It's The Seahawks...Dude
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Tight end Martellus Bennett of the Dallas Cowboys makes a pass reception against D.D. Lewis of the Seattle Seahawks at Texas Stadium on November 27, 2008 in Irving, Texas.
By the Cowboys standards this has been an extremely quiet week at Valley Ranch. Why? Because this week's match up against the Seattle Seahawks is boring. Why? Because the Seattle Seahawks aren't good. Following last Sunday's emotionally charged game against the 4-1 Falcons, today has the feel of that third preseason game that you're kind of excited for because the starters will play, but you know has the potential to be a real snoozer.
Now this is not to say the Cowboys aren't capable of playing down to the Seahawks level to make this thing interesting-I just don't see it happening. Seattle is banged up at just about every key line position on both sides of the ball. And something, I'm not sure what, but something happened to the Cowboys after the Kansas City escape, and during their bye week.
There is a sudden sense of belief. They've discovered a personality that seemed to be missing the first three-weeks of the season. Right now, everything and everyone is clicking.
Tony Romo has been brilliant lately, tossing six-touchdowns to ZERO interceptions. Miles Austin is the trendiest wide receiver in the league right now, setting franchise records every time he starts. And the defense, which was criticized early, has learned, embraced, and executed Wade Phillips scheme and is playing at an extremely high level.
The stadium is carrying that early kickoff feel right now: late arriving crowd, halloween hangovers, and people just not quite awake yet. I don't think that will matter.
The Cowboys have an opportunity to follow up last week's beat down, with another today. Eliminate all doubt early against a team they're clearly better then, and the league may start to take notice of a Cowboys team many left for dead a few weeks ago.
Things to watch:
- Can Miles Austin continue at this high level? I say yes, and another 100-yard game is coming today.
- Roy Williams? He may need this game more than any in his career.
- Even if Jay Ratliff is banged up, I think he'll play. If not, the Cowboys will be fine.
- DeMarcus Ware will have a HUGE day, and thank his owner for his nice pay day.
My fearless prediction: Cowboys 31 Seahawks 13
