Dallas Cowboys: The Indianapolis Colts are Team to NOT Take Lightly
Spirits are high in the DFW and all across Dallas Cowboys Nation. Winners of two games in five days, including a division sweep of the NY Giants on Thanksgiving. Plus, they now have themselves a nice 10-day rest window until their Sunday Night game against the Indianapolis Colts. The Cowboys lead the series all-time 10-7, […]
Spirits are high in the DFW and all across Dallas Cowboys Nation. Winners of two games in five days, including a division sweep of the NY Giants on Thanksgiving. Plus, they now have themselves a nice 10-day rest window until their Sunday Night game against the Indianapolis Colts.
The Cowboys lead the series all-time 10-7, but last time these two teams played, it was Andrew Luck versus Dak Prescott. The Cowboys had no luck of their own, losing 23-0. Back when both teams were threats in their respective conferences.
This time around, two sides of different coins.
Dallas is 8-3, possess one of best defenses in the game and an offense that has scored 169 points since the return of QB Dak Prescott.
Indianapolis is 4-7-1, with a defense allowing 18.6 points per game but won't have their best defender LB Shaquille Leonard, and an offense that has only scored 30+ once this season and has been held under 300 total yards six times.
However, the Colts are also a team that is causing plenty of headaches to their opponents. They're the same team who beat the Kansas City Chiefs, and almost brought down other playoff-level teams like the Tennessee Titans, Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles. Coming within one score of the upset.
How do they do it? Defense.
The Colts have given up 2287 passing yards (ninth) and despite giving up 1420 rushing yards (13th most), they only allow 3.9 yards per carry (second best).
They are also sound in key areas such as pass rush and penalties, being penalized the 10th least and allowing the ninth least penalty yards. While they're relentless pass rush is near some of the best in the league.
31 sacks (10th) with a pressure rate of 21.5%, despite being one of the least blitz-heavy defenses. Having only brought a blitz on 13.9% of passing plays, highlighted by the leading forces of Yannick Ngakoue and DeForest Buckner.
Opting to play heavy coverage instead. The same defensive philosophy that caused the Dallas Cowboys downfall last season and has caused the offense similar problems in 2022.
If that's not enough of a concern, eyes should still be on no. 28 in blue, Johnathan Taylor. Despite having a down season, he is still very much a threat. Averaging 87 rushing yards a game, and three fumbles on the season, but still runs with plenty of power and agility.
While the run defense has succeeded as of late versus the likes of Dalvin Cook and Saquon Barkley, this Cowboys run defense has still shown plenty of susceptibility. Having allowed 100+ yards on the ground in seven of their 11 games. A perfect opportunity for a J.T. bounce-back game.
This isn't a trap game, as the Colts have been tough all year, despite their record. Keeping themselves in the game regardless of who their opponent is.
The Dallas Cowboys are playing strong in recent weeks, and having 10 days to prep as opposed to six for Indianapolis is an advantage. But the Colts continue to be a thorn in opposing teams, in areas that have hampered the Cowboys all season.
Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
