Another week and another team the Dallas Cowboys should be able to handle relatively easy. The only question is, will they?
The Cowboys continue to disappoint at just about every turn this year and it wouldn’t be a surprise if they do so once again against a less-talented Indianapolis Colts team who have all but thrown in the towel this year. They’ve already traded a couple of their best players and are rumored to move a few more before the November 10 deadline.
If the Cowboys want to preserve any
hope this season, they absolutely need to win this Week 9 matchup with the Colts. A playoff berth is still possible, but another loss, especially to an inferior team, would all but end their hopes. To secure the win they’ll need to win some matchups, which we’ve listed below.
DB Caleb Downs (maybe?) vs. Colts WR Josh Downs
Brotherly love? Not this week. As the Cowboys nickel CB and the Colts slot WR, Caleb Downs should see plenty of his brother Josh throughout the game Sunday afternoon in Indianapolis if Caleb plays. These two will no doubt be trying to get the better of one another as brothers do, which could create an interesting matchup.
There is a chance though one, possibly both, don’t play this week. With Caleb currently in concussion protocol and Josh seeking a trade, one or the other may not suit up. The brotherly connection aside, this is very much an important matchup.
DT Quinnen Williams vs. Colts LG Jalen Farmer
Quinnen Williams got off to somewhat of a slow start this season, but recently has been playing at an elite level. He was dominant last week against the Cardinals, registering two QB sacks in what was unfortunately a losing performance.
We expect much of the same Sunday afternoon against the Colts. The head-to-head matchup with rookie Jalen Farmer, a fourth-round pick this year, is one No. 92 should dominate. Look for him to make multiple plays behind the line of scrimmage this week in both the run and pass defense.
RB Javonte Williams vs. Colts run defense
We can probably expect a heavy dose of Javonte Williams Sunday afternoon against the Colts. Indianapolis is currently ranked 27th in the league in run defense, allowing 131.8 rushing yards per game. This is a weakness the Cowboys should exploit, especially considering Indianapolis’ Pro Bowl CBs Sauce Gardener and Charvarius Ward and the rest of their secondary are only allowing 211.8 passing yards per game (12th in the league). We fully expect No. 33 to help sway the game in the Cowboys favor and rush for his second 100+ yard game of the year.
