Dallas @ Houston

I am not too concerned with the loss of Duane Brown. There are only a handful of elite LTs in the game, and he is not one, nor do I think he has the ceiling to be one. Losing one offensive lineman will not severely alter the effectiveness of the O-line. The line, btw, is as good as it has been in their history. That is not saying much, but they are an above average group.

Schaub has actually taken huge leaps forward in his time with the Texans. He knows where to go with the ball. The Texans passing game is based off the play action, which they actually run very well, even when the rushing attack isn't firing. If I was Dallas D coordinator, I would come after Schaub and take my chances. Sitting back, their skill guys are too good to be covered for long stretches.

The guy I really wish was playing is Cushing. They are a different defense when he is in there. He is a sideline to sideline player who can rush the passer or keep up with athletic TEs.

As I mentioned the secondary is green. Washington's strategy was an interesting one. They did not even attempt to establish the run. It worked to an extent, they were able to move the ball quite a bit more than I had anticipated. But in the NFL, you have to be run the ball at least a little bit. You leave yourself wide open for TOs and negative plays when you fling it on every down. Stat wise Dallas should have a good day, but can they sustain drives? The key matchup is Texans D line vs Dallas O line. The front four whipped them in the pre-season. If they can replicate that success, should be an easy win for Texans.

The Texans pass def most likely will be poor this season, no matter if the DBs mature in a hurry. That will be the result of two things: first, the Texans rush D will be very good and second, most teams(like the colts game) will be playing from behind most of the game. Their defense will give up yards, but they got enough playmakers to come with stops or turnovers in key situations(washington game).

In order for Dallas to win this game, they need to weather the storm initially. Reliant stadium will be rocking, Dallas will have to do something to quiet the crowd. The game could get away from them very easily early on. Either way, we should know the outcome of this game by sometime in the early-mid second quarter. If they can hang around, they can maybe make it a game when it shouldn't really be one.

Im not so much saying that Houston is the best team in the league, although no team has looked better thus far. The critique of Texans is that they have never been to the playoffs, cant win the moments that winning teams find a way to make a play. If you are going to give the Texans a negative in this department, wouldn't you have to do the same for Dallas? This Dallas team has won nothing. The same team got abused by Minnesota in last years playoffs. What about Romo and the Cowboys can point to that says these guys are winners(ie Colts and Saints). You are giving them a lot of credit for a team that has folded mentally in the biggest spots.

The Texans, while they have never proven that, have shown flashes this year. In both games, at the critical junctures of the first two games, made the plays that seperate good teams from great teams. They have not earned the right to be called the best team in the league, but there are indicators that, that could change before the end of year.

BOL

I grew up there, I dont know of many places that have consistently humidity in the 90 percent range.

I am a homer, but I feel in situations like this, I can add something to think about that goes beyond stats or even game film.

Im excited about this game because we have an opportunity to go 3-0 for the first time, but what makes it even better, is that if we do, it will mean the Cowboys are 0-3 :)

I realized that in this thread I may have been too harsh on the Cowboys.

I can see the other side the coin those in this thread are making. I agree this is a must win for Dallas, no 0-3 team has ever made it to the playoffs.

As for their strengths, I believe Witten is the key on offense. Texans have a hard time locking down TEs on underneath routes and finding soft spots in zone coverage. That is why I really wish Cushing was playing. I believe Pollard will be matched up with him and I like his intangibles. Witten needs to get a 100 yards and a touchdown. As much I can't stand him because I believe he is over-rated, Romo is still a slightly above average quarterback. He can make all the throws.

For their defense, their front seven is lights out. Spencer is a legit pass rusher coming into this own. Jay Ratliff can take over at times. He is great against run, it will concern me if he starts getting pressure up the middle though.  Nothing is needed to be said about Ware. Bradie James is your traditional run stuffing MLB, it will be a good matchup against Foster. In the secondary, I like Sensabaugh. Not a big time athlete, but he finds a way to make plays. I have a feeling he will get the Owens assignment. Terrence Newman has been around for awhile, but Jenkins has the potential to be a consistent Pro Bowler.

Not to sound too cliche, but it will be interesting to see if either side can get their RBs going against the opposing front seven. 100 yard rusher in this game might spell the difference.

BOL

i am on DAL +3 as well. GL, P1!