Cowboys at Colts: 3 quick keys to the game for Dallas
As the Dallas Cowboys prepare to take on the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, here are three quick keys to the game for America’s Team.
For fans of the Dallas Cowboys, this is the game you’ve been wishing for. Despite starting the season losing five of their first eight games and surely heading for yet another disastrous ending, the Cowboys have miraculously rattled off five straight wins.
With a victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, the Cowboys can lock up the NFC East crown and earn themselves a place in the playoffs. But Indy is coming off an impressive set of wins as well. Here are three quick keys to the game for Dallas to come out victorious.
#1. Can Connor Stand Up?
Four-time Pro Bowl right guard Zack Martin has already been ruled out for this game against the Colts due to a knee injury. In his place will be Connor Williams, the Cowboys’ second round selection out of Texas. The first-year offensive lineman lost his starting gig after eight games at left guard.
The Cowboys need Williams to step up big as quarterback Dak Prescott is already the most sacked passer this season (48) and running back Ezekiel Elliott leads the league in rushing (1,262 yards). The offensive line plays a big part in both of those stats. Reducing Prescott’s sack total and feeding Zeke early and often is vital in this matchup.
#2. Grounding Air Luck
The Colts have a young, but talented offensive line that is doing a great job of protecting their best player, quarterback Andrew Luck. Premier pass rusher DeMarcus Lawrence and the Hot Boyz will need to consistently penetrate Indy’s O-Line and make Luck uncomfortable in the pocket as they did to New Orleans Saints’ quarterback Drew Brees in Week 13.
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#3. Calling Mr. Cooper
Since joining the Dallas Cowboys in Week Nine, Pro Bowl wide receiver Amari Cooper has been the catalyst for the team’s recent resurgence. Cooper has racked up 40 receptions for 642 yards and six touchdowns in six games. His 16.1 yards per catch average is the perfect balance to Elliott’s ground and pound game. Look for Prescott and Cooper to attempt to connect often in this contest against a Colts’ secondary that allows the second highest completion percentage by opposing passers (71.9).