Cowboys at Falcons: Preview and predictions from Sport DFW
By Reid Hanson
The 5-3 Dallas Cowboys take their winning streak on the road to face the defending NFC Champs, the Atlanta Falcons. Here’s what to watch for…
The Dallas Cowboys are playing their best ball of the season. One could argue, after last week’s easy victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, Dallas established themselves as the best in the NFL. But all of that changed overnight with the loss of Ezekiel Elliott.
After losing his appeal, Zeke begins his six-game suspension. Not only must the Cowboys overcome the loss of their workhorse, but they must do so without the services of their All-Pro left tackle, Tyron Smith.
Alfred Morris will be given the lions share of the opportunities, with Rod Smith and Darren McFadden likely to play complementary roles. Dallas is intent on continuing their dominance in the running game, and Atlanta will be eager to stack the box and stop it. It will be a battle of wills that will likely determine the final outcome today.
Reid Hanson Prediction
Dallas finds themselves in dangerous territory today as they take on a good team with a harmless record. Combine the good feelings of beating the Chiefs last week, with the inevitable look ahead to next week against the division-leading Eagles, and you have fertile territory to take this game too lightly.
Oddly enough, I think the suspension to Zeke and the loss of Tyron will help the team focus on the tough task at hand – beating Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons.
Ryan doesn’t move around much but he knows when to hold ’em and he knows when to fold ’em. In other words, he knows when he can stand in the pocket and look for the deep pass, but he also knows when to release the ball quickly and avoid sacks.
Alf will get 80 yards on 18 carries, Rod Smith will be the Cowboys’ short yardage specialist, and McFadden will get to run on a pair of drives. I expect a big yardage day from both teams offensively with Brice Butler, of all people, being the deciding factor.
Cowboys 26 Falcons 24
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Dink Kearney Prediction
It seems like every week the Dallas Cowboys are in a must-win game. Basically, it’s the truth, especially since Ezekiel Elliott will miss at least the next four games serving his suspension.
The Cowboys are the underdogs going into Sunday’s contest against the slumping Atlanta Falcons, a team that’s still recovering from its Super Bowl loss to the Patriots. Well, the agony will only continue against the Cowboys as Dak Prescott will show the doubters, haters, and clueless scouts that he’s the real deal.
Dak is going to spread the ball around to all of his receivers and he’s going to use legs to make plays, causing problems for the Falcons defense. Dak will throw a few touchdowns to Dez Bryant and Cole Beasley. Alfred Morris will be the bell cow and reach the century mark with a pair of touchdowns, and the Cowboys front four will get after Matt Ryan and make his day miserable.
With Ryan Being flushed out of the pocket and harassed on a consistent basis, the Cowboys defense will nab a few interceptions and give the ball back to Dak and the Cowboys explosive offense.
Next: Will they grow to hate Dak Prescott like they grew to hate Romo
Expect the Cowboys to start the game with a touchdown and beat the Falcons handily, setting up the NFC East showdown with the stinky Eagles.
Cowboys 35 Falcons 17