Dallas Cowboys: Offensive keys to beating the Broncos

Beating Man Coverage

The last key to success for the Cowboys’ offense is beating man-coverage. Denver has the best trio of corners in the NFL, featuring Aqib Talib, Chris Harris, and Bradley Roby. All three are excellent in man-coverage, which they play the majority of the time.

Beating this coverage will be difficult, especially if Dallas gets stuck in third and long situations. Man-coverage makes it difficult to call screens and short passes, as the defensive backs are focused on their own receiver.

To combat this, the Cowboys’ receivers will need to create separation. Denver will put Talib on wide receiver Dez Bryant, as he’s the Broncos’ biggest corner. Talib is exceptional with hand usage and deals with power well, which is Bryant’s biggest strength.

This match-up along with Williams’ injury, means Cole Beasley and Jason Witten will be the key to the Cowboys’ passing attack.

Beasley will be matched up with Roby, who is one of the better slot corners in the league. He’ll have to create separation immediately, so the quick passing game can beat the pass rush.

For Witten, he’ll be covered by a linebacker or Stewart, who is battling a groin injury. His ability to get open across the middle of the field will be important for moving the chains and in the red-zone.

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Finally, Dak Prescott‘s mobility will play a big part in beating this secondary. If Denver tries to play nothing but man-coverage, he’ll have plenty of running lanes in this game. While, he doesn’t take off that often, this could be the game to show off his wheels.