1. Dallas has offensive line issues » Left tackle Flozell Adams at times looks every bit of his 34 years, especially last week vs. Green Bay. He’s mammoth and speed rushers can give him trouble. Steady right tackle Marc Colombo could be out for the season. The problem is — and this will sound familiar — Dallas has done a poor job drafting along the line and lacks solid depth. So Colombo’s replacement will be Doug Free, a third-year tackle who has never started.
Recommended Stories
2. The front seven is excellent » Everyone knows about linebacker DeMarcus Ware, who has “only” seven sacks. He’s a lethal combination of strength and speed. But the key is nose guard Jay Ratliff, who is not the traditional beefy sort. Rather, he relies on quickness, which also makes him a pass-rush threat with four sacks. Right end Igor Olshansky is not flashy, but his workmanlike play is welcomed. Inside linebackers Bradie James and Keith Brooking are solid vs. the run. Dallas ranks 10th against the run.
3. Dallas relies on the pass » Early in the season the Cowboys led the NFL in rushing after three weeks. In the past six games they’ve averaged 100 fewer rushing yards than they had in the first three. Injuries to running backs Marion Barber and Felix Jones helped cause the decline. With quarterback Tony Romo and surprising receiver Miles Austin, Dallas is explosive with the pass. Romo is taking better care of the ball, with just six interceptions. Perhaps not forcing throws to receiver Terrell Owens helps. Still, if Dallas wants a strong finish, it likely will need to run more. Barber, Jones and No. 3 back Tashard Choice all average at least 4.6 yards per carry behind this massive offensive line.
4. Romo loves November » In 15 career games, he’s 13-2 (with one loss vs. Washington) in November and has completed 294-of-433 passes for 3,892 yards, 36 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Of course, he’s 5-8 in December and has yet to win a playoff game.
