Carolina @ Dallas: Keys to the Game

Tonight begins the epic journey to the Superbowl. I am an optimist on all accounts. I pull for Romo and I defend the team, but tonight is BIG. There is a very big difference between 1-2 and 2-1, and that difference more then likely in a tough division means everything. When the Eagles and Giants are winning with injuries, you must do the same, or find yourself on a tough road to no where.

The Carolina Panthers come into the Jerry Megaplex tonight looking for redemption. They look to prove that their Quarterback is the man, their running game is stellar, Steve Smith still has it, and the defense can hang with the best. On the otherhand, the Cowboys have much to prove also. After starting the season very well and coming in last week on a more upsetting game, this is the defining game. THIS IS THE BIG GAME for Tony Romo. So without further introduction, we’ll look at the keys to the game for this week at home against the Carolina Panthers.

1. Run The Ball: The Carolina Defense has allowed 168 rushing yards a game so far. Not only are they 29th in the league in rush defense but they will be without starting linebacker Na’il Diggs, Everette Brown and Starting Strong Safety Chris Harris. If our running game can be productive expect bigger things to come out of Romo. Since the Play Action Fake will be more effectively Utilized and Bennett and Witten will be regarded a little easier with Felix and Tashard keeping the ball so much. Note: Marion Barbers Status is still Questionable, you can expect a limited role if he plays.

2. Stop The Run: The Panthers haven’t been outrageous on the run this season like some expected, ranked merely 14th in the league. However, the potential or this backfield is limitless. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart present a true challenge, and if we let them get rolling, it’ll be a long night. On our side, the running defense looked good last week and I expect it to be better this week. We have the most talented linebacker core in the NFC East I believe and the talent should prevail tonight.

3. Pressure the Quarterback: Jake Delhomme has been sacked 4 times so far and has thrown 5 interceptions. That bodes well for a defense who is sackless and pickless in two weeks of ball. DeMarcus Ware is starting to get attention from the media, but let it be known the pressures still there just sacks not being registered. If the Cowboys can rattle Delhomme’s cage, expect turnovers and sacks to ruin Carolina’s evening.

4. Field Position: The Cowboys have been pretty effective on special teams, which is a vast improvement over last year. They have had 4 touchbacks already and average only 21 yards a return. Field position will be key tonight

5. Protect, Find, Contain: The offensive line needs to protect Romo which they’ve done a good job at so far, but Julius Peppers can surely make it hurt so he must be contained. Romo must make smart reads meaning finding Witten, Roy, Patrick, Miles, Marty-B, and Felix in favorable match-ups, reading the defense, and delivering precise throws. Lastly, Steve Smith is still averaging 13 yards a catch he will be a chore for Newman.

Injury Report:

Dallas:

Michael Hamlin- Wrist (Out)

Jason Williams- Ankle (Out)

Stephen McGee- Full participation this week (Probable)

Marion Barber- Limited with Strained Thigh (Questionable)

Carolina

Na’il Diggs- Rib (Out)

Everette Brown- Ankle (Doubtful)

Chris Harris- Knee (Doubtful)

Brad Hoover- Back (Doubtful)

Last Minute:

I just want to reach out to Redskins fans and let them know how classy there team was this week. After losing to the Detriot Lions, the Redskins congratulated, celebrated, and prayed with the Lions. This was an epic and inspiring display of class that is very seldom witnessed in the National Football League anymore. I hope that coaches and players took notice of this display of sportsmanship and will encourage their plays to do the same.