Cowboys at Colts: How Dallas will clinch the division
By Tyrone Starr
Firmly control of their own destiny, the Dallas Cowboys visit the Indianapolis Colts with a chance to clinch the division. Here is what to watch for today.
The Dallas Cowboys are in control of their own destiny. Five weeks ago, that sentence would have been laughably absurd. Now? It’s exhilarating and completely factual.
The Cowboys travel to Indianapolis to face the Colts in a game that represents many things. This is the last true road test for this team until (likely) round two of the playoffs. It gives this team yet another chance to face off against a high-powered offense. This game also should feature the return of linebacker Sean Lee and the first game ever missed by guard Zack Martin.
Lee, who hasn’t been on the field since the last time this team lost, should make an already good defense even better. Martin’s absence, meanwhile, will challenge an offensive line that has been inconsistent all year.
So, how do the Cowboys find a way to get a big road win and claim the NFC East? Here’s what to watch for.
- The Colts could be without star receiver T.Y. Hilton. He has a pretty serious ankle injury and will test it out prior to the game. Even if he does play, he will not be 100%.
If Hilton can’t go, it will obviously hurt the Colts offense but they still have weapons. The Cowboys primary worry should be tight end Eric Ebron.
Ebron has twelve touchdowns receiving and another rushing in 2018. All but one of those touchdowns have come in the red zone. If Dallas wants to leave Lucas Oil Stadium with a victory, they will need to shut Ebron out of the end zone.
- Colts quarterback Andrew Luck is just an another great at the position this Cowboys defense will face this year. Luck’s unique skill set may be the biggest test to this defense yet.
The Cowboys lost to mobile quarterbacks Cam Newton and Russell Wilson, yet were victorious over pocket passers like Matt Ryan and Drew Brees. Luck is a hybrid of both mobile and pocket passer.
Luck is in the top ten in completion percentage, yards and touchdowns but he has one big issue in 2018. He’s on pace to throw for the second most interceptions in his career. Currently, he’s tied for the second most in the entire league.
A strong pass rush from DeMarcus Lawrence, Tyrone Crawford and the rest of the Hot Boyz could induce a couple of interceptions which would go a long way towards victory.
- Offensively, the Cowboys will face a surprisingly solid Colts rush defense. Currently, Indianapolis ranking eighth in yards allowed. The high ranking defense is a little questionable however, given who they have faced.
Arguably, the best running back the Colts have faced was Cincinnati rusher Joe Mixon back in week one. Mixon is no Ezekiel Elliott.
Even without Zack Martin, Elliott should be able to feast on the Colts defense and eclipse 100+ yards for the fifth time in six games. Punishing Indianapolis with Elliott will also keep Luck on the sidelines which is always a recipe for success.
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The Dallas Cowboys have everything right in front of them. If they handle business today, they can punch their ticket to the playoffs. While there are several scenarios in which this could happen without a win today, you have a feeling Dallas wants to do this on their own. I think that happens this afternoon.