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Underdog · 11-01-2009, 12:40 PM

Cowboys vs. Seahawks
After Big Victory, Dallas Can't Ease Up Against Seattle

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GAME SET
WHAT: Dallas Cowboys (4-2) vs. Seattle Seahawks (2-4)
WHEN: Sunday, Noon (CT)
WHERE: Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas
TELEVISION: FOX (Dick Stockton and Charles Davis)

BIG ISSUE: Last week's win over the Falcons was a huge game for the Cowboys, and in comparison, the 2-4 Seahawks don't seem to present much of a challenge. But Dallas can't afford to be caught looking to their Nov. 8 matchup against the Eagles in Philadelphia just yet, or else they'll get knocked on their rears. Seattle has already pitched two shutouts on defense, keeping both St. Louis and Jacksonville scoreless, and just three weeks ago the Cowboys needed overtime to beat then-winless Kansas City. Any team can win any game in the NFL, no matter the record. That's why they play the games.

All is not lost for the Seahawks in terms of their division race just yet. They are only two games behind the Cardinals, and one game behind the 49ers, who have to face undefeated Indianapolis this week. Both of those teams do currently possess the tiebreaker by having beaten Seattle already this season, but the Seahawks will eventually get another crack at each. If Seattle can pull off the upset at Dallas and the rest of the NFC West cards fall their way, they could find themselves tied for second in their division at 3-4 and only one game out of the lead.

NUMBERS, PLEASE: For those who worry about how long Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo can go without throwing an interception, take heart, because the Seahawks don't get their hands on many passes. In fact, they're tied for last in the NFL with only three interceptions this season. Romo has a pretty good chance of going three games without a pick, the longest such streak of his career.

Although Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck has missed big chunks of time in recent years, he's worth having on the field when he's healthy. In the three full games he's played in 2009, the Seahawks are 2-1, including two blowout wins. Without him on the field, the Seahawks are winless.

ONE-ON-ONE: Although Seahawks tight end John Carlson hasn't been able to match his production from the 2009 opener, where he posted 95 receiving yards and two touchdowns, he is third on the team in catches (24), yards (294) and touchdowns (2). Cowboys strong safety Gerald Sensabaugh did an admirable job keeping Falcons future Hall-of-Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez boxed up last week, allowing only four catches for 37 yards, and the duty will fall to him to extend Carlson's five-game scoreless streak. Sensabaugh won't be alone, though. Against Gonzalez, the Cowboys also used nickel corner Orlando Scandrick and nickel linebacker Bobby Carpenter, and both will play key roles this week as well.

Seahawks rookie outside linebacker Aaron Curry is having as good a rookie season as anyone this year, according to Cowboys tight end Jason Witten. Curry leads his team in tackles (37) and forced fumbles (tied with two). Both of Curry's forced fumbles have come on his two sacks, so it will be up to running back Marion Barber, the best the Cowboys have in blitz pickup, to keep Curry at bay. Of course, Curry will already have his hands full trying to bring Barber to the ground when the Cowboys run the ball as well. Barber will try and run by Curry on run plays, and Curry will try and run through Barber on blitzes. Whoever comes out on his feet wins.

SUPPORTING ROLE: With Cowboys Pro Bowl nose tackle Jay Ratliff suddenly landing himself on the injury report with a knee sprain suffered during Thursday's practice, it will be up to fourth-year defensive lineman Junior Siavii to carry the load if Ratliff can't play. Siavii has only played about 15 snaps per game, according to Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips, and has recorded seven tackles in his limited playing time. At 6-5, 318 pounds, Siavii is more of the prototypical type of nose tackle for a 3-4 defense, and is more of a run-clogger than a pressure-creator like Ratliff. Siavii therefore won't fill in for Ratliff on passing downs, instead coming off the field in favor of defensive end Jason Hatcher. Phillips also indicated that starting defensive end Marcus Spears could be a solution at nose tackle in an emergency.

The Seahawks have had their share of injury problems at left tackle, with former Pro-Bowler Walter Jones landing in injured reserve earlier this week and backup Sean Locklear listed as doubtful for the game while battling a high ankle sprain. The most likely person to draw stop-DeMarcus-Ware duty will be 10-year veteran Damion McIntosh. As opposed to the Cowboys' offensive line reserves, McIntosh is no stranger to starting lineups, having started 111 of the 115 games in which he's appeared. But Ware's speed is impossible to prepare for by watching film or going against the scout team in practice. Ware beat a very good tackle in Jones twice for sacks against Seattle last year, so it's anyone's guess how many McIntosh will surrender.

