Malik Hooker out, 10 sick Cowboys, 5 keys to win, injuries & inactives for Dallas vs. Bills
Malik Hooker out, 10 sick Cowboys, 5 keys to win, injuries & inactives for Dallas against Buffalo Bills
The Dallas Cowboys’ next test on their December schedule is a treacherous journey to Highmark Stadium to play the Buffalo Bills. Mike McCarthy’s Cowboys will be feeling confident because they are currently on a five-game winning run.
How can McCarthy’s squad defeat Buffalo and secure their 11th victory in the playoffs, given that the game appears to be another test of Dallas’ postseason and Super Bowl credentials?
By carrying out these five actions.
First, though, the inactives: Trey Lance, the backup quarterback, Jalen Brooks, Deuce Vaughn, Eric Scott, Asim Richards, Malik Hooker (ankle), and Jonathan Hankins (ankle/knee).
1. Keep the ball safe:
The Cowboys need to prevent turnovers since rain is predicted, and although they have only committed one in their previous four games, the Bills defense has forced nine in that same span.
Dallas cannot be handing additional possessions to a club that is in the running for the playoffs, especially with Josh Allen leading the Bills’ attack.
2. Prepare for a Josh Allen mishap:
Allen has acted similarly, much as Jalen Hurts did last week after fumbling in six straight games.
He’s intercepted the ball nine times in a row. That’s correct—NINE in a row. Therefore, he does give defenders an opportunity to gain an advantage. Considering the current conditions and Dan Quinn’s shrewd defense, each large, juicy turnover that Allen gives up must be seized.
3. Keep Dak Prescott safe:
Dak has been sacked seven times in the last two games, indicating that the Cowboys’ offensive line hasn’t been at its best when it comes to protecting the pass, while the Bills’ defense has racked up 13 sacks in the previous five games.
Holding onto the football is crucial since rain is predicted, and it might be difficult to do so when pass rushers are in your lap. Dak needs time and cleanliness.
4. Conquer the third down:
In terms of third down conversion percentage—49.17 percent—the Cowboys lead the NFL at the moment, while the Bills are 18th in terms of preventing them (39.29 percent).
On the other hand, the Dallas defense ranks 11th in halting third downs, while the Bills offense is second in the NFL in terms of third down pickups (48.82 percent). As a result, both defenders and attacks can easily handle them and occasionally find it difficult to stop them.
Recover third downs and force Allen to sit.
5. Launch the Texas Coast Offensive:
Over the past few weeks, the Bills defense has been up against a top receiver and hasn’t been able to stop them. The Bills secondary has been controlled by Travis Kelce (6/83), Calvin Ridley (7/122), Tee Higgins (8/110), and DeVonta Smith (7/106/1).
Thus, putting the ball into CeeDee Lamb’s hands could be simpler than initially believed. Nevertheless, considering the current weather, starting the offensive with Tony Pollard and Rico Dowdle might possibly be just as successful.
Running on this defense seems difficult, but not impossible, since the Bills’ defense has only given up 100+ running yards twice in their previous seven games.
