Six key strategies for a Cowboys victory

By Andy Targovnik  |   Friday, September 29, 2006  |  Comments( 4 )

Dallas Cowboys
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If you can't take one more minute of Terrell Owens coverage, you're in the right place.

The Dallas Cowboys travel to Nashville to take on the Tennessee Titans this Sunday. Even though the Cowboys are a big favorite, anything can happen.

So here are three offensive and defensive strategies that should ensure that the Cowboys get on a return flight to Dallas on Sunday night with a 2-1 record.

OFFENSE:

1. Run the ball down the Titans' throats:

Tennessee is giving up an average of 163 yards a game on the ground. Heck, even the Jets, who have a feeble running attack, gained close to 100 yards. So give Julius Jones the ball early and often, and let him do his stuff.

2. Watch the dog and blitz:

Tennessee frequently dogged and blitzed the Miami Dolphins last week. On obvious passing downs, the Cowboys might be well-served to throw some short screens or quick slants. A couple of early play-action passes might also keep the Titans back on their heels.

3. Cash in on early opportunities:

The last thing the Cowboys need is for this game to be up for grabs in the fourth quarter. They should go for the jugular from the start. If the Cowboys can jump out to a 10- or 14-point lead, the Titans will start to doubt themselves and will probably not come back. But should Dallas let them hang around, they may start to believe that they can win, which is half the battle. As Yogi Berra said: "Ninety percent of the game is half mental."


DEFENSE:

1. Get to Kerry Collins:

Collins has a good arm and if he has time to get comfortable in the pocket, he can be effective. But knock him on his butt a couple of times and it's a totally different story. With that in mind, early in the game, Dallas should send the kitchen sink after Collins to rattle him. After that, just the thought of an aggressive pass rush should get him to panic and throw bad passes.

2. Don't fear Vince Young:

At this point in his career, Young can't hurt the Cowboys with his passing ability. So, if he lines up behind center, the Cowboys' D should defend him exactly like the New Orleans Saints played Michael Vick on Monday night: Don't overpursue; make him stay in the pocket.

3. Watch for trickery:

From a talent standpoint, the Titans are no match for Dallas, and Jeff Fisher knows it. So the Cowboys should be wary of fake punts, fake field goals, flea flickers, reverses and any other trick that's humanly possible. Remember, Fisher called for the famous game-winning Frank Wycheck lateral against the Buffalo Bills in the 2000 playoffs, so we know chicanery is in Fisher's repertoire.

Get the best Dallas Cowboys analysis at RealFootball365.com
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