Game Preview: Dallas Cowboys at Kansas City Chiefs
By Jeff Magnia
The Dallas Cowboys made it through week one with their victory over the New York Giants at home, 36-31. Not only did they break the curse that the Giants had with their victories at AT&T Stadium, but they also enjoyed seeing karma wreaking havoc on the Giants. Last year, Tony Romo struggled in their game while Eli Manning had a good game in gaining their victory over the
Sep 8, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) pumps his fist on his way to the locker room after the game against the New York Giants at AT
Cowboys, 29-24. This time around it was Manning who had the trouble as he threw three interceptions while the Giant’s committed three more turnovers.
Now the question is, can they have an improved performance from the Cowboy secondary? And can the offense NOT repeat their performance in from last week? The defense had 6 total turnovers. Despite that fact, they still allowed thirty-one points thrusting them to be ranked number thirty in the league. Dallas still gave up 428 yards passing while only 50 yard rushing. The secondary showed too many weaknesses during the game, allowing Manning to pass with ease getting the Giants downfield. Defensively, the Kansas City Chiefs are ranked number one. That’s right folks. They have the number one rated defense in the NFL. You don’t usually see those two words together, number one and Kansas City, but this is after all the first week of play. Kansas City surrendered a whopping two points in their NFL season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Chief’s allowed 178 total offense. So it seems that Andy Reid’s stamp on this team has been put on it. How that stamp holds throughout the season considering the Chief’s past, we shall see how it all works out.
Offensively, the Cowboys need to step it up. There were too many times that the punter was out there after yet another failed drive. As far as turnovers, we had one interception that was due to a blown assignment by rookie WR Terrance Williams. The passing game netted 244 yards while the rushing game only was able to
produce 87 yards. Demarco Murray wasn’t the dominant running back he should have been. Romo had a scare during the last part of the 2nd quarter as he had the wind knocked out of him. X-rays came back negative so he will be ready to play. Dez Bryant also had his sprained foot checkout. Those results came back negative as well. The big go to man of the night was not Bryant but Miles Austin. Austin had 10 catches for 72 yards. Austin is returning to the stadium that put his name of the NFL map as he set a team record for receiving yards in a game at 250 from 10 catches. For Austin, it was his first start and perhaps the most memorable especially considering he scored the winning touchdown. The Chief’s offense is much the Cowboys. They sputtered through despite scoring 28 points. It was the defense that provided the much needed punch while the offense only mustered 171 yards passing and 120 yards rushing. Jamaal Charles is the spark plug the Cowboys need to focus on.
Overall, this game should be a good one. Of course, the Cowboys should win this game. Andy Reid may know the tendencies of Dallas from his years in Philadelphia. Reid doesn’t have the talent he had in Philly and will be hard pressed to stop Dez Bryant and Miles Austin. Consider the fact that Kansas City opened the season with already lowly Jacksonville; Dallas should be able
December 11, 2011; Landover, MD, USA; New England Patriots guard Brian Waters (54) lines up against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
to score easily and often. Our defense played well against the run and should be able to shut Charles down. If our secondary doesn’t get their act together, former San Francisco 49er Alex Smith may double his passing yards at the end of the day. Murray should have a better time running as Brian Waters might make his debut as RG, a weak point for the Dallas offense.
If Dallas plays at the caliber of last week with the offense improving themselves and the secondary stepping it up, I predict that Dallas will win this game 34-7. If not, I foresee a 35-34 game. Either way, Dallas will win this game and knock the Chief’s out of their short-lived number one ranking atop the NFL defensive rankings. Kickoff is set for 12:00 PM on FOX from Arrowhead Stadium. Post your predictions and comments below.