Dallas Cowboys: 3 Keys To Beating The Jets

The Cowboys will finally hit someone other than their own teammates on Sunday night as they travel to New York to face the Jets for their regular season opener. Dallas needs to start strong and fast to beat the Jets and will need a strong showing from the defense to do so.

The Jets have two receivers who are long and powerful in Plaxico Burress and Santonio Holmes. With Terence Newman out of Sunday’s contest, Dallas will need a structured and shrewd approach to the Jets offensive attack.

Then news dropped that cornerback Mike Jenkins and offensive lineman Tyron Smith injured their knees and are questionable for Sunday’s game. The Cowboys are already light at both positions and if both players end up sitting, my prediction for this game changes soundly.

New York has a ferocious defensive attack that is unrelenting in its approach. Tony Romo’s protection up front will be key against the Jets and for the team’s growth and stability all season. But if Smith sits out then take every ounce of optimism out of the room.

With cynicism starting to kick in, here are three keys for the Cowboys on Sunday and a final-score prediction.

Control the Clock, Pace of the Game

This one is easier said than done, but with so many key players going down with injuries, this may be the Cowboys only shot at winning. Now I know that the team has an offensive stable of weapons that makes Hugo Chavez blush, but what’s brawny weaponry without the proper protection?

New York should see a healthy dose of Felix Jones, Tashard Choice, and DeMarco Murray to tire the defense and keep the tempo of the game in the hands of the Cowboys.

Head coach Jason Garrett has to remain patient and stick with the run, even if it doesn’t work immediately after the first run play that is called.

Keep the balance and the ‘Boys just may win.

Tough Defensive Approach

The title is simplistic in its approach but true in its meaning. Dallas has to be tough on the Jets offense to place fear in the back of quarterback Mark Sanchez’s mind.

The team will need all hands on deck from DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer as they try to bring the heat against a quarterback who can be forced into making early mistakes.

The defensive line, a sore spot for Dallas last year, will need to place an extreme amount of pressure on Sanchez to ease some of the strain off of the secondary.

How confident players are with Rob Ryan’s scheme will show in their play on the field. Confusion cannot become Dallas on Sunday night, but players must step up if other starters are injured.

Balanced Play Calling

I fully expect Garrett to pass at least 35+ times this game. I think that’s his M.O. as he fully believes that passing the ball will lead Dallas to the Super Bowl. He’s not wrong in that assessment, as the last two Super Bowl champion quarterbacks, Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers, each attempted 39 passes a game.

Romo is fully capable of leading his team by attempting the same amount of passes but not necessarily against this group of defensive players.

Dallas isn’t fully healthy, and Garrett needs to be as vigilant as possible when dealing with his team against New York.

Now if Dallas comes out and picks the Jets apart, all bets are off. Keep going with what’s successful but, of course, but if that doesn’t happen, Garrett should have a sound, balanced game plan.

Final Weekend Prediction

With cornerback Mike Jenkins banged up and Terence Newman out with an injury, the Cowboys' chances of winning have severely decreased.

On top of that, rookie offensive lineman Tyron Smith has a hyper-extended knee and is unlikely to play.

Not good news for Dallas, as they prepare for a strong defensive attack and two tall wide receivers known for their acrobatic catches.

Jets 23, Cowboys 19