HEADSET GAMES: Everyone in the Cowboys locker room knows that coverages are going to start swinging in the direction of receiver Miles Austin, who has posted consecutive lights-out games against the Chiefs and the Falcons. While things will get harder for Austin with a safety constantly hovering over the top, the Cowboys have enough weapons to strike elsewhere. It will be difficult for the Seahawks to double Austin and keep tight coverage on both Roy Williams and Jason Witten, let alone stop the run effectively. Austin may not keep up the blazing pace he's set the past two games, but the Cowboys should be able to move the ball.

Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck's ribs hurt, and that means he won't be eager to hang in the pocket longer than necessary. With time in the pocket, Hasselbeck can be deadly with pinpoint accuracy, but if pressure's applied he'll be antsy to get the ball out quickly. While most of the Cowboys' sacks have come off their base defense, don't be surprised to see more blitzes than usual to get Hasselbeck to rush his passes and make a few bad decisions.

HEALTH WATCH:

Cowboys
The one player the Cowboys are worried about not having Sunday is nose tackle Jay Ratliff, who is listed as questionable after suffering a knee sprain in Thursday's practice. There was no structural damage when Ratliff underwent an MRI, so the Cowboys will monitor his status over the weekend and see how he responds to treatment. The Cowboys know they will be without return man Allen Rossum (hamstring), who was injured on his first kickoff return last week. Running back Felix Jones will resume his kickoff duties in Rossum's absence. The other three players on the injury report - running back Marion Barber (thumb), outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (foot) and safety Gerald Sensabaugh (thumb) - are all listed as probable and are expected to start.

Seahawks
Three players are out for the Seahawks - tackle Walter Jones (knee surgery) and linebacker Lofa Tatupu (pectoral injury) are out for the season after being placed on injured reserve this week. Backup safety C.J. Wallace will also miss the game with a hamstring injury. Backup tackle Sean Locklear is listed as doubtful with a high ankle sprain. Starting guard Rob Sims (ankle), starting quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (ribs) and starting defensive end Patrick Kerney (groin) are all listed as probable.

