Can the Dallas Cowboys defense put Andrew Luck on his back?
The Colts have defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, who has intimate knowledge about the Dallas Cowboys. Does this give them an edge?
After predicting that the Dallas Cowboys would devour the Philadelphia Eagles last week, it was still tough to watch a football game that was much closer than it needed to be. Statistically, the Cowboys dominated the Eagles in every category, but required overtime to get the victory. To have a strong playoff run, the Cowboys can not allow themselves to play down to their opponents.
Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott once ran for 220 yards on the 2014 Ohio State team that defeated Wisconsin by a score of 59-0. I know Elliott has a killer instinct but can it spread through the rest of the locker room? Head coach Jason Garrett hasn’t shown himself to be the type of guy to step on an opponent’s throat and eliminate their spirit by going for it on fourth down with a three touchdown lead.
Speaking of opponents, the Baltimore … I mean Indianapolis Colts are the Cowboys next opponent. A few weeks ago, I thought the Colts would present a challenge. Two weeks ago, they suffered an embarrassing 6-0 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars – their divisional rival. Last week, they rebounded to beat another rival, the Houston Texans, by a score of 24-21. For that reason, the Colts are back on my “This team should not be taken lightly” list.
The Colts defensive coordinator is Matt Eberflus. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because Eberflus was the Cowboys’ linebacker coach from 2011-2015. He was given the additional title of passing game coordinator from 2016-2017.
Eberflus’ former duties with the Cowboys gives him intimate knowledge of Dallas’ personnel. In other words, Eberflus can help the Colts’ offense prepare for future Hall of Fame safety Jeff Heath and the rest of the Cowboys defense.
Speaking of defense, the Cowboys are ranked 2nd in points allowed. They’re allowing an average of 18.9 points per game. I wish former Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo could’ve had this defense and played with former head coach Jimmy Johnson. The Cowboys would definitely have nine Super Bowl trophies. Debate that among yourselves in the comment section.
As I mentioned, I realized that Colts’ might present a challenge a few weeks ago because quarterback Andrew Luck and his offensive line were playing incredible football. Even with a record of 7-6, Luck had thrown two or more touchdowns in 11 of 13 games. Out of 11 games, Luck threw for three touchdowns five times and threw four touchdowns three times.
I did mention the Colts offensive line was playing well too. From October 14th to November 18th, a five-game span (I did the math, you’re welcome), Luck and the Colts offensive line did not allow a single sack. At the time, I believed the Colts offensive line would present the biggest challenge to the Cowboys pass rush.
With insight from Eberflus, it’s possible the Colts offensive line has blitz protection and blocking schemes prepared for the Cowboys. Luck has proven that he can consistently have multiple touchdown performances – instead of one big game against a depleted Eagles secondary.
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The battle in the trenches between the Colts offensive line against the Cowboys defensive line (and Jeff Heath) should be fun to watch. That’s why I won’t mention how the Colts give free season tickets to everyone that attends the Indianapolis 500 or that the Colts football games get lower ratings than reruns of Kendra On Top.
None of that may be true, but remember – facts don’t matter when you’re trash talking in the stands.
#GoCowboys