NFL Preview: Dallas Cowboys look to even record as Tennessee Titans look to fix big issues
While the Dallas Cowboys (1-2) are the favourites on Sunday and have way more talent than the Tennessee Titans (2-2), we don’t know which Cowboys team we’ll see come game day. By the same token, we’re
unsure of which Titans team we’ll see Sunday. The Titans are trying to get Chris Johnson going again while Dallas are looking to come up big after a bye week and a big win in Houston two weeks ago.
The Titans have not proven they can win a game passing the ball. You can blame Vince Young, you can blame the inconsistency of the wide receivers or you can blame the play calling. The fact is though,
for the Titans to have a shot at the upset, their 2,000-yard rusher from a season ago needs to get it going.
Johnson can’t be entirely blamed for his inconsistency this year, as teams have stacked up the box against him and the offensive line has been unable to create holes for him to run through. The Titans’
passing game has let them down so teams are challenging Young to beat them by turning all their attention to Johnson.
If the Titans want to get Johnson going, they’ll have to build some credibility in the passing game to stretch the defence. This means the Titans have to get first downs through the air and connect deep.
The Titans also have to give their passing game a chance. Young has only attempted 71 passes in four games, completing 47 for 511 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions. Those are respectable numbers but simply not enough attempts to rack up big yards.
Tony Romo, for example. has thrown 128 passes in just three games and has completed 88 passes for 940 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions. It’s simple, you want production from Young, let him throw more
Young also needs help from his receivers. His leading receiver is Nate Washington with 14 receptions for 194 yards and two touchdowns. That’s just not good enough for a number one receiver so the Titans
will need Kenny Britt, Bo Scaife and Justin Gage to get going.
The Cowboys’ defence had a big day against Houston two weeks ago, shutting down the Texans’ top rushing attack and limiting Matt Schaub’s damage. Their number one priority will be to take away Johnson
and make Young try to beat them. That will be tough with Jay Ratliff, DeMarcus Ware and Keith Brooking.
The Cowboys will look for some balance, as they’ll look to exploit a shaky Titans’ secondary by setting up their passing game with a solid running game. The Cowboys want to get Marion Barber, Felix Jones
and Tashard Choice involved which will allow Romo keep the Titans’ fierce defensive line on their heels. The Titans have already registered 14 sacks this season and will have to bring relentless pressure on Romo all game for the Titans to have a shot. Linebacker
Gerald McGrath is returning from a four-game suspension as well which will add even more physicality to an already aggressive Titans defence.
Romo will look to utilize all his offensive weapons with Miles Austin, Roy Williams and Jason Witten leading the way. Romo will have to find ways to deal with pressure though, especially with an offensive
line that looked shaky early in the season. With the bye week though, the o-line should be rested and regrouped for Sunday’s game.
For the Titans to score the upset and get them in full motion Johnson has to rack up yards and Young has to be the compliment to him. The Titans will need to bring pressure on Romo and force the Cowboys
out of their comfort zone. The Cowboys simply have to play their best football because talent wise, the Cowboys win that battle hands-down. The game will likely come down to mental mistakes though. Both teams have to avoid breakdowns as the Titans are looking
to bounce back over .500 while the Cowboys look to reach 2-2 after starting the season 0-2 and their Super Bowl hopes were fading fast. Kickoff is in the late afternoon slot from Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
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