Atlanta Falcons vs. Dallas Cowboys: Full Dallas Game Preview
The Dallas Cowboys 2015 season is off to a 2-0 start, which in most cases would be cause for optimism and anticipation of things to come. However, the Cowboys’ two wins have been as costly as any two consecutive wins in franchise history, as both franchise quarterback Tony Romo and star wide receiver Dez Bryant suffered injuries in the first two weeks of the season.
The Cowboys go into their Week 3 matchup with the Atlanta Falcons with plenty of questions surrounding their offense. The one redeeming hope for Dallas is their third-ranked defense, which completely shut down the Eagles' fast-paced attack in Week 2 after stymieing Odell Beckham Jr. and Eli Manning in Week 1.
The Cowboys have been able to overcome great levels of adversity in recent seasons. It is now time to see if they can find ways to win without two of their best players.
News and Notes
1 of 4
Tony Romo on Injured Reserve, Designated to Return/Matt Cassel Acquired
The Cowboys took steps Tuesday to adjust the roster in the aftermath of the injury to Romo’s collarbone. First they placed Romo on the injured reserve/designated to return list, which will leave him unavailable for a minimum of eight weeks. They followed that move up by swapping 2017 draft picks with the Buffalo Bills to acquire journeyman backup Matt Cassel. In order to fill the short-term backup spot, they also promoted Kellen Moore from the practice squad to the active roster to buy time for Cassel to get up to speed.
The Cowboys worked out four quarterbacks before making the trade for Cassel, according to journalist Mike Fisher, which speaks to how the personnel people likely feel about Moore. If quarterback Brandon Weeden is able to stay healthy and play at an acceptable level, these moves will matter very little. However, if Weeden struggles or if he winds up injured, the Cassel and Moore situation will hold the Cowboys season in the balance.
Terrell McClain out for the Year
In a move that caught many by surprise, the Cowboys placed defensive tackle Terrell McClain on injured reserve, a move that ends his 2015 season. McClain, who was very disruptive against the Eagles, suffered a toe injury in the game and will undergo surgery.
McClain's injury presents another hit to the depth of the defensive line, which is already short-handed due to the injury to Randy Gregory and the suspension of Greg Hardy. There are some young defensive tackles, namely Ken Bishop and Davon Coleman, who will have the chance to replace McClain in the defensive line rotation.
Dez Bryant’s “Boom” in the Locker Room
Dez Bryant made an appearance in the Cowboys locker room during Wednesday’s media availability. While he didn’t specifically speak to the media, according to Scout.com's Mark Lane, he “strutted” around barefoot, with no boot or wrap on his surgically repaired right foot, and yelled “'BOOM!'” before marching off to the trainers’ room to continue his rehab work.
There is no doubt that this was an attempt by Bryant to send a message—not only to his teammates but to the local and national media who have spent the last 10 days speculating on the length of the timeline for his return.
Latest Injury News
2 of 4
| Player | Position | Injury | Wed. Practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dez Bryant | WR | Foot | Did Not Practice |
| Randy Gregory | DE | Ankle | Did Not Practice |
| James Hanna | TE | Knee | Did Not Practice |
| Ronald Leary | OG | Groin | Did Not Practice |
| Kyle Wilber | LB | Hamstring | Limited Participant |
| Jason Witten | TE | Ankle/Knee | Limited Participant |
(All injury information courtesy of Dallascowboys.com)
This is the longest Wednesday injury report for the Cowboys this season, and again it features multiple key contributors. Jason Witten played games with a lacerated spleen in 2012, so there should be little doubt that he will be ready to go come Sunday. Ronald Leary has also assured folks that he will be playing against Atlanta, and we know that Bryant is out for a minimum of a few more weeks.
That leaves a few questions, the most important of which is if Gregory will be able to practice on at least a limited basis and have a chance to play.
X-Factors and Matchups to Watch
3 of 4
Cowboys Defensive Backs vs. Julio Jones
There is no doubt at all as to who the best weapon on the Falcons’ offense is. Julio Jones is a big, fast receiver who makes plays in both the short and long passing games. Jones has averaged 11 catches for 138 yards and a touchdown in the first two games of the year. He has three receptions for more than 20 yards and another four for more than 15 yards.
The Cowboys did a great job against the first top-tier wide receiver they faced, holding Odell Beckham Jr. to 44 yards on five catches in Week 1. Their ability to accomplish a similar feat against Jones will be a major factor in the outcome of the game.
Cowboys Offensive Line vs. Falcons Defensive Line
The Cowboys offensive line has been highly lauded, but the performance through two games has not lived up to expectations, especially in the run game, where they’ve averaged 3.4 yards per carry. Conversely, the Falcons defense is ninth in the league in rushing defense, having given up only 80 yards per game on the ground.
If the Cowboys want to have a chance to win the game with Weeden at quarterback, they will have to establish the ability to run the ball. To do that, the offensive line will have to step up to the challenge and open up lanes for the Cowboys running backs, against what has been a stout Atlanta defensive front.
Cowboys X-Factor of the Week: Brandon Weeden
There really is no other option here. If Weeden plays efficient football, doesn’t turn the ball over and makes one or two big plays, the Cowboys will have every chance to win the game.
On the other hand, if he proves he isn’t capable of handling the load of a starting quarterback, the Cowboys offense will have a tough time competing with the Falcons, and many other teams, for that matter.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Prediction
4 of 4
Brandon Weeden does just enough and avoids the catastrophic turnover, while the defense makes several big plays, one of which will be a defensive touchdown. Matt Ryan and the Falcons will have the ball at the end of the game with a chance to win, but one of the Cowboys defensive backs will knock a ball away or make an interception to seal the victory, pushing the Cowboys to 3-0.
Prediction: Cowboys 17, Falcons 13
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.png?w=480)
