Game-day details
Sun., 4:05 p.m. ET, Qwest Field
Weather forecast from AccuWeather.com:
Mostly cloudy. High: 58. Low: 50.
Why To Watch
Two division leaders meet in a game that could have playoff significant playoff implications by season's end.
The Cowboys are getting strong play from veteran quarterback Drew Bledsoe, and the wide receivers, led by Terry Glenn and Keyshawn Johnson, have made plays. And last week, even without elite running back Julius Jones, the 'Boys ran well enough to defeat the Giants. Dallas' defense has improved each week, and it now looks like Philadelphia finally has a challenger for the NFC East title.
Seattle has an explosive offense led by quarterback Matt Hasselbeck and running back Shaun Alexander. Both starting wide receivers are hurt, but Hasselbeck has spread the ball to 10 different receivers to keep the ball-control passing attack rolling.
Cowboys Keys For Success
1. Continue to run the ball. Last season against Seattle, Jones shredded the Seahawks -- 30 carries, 198 yards, three touchdowns. The Cowboys are a run-first offense and is getting more running room recently because of the Bledsoe's success. Jones sat out last week's game, but his backups still ran the ball 35 times. Dallas, with or without Jones, will look to establish the run.
2. Don't give up big plays. The Seahawks are a high-scoring offense, and the Cowboys have had some breakdowns particularly in the secondary (see the Washington loss and the final minutes against the Giants). Hasselbeck torched the Cowboys last year for 414 yards and three touchdowns, but his two starting wide receivers won't play this time. The Cowboys can focus on Alexander but must remain disciplined and avoid getting beat deep.
3. Avoid turnovers and penalties. The Cowboys escaped with a win over the Giants despite four turnovers and a host of ill-timed penalties. The Cowboys dominated the time of possession (38 minutes, 21 seconds) last week, but turnovers stalled drives and put their defense in bad situations. The Seahawks' offense will not miss easy opportunities. The Cowboys cannot overcome multiple turnovers in this high-scoring game.
Seahawks Keys For Success
1. Give the rock to Alexander. With all the injuries to the receivers, the running game must be the catalyst against a Cowboys defense that has played well against the pass the last two weeks. Alexander will run the ball to set up the passing game, especially the play-action passes to burn Dallas' aggressive safeties who are eager to fill running lanes.
2. Create inside pressure on Bledsoe. Bledsoe is a classic pocket passer, and all defensive coordinators know the key to neutralizing him is pressure in his face. If Bledsoe is unable to step up into the pocket and throw, his effectiveness drops significantly. The Seahawks get consistent pressure on quarterbacks and rank fourth in the NFL in sacks (18).
3. Keep the wide receivers involved. Regardless of the injuries, Hasselbeck has shown he will continue to throw the ball. Joe Jurevicius, D.J. Hackett and Peter Warrick should be able to make plays downfield against a secondary that has been susceptible to the long pass this season. Success in the passing game will keep the Dallas safeties from loading up to stop Alexander.
Injuries at a glance
Cowboys injuries
10/17/05 Dat Nguyen LB Neck Questionable for Week 7
10/17/05 Flozell Adams T Knee Out for season
10/17/05 Julius Jones RB Ankle Week 7 status unclear
10/17/05 Patrick Crayton WR Ankle Week 7 status unclear
Seahawks injuries
10/17/05 Ken Hamlin S Skull fracture No timetable set for return
10/17/05 Mack Strong RB Chest/shoulder Expects to play in Week 7
10/12/05 Darrell Jackson WR Knee tear Could be out till late November
The Bottom Line
This game should be just as exciting as last December's 43-39 shootout. Alexander is on a roll, but the injuries at wide receiver and the lack of a deep threat will catch up to the Seahawks this week.
Cowboys @ Seahawks
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