The Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos seem to be on different paths. Denver is led by Peyton Manning, who is having an incredible start to his season. Denver is 4-0, despite not having its best defensive player in Von Miller and is the favorite to make it to the Super Bowl out of the AFC. Dallas, meanwhile, continues to be the same-old Cowboys. They’re 2-2, and the argument can be made they should be 4-0 after missed opportunities against the Kansas City Chiefs and San Diego Chargers. Dallas has not lost at home, but it has yet to beat an AFC West team this year. Something has got to give this week, but I’ll save the prediction for later.
Three key storylines
The struggles of Bruce Carter and Morris Claiborne: The Cowboys have invested a lot in Claiborne and Carter. Both were expected to have breakout seasons this year and both have failed to live up to expectations. Claiborne has been benched and Carter was pulled in favor of Ernie Sims after looking lost in coverage against the Chargers. Dallas needs both of them to starting showing improvement for this season and future ones.
How does Terrance Williams bounce back: Williams has shown flashes of potential in his rookie year and Dallas needs him to step up with Miles Austin likely out with another hamstring injury. Unfortunately for the Boys, Williams has made a few critical errors this season, with his most recent one killing any hope of Cowboys comeback against the Chargers.
Peyton Manning versus the Cover 2: Dallas’ switch to Monte Kiffin’s Cover 2 defense has resulted in more turnovers, but that might not be much help against Manning. Manning said he isn’t overly familiar with Kiffin’s version of the Cover 2, but he still played against the Cover 2 defense everyday in practice when he was with the Indianapolis Colts and the principles are the same. Dallas will need to try to confuse Manning with different looks, but that is much easier said than done.
Three predictions
Peyton Manning extends his streak without a pick to five games: Everyone already knows Manning is having a historic season thus far, so there is no need to rehash that here. I think Manning continues to prove he has forgotten how to throw interceptions. What is not forgotten though, is his sense of humor (Warning: NSFW Language).
Dallas takes more shots down field, with mixed results: The Cowboys have not taken many shots down field this season, as Romo is averaging just 6.69 yards per attempt, good for 21st in the NFL. I expect a few more deep balls to Dez Bryant in an attempt to make big plays. It will work a few times, with Dez making a few catches for big gains, but there will be a few mistakes made.
Dallas abandons the run early: The Cowboys abandoning the run early in games is not a new concept to Dallas fans, although it is a frustrating one. DeMarco Murray will get touches, but via check down passes, not designed runs. The inability to consistently run the ball has hurt Dallas in the past and will again this week.
Score prediction
38-31
How can you pick against Peyton Manning? Dallas keeps it competitive, but Denver is the better team. Peyton throws four touchdowns and Denver pulls away in the fourth quarter. Romo tacks on a late touchdown pass that pleases his fantasy owners.
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