too much pressure. The line should be better this week, and in turn so should Wilson.

#2: How much of a factor will the 12th man be this Sunday?

KM: People who have never been to a game in Seattle just don’t understand how much louder it is up there than anywhere else in the league. The 12th Man is a huge advantage, especially for the defense. That said, the game is still decided by the players on the field. The fans can only do so much.

#3: What’s the injury status on RB Marshawn Lynch? And what can you tell us about his back-up, Robert Turbin?

KM: Lynch’s back spasms are nothing new. They’ve been an issue off and on since he came to Seattle in the middle of the 2010 season. He’ll be limited in practice this week, but he’ll play and take most of the carries on offense. As for Turbin, exactly what he is at this level remains to be seen. He’s built like a power back like Lynch, and runs like one, but he also has surprisingly good speed if he gets out in the open field. He is still developing a feel for the Seahawks zone based running game, but he showed in the preseason that he can be more than just a 5 carry/game RB in this league.

#4: What are the strengths and weaknesses of the Seattle defense?

KM: The Seahawks rush defense was one of the best in the NFL last season, giving up just 3.6 yards per carry. This year, it appears to be even better. 330 lb DE Red Bryant isn’t the type of player you’ll find on any other 4-3 defense, and it shows on the stat sheet. On the other hand, a player like Bryant can’t be depended on to generate a pass rush like a standard 4-3 end does, and it leads to the Seahawks having a very inconsistent pass rush that can be the downfall of this defense at times.

#5:  What’s your prediction for Sunday’s Cowboys vs. Seahawk game?

KM: With the way that Wilson and the Seahawks O-line played last week, I have a tough time believing that the Seahawks will win this game. Being at home should help, and the Seahawks run defense should be able to shut down DeMarco Murray, but unless the pass rush improved Tony Romo should have a good day. I think this will be a close, low scoring game. 16-13 Cowboys.

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While on paper this game should be a cake walk, it has all the makings of a classic trap game.  Like most Cowboy fans, I would love nothing more than a complete blowout of the hapless Cardinals, but there are things worth pausing and considering before assuming the Cowboys move to 8-4 on the season:

1. It’s the NFL.  Players and coaches will tell you that at this level every win is hard fought despite what the final score is – especially on the road.
2. The Cowboys last win in Arizona was in 2006.  They’ve lost the last 2 times including the 30-24 overtime loss in 2008 on a blocked punt (and broken foot for McBriar) and last year’s 27-26 loss to a then 4-10 Cardinals team.  Most teams play a little harder against “America’s Team” but having once been in the same division, the Cardinals always seem to deliver an exceptional effort against the Cowboys.  It may not be enough but expect another superior effort on Sunday. (more…)