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Dallas Cowboys: Ailing defense to face wounded Cardinals

By Brad Austin

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 04: Running back David Johnson #31 of the Arizona Cardinals steps out of the tackle of Josh Norman #24 of the Washington Redskins during the fourth quarter of a game at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 4, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Redskins 31-23. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 04: Running back David Johnson #31 of the Arizona Cardinals steps out of the tackle of Josh Norman #24 of the Washington Redskins during the fourth quarter of a game at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 4, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Redskins 31-23. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 10: Orlando Scandrick #32 of the Dallas Cowboys walks to the locker room after being injured on a play against the New York Giants in the first half at AT&T Stadium on September 10, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 10: Orlando Scandrick #32 of the Dallas Cowboys walks to the locker room after being injured on a play against the New York Giants in the first half at AT&T Stadium on September 10, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

RECEIVERS RETURNING GIFTS

The battered Cowboys secondary would dodge a speeding bullet if receiver John Brown remains out for a second straight week.

Head coach Bruce Arians claims it’ll take a miracle for his quadriceps to be ready.

Brown (5’11, 179) is a burner who runs a 4.34 40-yard dash. Quarterback Carson Palmer once claimed he’s the fastest player in the league.

104 catches, 1,520 yards, and 9 touchdowns the last two seasons prove he’s legit.

Dallas didn’t handle speed well last week while dealing with injuries. Brown’s absence from the receiving corps would be a welcome gift.

It’s not all roses as J.J. Nelson (5-10, 160) is even faster with a 4.28 40-yard dash.

Nelson leads the 2017 team with 163 receiving yards but lags far behind Brown’s career numbers. Either way, it’s easier to defend one speed demon than two.

Another welcome receiving scratch may be tight end Jermaine Gresham. He missed last week with injured ribs.

Next: Do the Dallas Cowboys miss Tony Romo?

Gresham is the Cardinals only credible receiving threat at tight end. Still the veteran hasn’t caused significant damage (400+ yards) since 2014.

His loss would have ripple effects hurting Arizona’s run game and pass blocking.

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