Dallas Cowboys @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Sunday, December 7, 2008
4:15 P.M.
Dallas (8-4) comes into Pittsburgh (9-3) with a tailwind behind them. Since QB Tony Romo’s return the Cowboys are 3-0. They hold a ½ game edge over the Redskins and the Falcons for the final NFC playoff berth. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh is riding high after a convincing win against the Patriots. The line has the Steelers at -3, which merely reflects home field advantage. They sit atop the AFC North while Dallas resides in second place behind the Giants in the NFC East.
Dallas: UP: Dallas’ turkey on Thanksgiving Day was a Seahawk. They recorded 17 first downs in 23 plays to start the game. Once on the brink of elimination, they are now in the hunt for the playoffs. Romo has worn a pinky-splint the last 2 games but still has thrown 300+ yards in each. He says he won’t wear it Sunday. Defense against the rush was up to the task vs. Seattle, allowing only 80 yards. DOWN: OG Kyle Kosier is out for the season with a foot injury. RB Marion Barber and LB Demarcus Ware are questionable with injuries from the Seattle game. Defense allows over 110 yards rushing per game average, which plays into the Steelers strength.
Pittsburgh: UP: Running backs Willie Parker (87 yards) & Mewelde Moore (67 yards) teamed against the Patriots for a potent ground attack Team total was 161, the best since opening day. Special teams had a good day with the kickoff team recovering a fumble, Jeff Reed hitting 4 of 5 field goals in inclement weather, and Santonio Holmes registering his longest punt return of the year at 29 yards. CB Bryant McFadden should return after missing 6 games with a broken forearm. DOWN: Defense against the rush was at its worst this year vs. Patriots, allowing 122 yards in a lop-sided win for the Steelers. This was in only 20 carries, as the Pats had to abandon the rush due to the scoreboard. DAL Coach Wade Phillips gets the nod over PIT Coach Mike Tomlin as a motivator and a game time decision maker.
Keys to the Game: Dallas Coach Phillips’ offense must mix up plays and stop the Steelers’ pressure defense as they had 5 sacks last week. Romo will have to find TE Jason Witten open to counteract the Steeler rush. On defense the Cowboys must pressure QB Ben Roethlisberger to throw quickly before his receivers can get open. Pittsburgh Coach Tomlin must caution his linebackers against any Cowboy receivers getting behind them, as Dallas had 8 different receivers make catches last week. Dallas is 13-3 when Romo passes for 300+ yards. The Cowboys’offensive line must give Romo time to locate TEs Martellus Bennett & Witten, who both had receiving TDs last week.
By the Numbers: Both teams have identical 6-6 ATS and 7-5 O/U numbers. Pittsburgh is 2-4 ATS at home while Dallas is 3-3 ATS on the road. This season against NFC opponents the Steelers are 1-2 SU & ATS. Dallas is 2-0 SU and 1-1 ATS against the AFC. The playoff plans for both teams are in jeopardy as a loss for either, especially Dallas, could hamper their post-season aspirations. The Cowboys lead the overall series with Pittsburgh by one, 15-14.