Every week during the season, we’ll scout out the Cowboys next opponent. This weekend, that opponent is the San Diego Chargers.
The Opponent: The San Diego Chargers, aka the Bolts, aka the Marmalards, aka AJ Smith Will Cut You For Insubordination.
Record: 1-0 (preseason)
The Line: Chargers by 2.5. And the over/under is 36.5, just in case you REALLY feel like losing money this weekend. Honestly, betting on football is a crapshoot, but betting on preseason football is somehow even MORE irresponsible and dangerous. Kinda sexy, now that I think about it.
Last Year: You know the drill by now. Chargers play in a crummy division, get to the playoffs, are declared a solid Super Bowl bet, remember Norv Turner is their coach, and then promptly collapse. Last January’s divisional loss to New York was particularly galling to watch, as San Diego abandoned the run completely and opted to wildly chuck the ball down the field, praying something good would happen. Nothing did. If you think THIS is year the Chargers finally get over the hump, you are dumb.
The Coach: Norv Turner. Remember, this man was nearly the Cowboys coach until Wade got the job. I’ll let you decide if Dallas made the right move there. I’m not sure there is a right choice.
The Offense: No Vincent Jackson on Saturday. And no Marcus McNeill. Both are holding out and will probably cave to AJ Smith right before the season begins. Your job will be to watch and see if Ryan Matthews is really worth a first round pick.
The Defense: Shawne Merriman ended his holdout this week, and thank goodness for that! I know the Chargers desperately missed him talking about sacking the other QB and then failing miserably to do so.
Key Matchup: Dallas O-line vs. the San Diego front seven. Wade has said Romo will play Saturday night, even if the Cowboys have to run the ball every down. Uh, Wade? If you’re going to just run the ball every down if he’s in there, why is he in there? Just sit him. It’s San Diego. Their fans won’t mind. They’ll be too busy enjoying fish tacos. Man, I could go for a fish taco right now.
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