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By Rainer Sabin
rsabin@dallasnews.com
2:30 pm on October 5, 2013 | Permalink
Fresh off a deflating defeat at San Diego, the Cowboys return home to face Denver. The Broncos are off to the most impressive start in the 2013 NFL season, having won all four games by an average margin of 22 points. Led by Peyton Manning, their offense has looked unstoppable at times. The Cowboys are aware of the challenge they face this week. The question is whether they are capable of tackling it. Here is a look at the Cowboys’ keys to victory:
Limit Peyton Manning
It seems a fait accompli that Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning will throw for more than 300 yards against the Cowboys secondary. He has yet to fall short of that total in any game this season, after all. The Cowboys also feature one of the worst pass defenses in the league, surrendering a gross average of 328.5 yards per game through the air. Dallas, on paper, doesn’’t stand much of a chance against Manning. But it must keep him from becoming the third quarterback to throw for more than 400 yards against the Cowboys this season.
Keep the ball
Perhaps the most effective way to stop Peyton Manning is to deny him the ball. The Cowboys can do that by being patient on offense and stringing together long drives. Dallas is seventh in the NFL in time of possession, averaging 32:06. It will have to be even better Sunday. The Cowboys understand the frustration that surfaces when it doesn’’t have control of the ball. Last Sunday, in a third quarter that changed the complexion of the Cowboys’ 30-21 loss to San Diego, the Chargers maintained possession for almost 12 minutes, setting the stage for their comeback victory. Dallas would serve itself well if it can replicate what San Diego did.
Stay committed to ground game
Because keeping the ball will be important in this game, Dallas must establish and stay committed to its ground game. One week after DeMarco Murray had 26 carries in a 175-yard performance against St. Louis, the Cowboys ran only 16 times against San Diego. Dallas needs to rely on Murray more than it did last Sunday. After all, it would be foolish for the Cowboys to think they can survive a shootout with Denver and ultimately beat the Broncos at their own game. The Cowboys must try to pound away at Denver, keep the clock ticking, and force Peyton Manning to stand on the sideline.
Force turnovers
The Cowboys beat Peyton Manning the last time they played him, Yes, it’’s true. In December 2010, Dallas outlasted the Indianapolis Colts, 38-35, in overtime. During that game, Manning threw four interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns. Even with Manning committing a series of turnovers, the score was tied at the end of regulation, proving that he’’s still effective in a game when he’’s mistake-prone. If the Cowboys can force Manning to give away the ball, they will have the opportunity to beat him again.
rsabin@dallasnews.com
2:30 pm on October 5, 2013 | Permalink
Fresh off a deflating defeat at San Diego, the Cowboys return home to face Denver. The Broncos are off to the most impressive start in the 2013 NFL season, having won all four games by an average margin of 22 points. Led by Peyton Manning, their offense has looked unstoppable at times. The Cowboys are aware of the challenge they face this week. The question is whether they are capable of tackling it. Here is a look at the Cowboys’ keys to victory:
Limit Peyton Manning
It seems a fait accompli that Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning will throw for more than 300 yards against the Cowboys secondary. He has yet to fall short of that total in any game this season, after all. The Cowboys also feature one of the worst pass defenses in the league, surrendering a gross average of 328.5 yards per game through the air. Dallas, on paper, doesn’’t stand much of a chance against Manning. But it must keep him from becoming the third quarterback to throw for more than 400 yards against the Cowboys this season.
Keep the ball
Perhaps the most effective way to stop Peyton Manning is to deny him the ball. The Cowboys can do that by being patient on offense and stringing together long drives. Dallas is seventh in the NFL in time of possession, averaging 32:06. It will have to be even better Sunday. The Cowboys understand the frustration that surfaces when it doesn’’t have control of the ball. Last Sunday, in a third quarter that changed the complexion of the Cowboys’ 30-21 loss to San Diego, the Chargers maintained possession for almost 12 minutes, setting the stage for their comeback victory. Dallas would serve itself well if it can replicate what San Diego did.
Stay committed to ground game
Because keeping the ball will be important in this game, Dallas must establish and stay committed to its ground game. One week after DeMarco Murray had 26 carries in a 175-yard performance against St. Louis, the Cowboys ran only 16 times against San Diego. Dallas needs to rely on Murray more than it did last Sunday. After all, it would be foolish for the Cowboys to think they can survive a shootout with Denver and ultimately beat the Broncos at their own game. The Cowboys must try to pound away at Denver, keep the clock ticking, and force Peyton Manning to stand on the sideline.
Force turnovers
The Cowboys beat Peyton Manning the last time they played him, Yes, it’’s true. In December 2010, Dallas outlasted the Indianapolis Colts, 38-35, in overtime. During that game, Manning threw four interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns. Even with Manning committing a series of turnovers, the score was tied at the end of regulation, proving that he’’s still effective in a game when he’’s mistake-prone. If the Cowboys can force Manning to give away the ball, they will have the opportunity to beat him again.
