Still Work to Do

By A. Govea

December 19, 2014

Sunday’s win against the Eagles was big! But as Orlando Scandrick stated no trophies are given out in December, we still have to put our heads down and focus on our next opponent.  This week Andrew Luck and Indie come to town with an identical 10 and 4 record. The difference is the Colts have clinched the AFC South Division and are preparing for the playoffs for the third consecutive year. While the Cowboys have not been in the playoffs since 2007.

These two facts may lead to many assumptions, first, since the Colts have clinched they will rest their starters, “wrong” according to head coach Chuck Pagano “that is not an option I am considering.”  In fact they know they must win to have any chance at home field advantage or a bye.  Second assumption may be Cowboys are at home for this game so that has to count for something.  Wrong again.  Most of Cowboy’s losses have come at home.  So what is the plan?  The Colts plan to attack on offense, as they know they are going up against a high scoring offense in the Cowboys.  On defense they feel they have to stop the run and double up on Dez and Whitten and get pressure on Romo.  This however it is not unlike what other teams have tried and failed before.

As for the Cowboys still not sure if Murray will be able to start or play at all.  For us normal humans doing anything right after hand surgery would not even come up for discussion.  But for NFL Warriors if they can contribute they go, especially for a game that has play-off implications.  However I cannot believe that both Randle and Dunbar are up for the task this week and I am not referring to the next man up bologna that many Coaches now feed us.  To be clear neither of the replacements has shown us that they can carry the load like Murray but together they will do well.  The Colts are planning to pressure Romo and bring some blitzes; they also have stated they will need to double Dez and Whitten. With Romo playing like he has this season and with the raise in play by Beasley and secondary Tight Ends Romo may have his biggest yardage day of the season.

On defense the focus has to be on the passing game, not to say they can’t run but it has not been a strong part of their game.  If the defense can pressure Luck like they did Sanchez we create turnovers that may get their Coach to reconsider benching starters.  We need the whole defense to come up big, secondary and up front that means some sacks and interceptions.  Last week it was Mincey, Crawford, Wilcox and company this week they and others need to step up.  Again as Scandrick stated “there is still work left to do.”  He is right and he needs to step up on Sunday also.