FRISCO, Texas – The Dallas Cowboys face the AFC South Indianapolis Colts on the road on Sunday. The Cowboys only need one more win during the regular season to clench the NFC East divisional crown heading into playoffs. A win would serve as Dallas’ sixth straight win. The Cowboys have won the last three matchups against the Colts.
The key for Dallas on the offensive side of the ball lead by the new triplets in Dallas: Dak Prescott, Amari Cooper, and Ezekiel Elliott will be containing outside linebacker Darius Leonard and his speed off the line of scrimmage to chase down ball carriers and make tackles. Leonard has transitioned well to the NFL as a rookie and to the Colts’ 4-3 defensive scheme, due to former Cowboys’ linebacker coach Matt Eberflus as his defensive coordinator.
I spoke with Jason Garrett and he said, “ I have the upmost respect for Matt Eberflus. He worked here for a number of years and is an outstanding coach and person. There is no question he is an impact there….It shows up on the tape. Flus’ imprint is all over it to implement what they are trying to do. What he is trying to instill shows up at the LB position. Each of those guys is very active in the running game, from sideline to sideline, they’re downhill, and they are active in the passing game as well. They have a really good LB core and it is showing up on the tape. “
On the defensive side of the ball for the Cowboys, they have to shut down four-time pro bowl wide out receiver T.Y. Hilton and his tight end complement Eric Ebron, who have both been explosive weapons for Andrew Luck in 2018. Ebron is the AFC’s fourth leading scorer with 13 touchdowns and a total of 78 points this season. The Colts’ thrive on their west coast offensive approach that relies on the passing game and benefits their receivers and tight ends. Luck can deliver the ball anywhere on the field and the hotboyz will have to show up howling!
