Where the Dallas Cowboys can Attack the Denver Broncos
Amazingly, the Dallas Cowboys are 6-1 despite playing without Dak Prescott in their previous win. Amari Cooper Rush was the story of the win, and Micah Parsons had his best game as a pure inside linebacker. Despite an iffy game, the Cowboys extend their win-streak to 6. Next up are the 4-4 Denver Broncos, coming […]
Amazingly, the Dallas Cowboys are 6-1 despite playing without Dak Prescott in their previous win. Amari Cooper Rush was the story of the win, and Micah Parsons had his best game as a pure inside linebacker. Despite an iffy game, the Cowboys extend their win-streak to 6.
Next up are the 4-4 Denver Broncos, coming off a close win against the Washington Football Team. This game, however, doesn't match the magic of the 2013 Manning vs. Romo game.
Denver doesn't have a quarterback like Dak to make this a marque match-up, hence why it's a noon (central time) kickoff. On top of that, longtime Bronco and future Hall of Famer, Von Miller is no longer on the team.
Injuries have hit both of these teams, but while the Cowboys have overcome some key losses, the Broncos look night and day from where they were after starting 3-0.
However, you can never assume any team in the NFL is an easy win. On any given Sunday, a down team can beat a thriving team. There are some areas that should be paid attention to. Areas where the Dallas Cowboys can exploit and make sure to keep to their advantage.
Abuse their Offensive Line
Starting left tackle Garrett Boles is out with an ankle injury, and starting right guard Graham Glasgow is questionable, dealing with a hip. The Broncos have already had issues at right tackle ever since Ja’Wuan James suffered a torn Achilies earlier this season.
Regardless of which players are blitzing, the Dallas Cowboys have a number of players with multiple sacks, and multiple hurries. Micah Parsons, Randy Gregory, Osa Odighizuwa Chauncey Golston and Tarell Basham all figure into this. With the offensive line set up as is, this could end up looking how Philadelphia or Carolina's offensive lines looked earlier this season.
Unfortunately for Teddy Bridgewater, the way this Cowboys pass rush is playing is bad news for him. He'll be flushed in and out of the pocket all game, and will likely get sack between 2 and 4 times during the game. Denver doesn't have the extra linemen right now to prevent it.
Diggs on Sutton
Courtland Sutton was a Mustang in college, and is a Bronco in the pros. But regardless of where he is, he's been a Stallion. The only person who can wrangle a Stallion? A Cowboy.
Trevon Diggs is the league leader in both interceptions (7) and passes deflected (11). More importantly, he is showing he does a much better job of covering your traditional big, physical specimen receivers like Mike Evans or Kenny Golladay, as opposed to quicker, route technicians like DJ Moore or Adam Thielen. Guess which category Sutton falls into?
Courtland Sutton is a bright spot on an otherwise murky Broncos offense. He leads the team in receptions (40) and receiving yards (579) but will get all of Trevon Diggs on Sunday. Expect him to shadow all game long.
Be Prepared to Double-Team Dak's Blindside
With Terence Steele going from right tackle to left tackle, it opens potential problems for Sunday.
Despite not having All-Pro Tyron Smith for this game, Steele has progressed so well on the right side thanks to the aide of Zack Martin inside. Shifting Steele to the left pairs him with Connor Williams, who has had his own struggles in recent weeks.
Even though Von Miller is no longer a Bronco, and Bradley Chubb still isn't back from injury, the left side of the line might still be a heavy blitz area for Denver.
Dak Prescott is back after missing last week with a calf injury, and his first game in nearly 3 weeks shouldn't come with questions of who'll protect him where he can't see.
Run HEAVILY to the Right
Speaking of offensive line, the Dallas Cowboys will go into this game with a much more talented right side of the offensive line. Zack Martin and La'el Collins are reunited and it feels so good.
Just ask running backs Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard who combine for more 5+ yard runs to the right side combined than elsewhere on the field.
The Broncos defense gives up more than 30 yards rushing on the road. Not only should both the Cowboys running backs get their fair share of carries, but this could be another 200+ rushing yards day for the offense.
