Let’s Play…Cowboys and Colts Game Preview

Dallas Cowboys @ Indianapolis Colts

This season has not played out for both of these teams the way they would have liked, for Dallas before the season everyone was talking how they were a Super Bowl contender and most already had them in the game. With weapons like Tony Romo and Miles Austin and the emerging Dez Bryant the ‘boys really did seem like they were Super Bowl bound but a funny thing happened on the way to the big dance they actually had to play football games. We can always say a team looks good on paper but paper doesn’t play the game and the only way to make stats is to play the game. For Dallas injuries played a part but also lack of energy on the field and lack of determination in my opinion led the Cowboys to under achieve this season. For Indianapolis after going six straight seasons with 12 or more wins this season has been a difficult one, with many injuries to key players on offense and defense it hasn’t been the same team. If we look at the previous games the Colts have played they could have easily come into this game with a 9-2 record many losses have been by single digits and few of those losses came down to them having the final possession just not able to execute. Over the past couple of games Manning and the offense has really struggled, he has thrown an amazing 7 interceptions over that time and the running game has been invisible. A comment was made about the Colts and I believe it could be true for so long there has been much on Manning’s shoulders but I think this season it just may be too much to handle, but we will see there is still a lot of football to be played.

Keys to the Game:

Felix Jones

Colts running game

For Dallas to give Jon Kitna time to throw the ball, Felix Jones is an important part of this process. With Marion Barber out Jones will be relied on to carry the load and it could be a big load against the Colts run defense. If Dallas cannot run the ball look for the two dynamic ends to really get after Kitna and look for that pressure to continue all game long.

If the Colts are looking for the passing attack to be as effective as in the pass, they MUST establish a small running attack. For so long everyone knew what Indy would be doing in the game but that was when the Colts were healthy, and now that is not the case. Manning has struggled as of late but if they are looking to turn it around the rushing attack is the place to begin.

> Find Indianapolis Colts hats & Merchandise online through Pro Football Fans for all your team gear!

Key Match-ups:

Cowboys O-line vs. Mathis and Freeney

Colts O-line vs. Cowboys D-line

Romo suffered an injury because the back missed a block chances are if they miss a block on Sunday Jon Kitna will find himself were Romo is, on the sideline. If the line can keep it together and Felix Jones can have some success, Jon Kitna is more than capable of making Indianapolis pay on the field. If there is no success in the rushing attack, the two ends will pin their ears back and let it ride.

The offensive line of the Colts has really struggled in the past couple of games and many of the interceptions from Manning have been because he is rushed and doesn’t have time to set himself in the pocket. The key for the Colts is giving him the time to make the right throw; he can always read the defense it is all about timing. Look for Dallas to disrupt and even take a page out of the Chargers playbook and make Manning as uncomfortable as possible.

Prediction:

Both teams are struggling but the Cowboys have a new fire with Jason Garrett at the helm and it shows on the field. Dallas is looking for a big win in the drum but do they have what it takes? For Indy it is about getting back on track and focusing on winning the AFC south but for that to happen they must limit the mistakes and get healthy, on Sunday they will limit their mistakes. Dallas will come in and put up a strong fight but Indianapolis at home is a tough team to beat (again). I look for the Colts to put on a show and it could be a shootout at any rate it will be a fun game to watch.

By Sam Adams
ProFootball-fans.com Staff Writer