Cowboys plan: Run, run and run some more

By Andy Targovnik  |   Thursday, November 16, 2006  |  Comments( 5 )

Dallas Cowboys
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You didn't have to sneak into Dallas Cowboys practice this week to know what their offensive game plan is going to be when Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts visit Texas this Sunday.

No matter how good Tony Romo has played and how high his quarterback rating is, the Cowboys won't be foolish enough to get into a shootout with the Indy "shock and awe" passing game, for the simple reason that there is no way they can win it.

The Cowboys' defense has been outstanding so far this season, but even the 1985 Chicago Bears wouldn't stand a chance if they gave Archie Manning's older boy too many possessions.

So not only will the Cowboys run the ball to shorten the game, but the statistics will demand it.

The Colts' defense is dead last in the league against the run. The unit has not only given up 159 yards a game and 5.1 yards per carry on the ground, but it's allowed a league-leading 77 rushing first downs.

Conversely, the Colts are second in the NFL in passing defense, only giving up 158 yards a game. Why the huge discrepancy?

"They put a premium on the pass rush," Bill Parcells said at Wednesday's press conference. "Their front four comes off the ball and kind of reacts to the run. They try to be disruptive with that; and if they can bat some balls ands strip your runners... they become a successful defense."

So is there any doubt that the Cowboys will try to run the ball down the Colts' throat?

But if there is a disturbing trend, it is the declining production of Julius Jones. The third-year pro out of Notre Dame, who was averaging 4.6 yards a carry through the first five games, has only been able to muster a mere 3.3 yards per scamper; and has not broken 100 yards in any of the last four contests. The Cowboys are left to wonder whether Jones, who came into the season as a question mark because of his durability, may be wearing down.

Luckily for the Cowboys, Marion Barber, who has half as many carries as Jones, has picked up the slack, averaging 5.1 yards per carry, and has been automatic at the goal line, scoring seven touchdowns.

This is not to say that Romo won't be a huge factor in the game. He will. But unlike the last couple of contests, he will be asked to manage the game - not win it. Because if he ends up throwing for 300 yards, chances are good that Dallas will be on the losing side of the score.

So the Cowboys need Jones to revert to his first-half form. And the perfect opponent is in town that will enable him to do it.

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CommentsComments: 5  |  Sign Up  View all comments
No.1
T		11:13 AM
11/16/2006
This sounds good to me...RUN THE BALL. Now don't get me wrong I'd love to see Romo connect with Owens and Glenn for a few 80yd...
No.2
R		07:18 PM
11/16/2006
Just remember that Manning and company will also have an idea what the 'Boys game plan will be. Its very likely that they will...
No.3
Andy		08:36 PM
11/16/2006
Are you implying that the Cowboys don't want to win, R? Would you please let me know what you're smoking and, more importantly,...
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