11-01-2009, 12:40 PM	#1
Underdog Moderator Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: 41.21.1 Posts: 36,143	OFFICIAL GDT - Cowboys vs Seahawks!!! Cowboys vs. Seahawks After Big Victory, Dallas Can't Ease Up Against Seattle link GAME SET WHAT: Dallas Cowboys (4-2) vs. Seattle Seahawks (2-4) WHEN: Sunday, Noon (CT) WHERE: Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas TELEVISION: FOX (Dick Stockton and Charles Davis) BIG ISSUE: Last week's win over the Falcons was a huge game for the Cowboys, and in comparison, the 2-4 Seahawks don't seem to present much of a challenge. But Dallas can't afford to be caught looking to their Nov. 8 matchup against the Eagles in Philadelphia just yet, or else they'll get knocked on their rears. Seattle has already pitched two shutouts on defense, keeping both St. Louis and Jacksonville scoreless, and just three weeks ago the Cowboys needed overtime to beat then-winless Kansas City. Any team can win any game in the NFL, no matter the record. That's why they play the games. All is not lost for the Seahawks in terms of their division race just yet. They are only two games behind the Cardinals, and one game behind the 49ers, who have to face undefeated Indianapolis this week. Both of those teams do currently possess the tiebreaker by having beaten Seattle already this season, but the Seahawks will eventually get another crack at each. If Seattle can pull off the upset at Dallas and the rest of the NFC West cards fall their way, they could find themselves tied for second in their division at 3-4 and only one game out of the lead. NUMBERS, PLEASE: For those who worry about how long Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo can go without throwing an interception, take heart, because the Seahawks don't get their hands on many passes. In fact, they're tied for last in the NFL with only three interceptions this season. Romo has a pretty good chance of going three games without a pick, the longest such streak of his career. Although Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck has missed big chunks of time in recent years, he's worth having on the field when he's healthy. In the three full games he's played in 2009, the Seahawks are 2-1, including two blowout wins. Without him on the field, the Seahawks are winless. ONE-ON-ONE: Although Seahawks tight end John Carlson hasn't been able to match his production from the 2009 opener, where he posted 95 receiving yards and two touchdowns, he is third on the team in catches (24), yards (294) and touchdowns (2). Cowboys strong safety Gerald Sensabaugh did an admirable job keeping Falcons future Hall-of-Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez boxed up last week, allowing only four catches for 37 yards, and the duty will fall to him to extend Carlson's five-game scoreless streak. Sensabaugh won't be alone, though. Against Gonzalez, the Cowboys also used nickel corner Orlando Scandrick and nickel linebacker Bobby Carpenter, and both will play key roles this week as well. Seahawks rookie outside linebacker Aaron Curry is having as good a rookie season as anyone this year, according to Cowboys tight end Jason Witten. Curry leads his team in tackles (37) and forced fumbles (tied with two). Both of Curry's forced fumbles have come on his two sacks, so it will be up to running back Marion Barber, the best the Cowboys have in blitz pickup, to keep Curry at bay. Of course, Curry will already have his hands full trying to bring Barber to the ground when the Cowboys run the ball as well. Barber will try and run by Curry on run plays, and Curry will try and run through Barber on blitzes. Whoever comes out on his feet wins. SUPPORTING ROLE: With Cowboys Pro Bowl nose tackle Jay Ratliff suddenly landing himself on the injury report with a knee sprain suffered during Thursday's practice, it will be up to fourth-year defensive lineman Junior Siavii to carry the load if Ratliff can't play. Siavii has only played about 15 snaps per game, according to Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips, and has recorded seven tackles in his limited playing time. At 6-5, 318 pounds, Siavii is more of the prototypical type of nose tackle for a 3-4 defense, and is more of a run-clogger than a pressure-creator like Ratliff. Siavii therefore won't fill in for Ratliff on passing downs, instead coming off the field in favor of defensive end Jason Hatcher. Phillips also indicated that starting defensive end Marcus Spears could be a solution at nose tackle in an emergency. The Seahawks have had their share of injury problems at left tackle, with former Pro-Bowler Walter Jones landing in injured reserve earlier this week and backup Sean Locklear listed as doubtful for the game while battling a high ankle sprain. The most likely person to draw stop-DeMarcus-Ware duty will be 10-year veteran Damion McIntosh. As opposed to the Cowboys' offensive line reserves, McIntosh is no stranger to starting lineups, having started 111 of the 115 games in which he's appeared. But Ware's speed is impossible to prepare for by watching film or going against the scout team in practice. Ware beat a very good tackle in Jones twice for sacks against Seattle last year, so it's anyone's guess how many McIntosh will surrender. HEADSET GAMES: Everyone in the Cowboys locker room knows that coverages are going to start swinging in the direction of receiver Miles Austin, who has posted consecutive lights-out games against the Chiefs and the Falcons. While things will get harder for Austin with a safety constantly hovering over the top, the Cowboys have enough weapons to strike elsewhere. It will be difficult for the Seahawks to double Austin and keep tight coverage on both Roy Williams and Jason Witten, let alone stop the run effectively. Austin may not keep up the blazing pace he's set the past two games, but the Cowboys should be able to move the ball. Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck's ribs hurt, and that means he won't be eager to hang in the pocket longer than necessary. With time in the pocket, Hasselbeck can be deadly with pinpoint accuracy, but if pressure's applied he'll be antsy to get the ball out quickly. While most of the Cowboys' sacks have come off their base defense, don't be surprised to see more blitzes than usual to get Hasselbeck to rush his passes and make a few bad decisions. HEALTH WATCH: Cowboys The one player the Cowboys are worried about not having Sunday is nose tackle Jay Ratliff, who is listed as questionable after suffering a knee sprain in Thursday's practice. There was no structural damage when Ratliff underwent an MRI, so the Cowboys will monitor his status over the weekend and see how he responds to treatment. The Cowboys know they will be without return man Allen Rossum (hamstring), who was injured on his first kickoff return last week. Running back Felix Jones will resume his kickoff duties in Rossum's absence. The other three players on the injury report - running back Marion Barber (thumb), outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (foot) and safety Gerald Sensabaugh (thumb) - are all listed as probable and are expected to start. Seahawks Three players are out for the Seahawks - tackle Walter Jones (knee surgery) and linebacker Lofa Tatupu (pectoral injury) are out for the season after being placed on injured reserve this week. Backup safety C.J. Wallace will also miss the game with a hamstring injury. Backup tackle Sean Locklear is listed as doubtful with a high ankle sprain. Starting guard Rob Sims (ankle), starting quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (ribs) and starting defensive end Patrick Kerney (groin) are all listed as probable. __________________ These days being a fan is a competition to see who can be the most upset when your team loses. That proves you love winning more. That's how it works.