Dallas Cowboys vs. Indianapolis Colts: 5 Keys To Victory

The Dallas Cowboys attempt to ruin the dreams of another potential playoff team, while the Colts will try to regain first place in the AFC South. 

Colts

1) Protect Peyton Manning

Manning has been sacked 13 times this season and has thrown seven interceptions in his last two games. However, Dallas' secondary is ranked 26th in interceptions, so it's the sacks the Colts have to worry about. If the Colts can protect Manning, he'll do the things that have made his career. If not, it could be a long day for the Colts offense.

2) Attempt to run the ball

The Colts are 29th in rushing and carried the ball just 13 times last week, which is why they got housed. For the Colts' pass-happy offense to work, they have to at least act like they have an idea of what running the ball is. They don't need a 30-carry game, but they do need to throw in a run or two just to make the Cowboys aware that they can do it.

3) Be aggressive defensively

The Colts defense isn't a big defense but relies more on gang tackling and speed. They'll need to use that this week because the Dallas offense has a big line and tall receivers, so Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney will have to increase their combined 14.5 sacks. First, though, they have to stop the run and therein lies the problem.

4) Pray for a turnover

The Cowboys and Colts are awful at creating turnovers, but the Cowboys have gotten better in recent weeks. That means the Colts will need to improve quickly. They don't need an interception to change the game; if they can get to Jon Kitna and force him to cough up the ball, that will be just as good.

5) Frustrate Dez Bryant

The Cowboys can say any little lie that comes into their heads, but it was obvious that Dez Bryant was upset at not getting a lot of opportunities to get the ball last week. By the time the Cowboys tried to get him the ball, he was so flustered that he couldn't do anything. If they Colts can do the same this week, they could make Bryant take himself out of the game. 

Cowboys

1) Run the ball

Just like last week, this is a very cliché statement, but it's no secret the Colts are horrible against the run, and like against the Saints, ball control is crucial. With Marion Barber not expected to play, it'll be up to Felix Jones and Tashard Choice (who's played great in spot duty throughout his career) to keep the chains moving and Manning off the field.

2) Come after Manning...hard

The Chargers tried to kill Manning last week, and while they had just one sack, Manning was constantly under pressure, and it resulted in him throwing four interceptions. While I doubt the Cowboys can duplicate that, the Colts are having serious problems protecting Manning, so blitzing him isn't a bad idea. In fact, it's how the Cowboys beat the Colts the last time they met.

3) Throw to receivers not named Dez Bryant

Bryant was bottled up on Thanksgiving Day, but that allowed Miles Austin and Roy Williams (until he fumbled) to have big days. If the Colts cover Bryant, then Kitna has to go to Austin and Williams instead of forcing the issue to Bryant. If this works early, then Bryant could have his shots later in the game if he keeps his composure.

4) The secondary has to show up

Terence Newman, Mike Jenkins and company were lit up for over 300 yards last week but gave up just one passing TD and made Drew Brees work for everything he got. They need to do this again against Manning. Although he doesn't have his full complement of receivers, they all still run solid routes and catch, so the Cowboys can't underestimate them.

5) Win the special teams battle

The Cowboys have gotten at least one big play on special teams in every game since Jason Garrett took over, and they'll need another one this week. However, they don't need a TD or even a great runback, as Jesse Holley showed last week when he created a turnover on a Saints punt return.