Like the Olympics, the battle with the interstate rivals comes every four years. It is never a disappointment because someone in the state is getting bragging rights. Fortunately, we have some consistency here at five questions and so I get to catch up with David Halprin of Blogging the Boys yet again. It was good catching up with him again. Like the Texans, the Cowboys suffered a disappointing loss late and that is where our conversation hegan.
Battle Red Blog: The Cowboys are obviously coming off
a tough loss overseas to the Ravens. Are you concerned about a hangover?
David Haprin: At this point, I’m concerned about everything Dallas Cowboys. Well, maybe not their ability to throw the ball on offense, but outside of that, nothing has been really solid in Dallas. In the Ravens game, the biggest cause of the loss was HC Brian Schottenheimer, something he has admitted himself. His play-calling in certain situations was abysmal and he knows it. In a weird way, if you look at a lot of things that happened in that game, the Cowboys played pretty well, especially considering the amount of injuries they have on defense. They got their run game going, their defense had some splash plays that kept them in the game, but mistakes on the field, and especially along the sideline, really cost them. They were in position to beat the Ravens, and beat them pretty handily. But they threw it all away. Will there be a hangover from that? Maybe, one never knows with this team.
BRB: The Cowboys offense has always been able to move the ball and score points. Are there any new wrinkles that fans from outside of Cowboys Nation might not be expecting?
DH: I wouldn’t say much has changed since that part of the team went virtually untouched from last season. From the coaches, to the starters, even to some of the backups, it is a unit with a high continuity level. They will do what they do. They love to run Javonte Williams between the tackles. They will give a lot of eye candy pre-snap, and they use movement blocking from their offensive line in the run game in diverse ways, but essentially what they want is Williams chewing up yards between the tackles.
That allows them the freedom to use their passing game, which is the star of the show in Dallas. Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens are the best thing Dallas has going for them. Outside of his playoff issues, Prescott is a stats machine. Lamb and Pickens can be used all over the field. Pickens is thought of as a deep ball, contested-catch specialist, but the Cowboys will throw a short slant to him also. Lamb can be used everywhere, even on screens. Backing them up are TE Jake Ferguson and WR3 Ryan Flournoy. As long as their offensive line holds up, they will score points.
BRB: Obviously the Cowboys defense has been more shaky. What is the key for them getting back on track?
DH: I mean, at this point, we are just hoping for performances where they hold the team in the game so the offense can win it. That usually means making a few splash plays in a game to create a turnover, a fourth-down stop, or something that gives the offense the ball in decent position. They don’t have a good pass rush, that is one of their problems. They are okay creating pressure, but they don’t get sacks. Mobile QBs also really hurt them. They are also not great against the run, although they did a decent job of keeping Derrick Henry in check last Sunday.
Their biggest problem right now is the injuries in the secondary. The Cowboys defense has suffered an inordinate amount of injuries recently, with a large cluster in the secondary. We almost ran out of bodies back there against the Ravens. Rookie linebacker Jaishawn Barham and rookie safety Caleb Downs have been the best players on that side of the ball. The Cowboys need some of their veterans, like Quinnen Williams, Rashan Gary and a few others to start playing up to their abilities to get close to back on track.
BRB: Are there any key injuries that could have a significant impact on the game on Sunday?
DH: Short answer – absolutely. Long answer – on offense, we are still without our best lineman in G Tyler Smith, but sub T.J. Bass has been great. On defense:
Starting CB Cobie Durant has been out, and will likely miss this week, too.
Starting LB DeMarvion Overshown has been out but it is possible he suits up this week.
Starting S Malik Hooker has been out but he could also be back this week.
Starting S Jalen Thompson was hurt in the Ravens game and is likely going to IR.
Top backup CB Shavon Revel was hurt in the Ravens game and his status is unknown.
Top backup S P.J. Locke has been put on IR.
Backup DT Jonathan Bullard might go to IR.
BRB: How do you see the game going on Sunday? Are there any prop bets you feel comfortable recommending?
DH: Honestly, I am so unsure this week. The Cowboys are Jekyll and Hyde, sometimes in the same game. We just never know how they will play. But it is early in the season and I am still an optimist, so I am going to take the Cowboys for the win, but it is going to be a close one. The Cowboys offense will move the ball, even against really good defenses they can usually generate some points, but their defense can make the most mediocre of offenses look all-world. In the end, I’m betting, speaking of prop bets, on the trio of Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. They will lead Dallas to a squeaker of a win.
We wanted to thank David again for taking the time to answer our questions and for being so easy to work with again after four long seasons. We want to wish David and the Cowboys the best of luck for the remainder of the season. As per usual, we hope that luck begins on Monday morning.
