Ryan Stetson and Ashton Grewal are opinionated jackasses who never shy away from a debate. We let them battle it out on topics surrounding the ‘Boys and Bills. Find out who they like and their predicted final scores.
Can Dallas bettors bank on a continued over trend?
Ashton Grewal: The only thing that prevented the Cowboys from four-straight overs to start the season was a non-existent St. Louis Rams offense. Tony Romo looks comfortable and confident under new offensive coordinator Jason Garrett. I like the two-headed running attack with Julius Jones and Marion Barber, not to mention a receiver group exceeding expectations without Terry Glenn.
The only issue I have with the ‘Boys and the over is the number of penalties the offensive line is taking. Dallas is second only to the Baltimore Ravens in total penalties (32) and penalty yards (266). Sooner or later a good defensive team is going to make the Cowboys pay for their careless tendencies.
Ryan Stetson: Well, penalties have been an issue in Big D for a while now. Last year Big Tuna nearly had an aneurysm with “the player” jumping the gun out on the flank.
That said, this offense is probably second, and a close second, to New England’s right now and it doesn’t look like it will slow down anytime soon. Dallas’ defense will give up some big plays now and then too, so that helps. I don’t know how long this over trend will continue, but I’ll take over 45 points against this ragtag Bills defense any day.
Does Trent Edwards give the Bills a better chance to win than J.P. Losman?
Grewal: I’m impressed with the composure shown by Edwards – a rookie quarterback thrown into the starter’s job two weeks ago. He’s a calm, cool customer and plays like he’s got plenty of big-game experience in his rear-view mirror.
He must be a hell of an actor, because I don’t remember seeing any of those performances while he was at Stanford.
I know Stetson’s going to grill me on this, but Losman showed major progress last season. He’s got a big arm and he’s mobile. I wish Losman would consider all of his receivers rather than locking in on his first option. He’s still young enough to correct bad habits though.
I think Losman gives Buffalo a better chance to win this season. Next season might be a different story.
Stetson: Give me Edwards by a small landslide. I was just going over some notes I took a few weeks ago for our NFL power rankings and one just jumped off the page: J.P. Losman – Worst. Quarterback. Ever.
I’ve never denied having a soft spot for hyperbole, so don’t take me literally here, but Losman is terrible. I hoped he had turned it around after last year too, but Edwards already looks more composed in the pocket. The rookie is the guy that finally got Lee Evans involved in the offense last week. If they don’t get some plays over the top for Evans, their offense stalls as teams stack the line to slow down Marshawn Lynch. We haven’t seen much of Edwards yet and I already feel more comfortable putting down a Buffalo bet when he’s taking the snaps.
What is the Cowboys’ biggest weakness?
Grewal: I don’t like Dallas’ defensive line. The front three of Marcus Spears, Jeremiah Ratliff and Chris Canty isn’t scaring anybody. The numbers for the Cowboys’ run defense are respectable only because opponents trail by three scores in the third quarter and have to abandon the ground game.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is concerned. Why else would he bring in Tank Johnson to play nose tackle, a position unfamiliar to him? Jason Ferguson was supposed to be the glue of the D-line but a biceps injury has him on the shelf the rest of the year.
I’m certain Jones is keeping his fingers crossed that the Browns’ first-round pick (owed to Dallas from last year’s draft) will be high enough to nab LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey.
Stetson: I’m more concerned about the secondary. Dallas has a few big-play guys like Roy Williams and Anthony Henry out there who do make big plays – sometimes. Other times these DBs will sell out to try to make a pick or a hit in the backfield only to end up eating turf while a big play goes the other way.
The Cowboys are in the middle of the pack, allowing 219 yards a game through the air to go along with nine interceptions. It’s a risk-reward kind of thing. And it probably isn’t as big of a concern for the Cowboys as it would be for most teams because their offense has done more than enough to sweep those mistakes in the secondary under the rug.
Last year Buffalo covered seven of its final nine games. Do you think there’s a chance for a repeat performance?
Grewal: Sorry Buffalo backers, but I don’t see a strong ATS season for the Bills. Their defense started the year weaker than last season’s unit and a pile of injuries has only worsened the situation.
I like the fact the Bills still have two games against the Dolphins and one against the Jets left on the schedule, but I don’t see this team finishing better than 7-9 against the spread.
Stetson: I agree. But if Buffalo does get to seven or even eight covers, somebody’s gotta throw this squad a party. There’s just not much in the cupboard right yet. While that could change as early as next season if the Bills stick with their kids, they’re really stuck with all those injuries right now.
Who you got?
Grewal: 28-13 Dallas
Stetson: 34-17 Dallas