When you’re a predicted Super Bowl contender, you’d think taking care of the Denver Broncos wouldn’t be that tall a task. That’s not quite what happened last week in Colorado though. In fact, it’s not even remotely close, because the Broncos steamrolled the Cowboys. They completely shut down the run and dominated the Cowboys rough and tumble defense with a 42-17 bombing of “America’s Team”.
Following an eight day break, though, Dallas should be well rested and prepared for a much easier test on Monday Night Football. The Arizona Cardinals have looked like a battered and bruised club quite often so far because…well…that’s what they are. David Johnson is on the IR and will miss at least half the season and we’re only in Week 3.
That. Hurts.
Johnson was the heart of the Cards offense and they haven’t picked up the pieces since, even though receiver JJ Nelson was a stud for them last week with the added attention. All acronym first namers aside, the Cowboys will not put up a twin effort in this game. Expect Ezekiel Elliott to find his feet again and Dak Prescott to tear through the Cards penetrable secondary.
Arizona was swallowed up by the Lions in Week 1 35-23 and were torched by Jacoby Brissett and the Colts on numerous occasions last week as well. They escaped with a win, but it wasn’t a memorable one. If the Cowboys can show up right from the get-go, they’ll have their way in this one. Elliott needs to get moving right off the bat, while Prescott needs to establish their air game in the opening quarter as well. If they can do that, they’ve got a pretty darn good shot at pulling off their second win.
The Cards are not the team that everyone has expected them to be for the past two seasons. Last year, sure they made the playoffs, and even won a game, but they looked weak in the NFC Final. That same weakened team hasn’t vanished just yet. They’re still fielding a limp bunch that just aren’t getting the job done. As mentioned, losing David Johnson was a massive hit. The veteran presence of Carson Palmer hasn’t been an asset either and you could make the argument that Palmer’s slow start has been the reason the Cards have looked mediocre at best.
The former Bengal and Raider back has only thrown two touchdowns with four picks, not to mention he’s also been sacked five times. There’s not a lot their offensive line can do either as Palmer has looked like molasses dripping out of the pocket when he gets rushed. His former quick and nimble self looks like it’s now a thing of the past.
For the Cards to have a shot in this game, they’ll need their run committee of Andre Ellington and Chris Johnson to step up. They’ll also need JJ Nelson to stay hot and the return of John Brown at wideout would also be a welcomed sight. Their odds in this game aren’t great, but if the veteran bunch can pull it together right off the hop – like the Broncos did last week – and shut down the Dallas attack, they’ve got a shot. The onus is on their defense. If the law firm of Mathieu, Patterson and Jones can get angry early, we could have a game on our hands.
Writer’s Prediction
Don’t count out the Cards until the 4th Q. Then you probably can. Cowboys (-165) win 27-17.
