Dallas Cowboys vs Arizona Cardinals: Top 5 Things To Watch For On Christmas
Oh, Christmas.
There's nothing like opening gifts, eating tons of Christmas cookies, spending time with family and, of course, watching football. This year it will be the Dallas Cowboys (5-9) taking on the Arizona Cardinals (4-10).
The Cowboys have been playing well of late, going 4-2 in their past six games under head coach Jason Garrett. This includes a heartbreaking loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 14, thanks in large part to MVP candidate Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson.
With quarterback Tony Romo now out for the season, quarterback Jon Kitna has revived the Cowboy offense, throwing for four touchdowns in his past two games.
The Cardinals, on the other hand, have been scuffling of late, going just 1-5 in their past six games. Rookie quarterback John Skelton has had a difficult time finding the end zone in his time as the starter.
Arizona now must look to end their losing ways at home, where they have won three of their four games this season.
Here are the top 5 things to watch for on Christmas night.
5. Dallas Running Game
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Look for Cowboys' running backs Felix Jones, Tashard Choice and Marion Barber to all play into the Dallas offense on Christmas.
Jones will once again get the majority of the carries in the game, but look for Choice to once again play into the red zone offense, where he has rushed for three touchdowns in the past four games.
If Barber is healthy enough to play, he will simply be in the game to show where he is at physically. It wouldn't surprise me if the Dallas running backs all combine for 150+ rush yards with a touchdown.
4. Cowboys Defense
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The Cowboys have given up the second most points to the opposition in the NFL, giving up 30+ points over the past four games. It will be interesting to see how they hold up against quarterback John Skelton and the rest of the Cardinal offense.
The key for Dallas is stopping Arizona wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. If they do that, America's team will come out on top.
Regardless, look for the Cowboys to hold the Cardinals under 30 points this night.
3. Jason Witten
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With Cowboys' receivers Dez Bryant and Roy Williams out for the rest of the season, tight end Jason Witten has stepped up as the main target in the Dallas offense.
Witten and Kitna have developed a great relationship on the field, hooking up for four touchdowns over the past three games. Kitna, in fact, has thrown four of his last five touchdown passes to the Cowboys' tight end.
Over the past two games, Witten has lead Dallas with 17 receptions and 209 yards receiving.
Look for Witten to be the center of the Cowboys offense against Arizona, where he will light up the game once again, this time under the bright lights on Christmas.
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2. Cardinal Cheerleaders
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Did it just get a little hotter in here or is it just me?
With it being Christmas Day, there is nothing like seeing cheerleaders in hot Christmas outfits. Look for the Cardinals' cheerleaders to look something like this as they heat up Christmas night, no matter how cold it may be outside.
1. Larry Fitzgerald
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The biggest thing to watch for come Christmas is Cardinals' wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald.
The receiver, over the past two games, has 15 receptions for 197 yards and is by far the center and most important part of the Arizona offense. Look for John Skelton to once again try to target and find Fitzgerald the most against Dallas.
Stop Fitzgerald and the Cowboys will almost undoubtedly say good night to all, and to all a good night, as they will win Christmas night.
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