By Zach Walker
Game Info
Dallas Cowboys vs. Tennessee Titans
Sunday – September 14 – 12:00pm
TV: FOX
LP Field – Nashville
Who do the Cowboys have to shut down?
QB Jake Locker – Perhaps Ken Whisenhunt has found the key to unlocking the mystery of Jake Locker, because in his season opener versus a stiff defense in hostile Kansas City, he didn’t look like the same ole’ Jake Locker. He completed two thirds of his passes, threw for almost 300 yards, two touchdowns, with zero interceptions. It definitely was a different stat line from Locker, and for the Titans in the AFC South. There’s reason for them to feel excited.
Who on the Cowboys, needs to step up?
QB Tony Romo – The defense didn’t get the chance to lose the game, because Romo was hogging all the loss. The 49ers defense just was not believing Tony’s play-action game, because he was intercepted all three times off of play-action. To me, his awkward over-throws looked like Bryce Petty against SMU following his in-game back injury. I’m just speculating, but he just looked rusty and unsure of his back in game-time. I also expect this bad play to wash away, and return to his usual play.
Which group will give the Cowboys fits?
The Tennessee linebackers – Jamaal Charles is considered a top four running back in the league, and the Titans forced Charles to only 11 touches, which is a very bad play by the Chiefs. But the linebackers Derrick Morgan, Wesley Woodyard, and Zaviar Gooden, in for the injured Zach Brown, forced the Chiefs to take to the skies, where a waiting Jason McCourty was there to take advantage.
Which group will give the Titans fits?
The Cowboys offensive line – The O-Line had its problems in protecting Romo, but as a unit, they cleared the way for a 22 carry, 118 yard game. And with Romo making the quick strikes look really difficult, Murray and the rest of the offense made running the ball, a salivating thought.
What will it take for the Cowboys to win?
No bonehead decisions from Tony Romo, just better throws. But unlike the Chiefs, a week ago, sticking with the running game, and letting the big men up front dictate the game. And if the Cowboys get inside the seven yard line, they should run the ball, because in their only carry inside the five, they scored, so that should say something.
Prediction: Dallas 24 – Tennessee 21. I expect Romo to be 100 percent better, but I also expect the run game to really be hot, after showcasing what they could do against the 49ers.
