Mike McCarthy and his Dallas Cowboys face a tough test this week as they travel to CenturyLink Field to take on the undefeated Seattle Seahawks. Although it’s only two weeks into the NFL season it certainly hasn’t been short of drama especially for these two teams.
Which team will be happier with their start to the season?
Dallas started the season 0-1 after losing a tight game 17-20 away to the Los Angeles Rams in their new stadium in Inglewood. However, the Cowboys managed to bounce back in week 2 by beating the Atlanta Falcons 40-39. At one point the Cowboys were 20-0 down but they managed to fight back and pick up a crucial win courtesy of a last second field goal from kicker, Greg Zuerlein.
The Seahawks on the other hand have started 2-0 and they are looking like early Superbowl contenders. They started 1-0 after beating the Atlanta Falcons 38-25 in what was a very entertaining game in the Mercedes-Benz stadium. Russell Wilson was outstanding, passing for 322 yards and 4 TD’s. A week later the Seahawks hosted Cam Newton and the New England Patriots on Sunday Night Football and the game came down to the final play. The Seahawks stopped Newton on the 1-yard line and escaped with a 35-30 win. There’s no doubt both teams have a lot of quality, but the Seahawks defiantly look like the better coached team so far.
The key players
As we’ve seen from the first two weeks of action both teams’ strengths are on the offensive side of the ball. Both teams’ defences have been serviceable, but we know where the game will be won and lost. The key man for Seattle is without doubt their superstar quarterback Russell Wilson. Through the first two weeks of the season he is leading the race for the MVP and no one knows if he can be stopped. So far this season Wilson has passed for 610 yards, 9 touchdowns and 1 interception. He also has an incredible 82.54% completion percentage. Not only is Wilson very accurate but he’s also extremely efficient so the Cowboys defence have their work cut out for them this week.
The key man for Dallas is their quarterback Dak Prescott. Coming into this season Dak was looking to prove a point after contract negotiations broke down but so far, he has been the Cowboys’ star man this season. Through two games he’s passed for 716 yards, 2 touchdowns and zero interceptions. He also has 3 rushing touchdowns. Dak literally willed the Cowboys to a win against the Falcons and the same is going to be needed this week. This game could be a shootout and will most likely come down to which QB can make the bigger plays.
Key injuries
As we look at this week’s injury report both teams will have key players out for the game. Dallas will be without their number one cornerback Chidobe Awuzie as he suffered a hamstring injury. Pro Bowl right tackle La’el Collins is still on injury reserve along with starting middle linebacker Leighton Vander Esch and Trevon Diggs is questionable along with starting left tackle Tyron Smith.
The Seahawks have placed three players on injury reserve; linebacker Bruce Irvin, safety Marquise Blair and wide receiver Philip Dorsett. Four of the Seahawks key players were all limited but are expected to start they include running back Chris Carson, Wide Receiver DK Metcalf, tight end Greg Olsen and wide receiver Tyler Lockett.
Adams looking to make a statement
Seahawks safety Jamal Adams has been one of the best defensive players so far this season blowing up plays all over the field. However, the Seahawks had to trade a big package including two first round picks to the Jets in order to acquire him. Adams let the world know he wanted to join the Cowboys, but he now wants to make his presence felt and make the Cowboys regret not trading for him.
Adams told ESPN: “I’ve seen a couple of things they said I struggle in coverage so I can’t wait.
“I got a little text from one of my buddies back home, he has the inside scoop on that so I’m looking forward to it”.
The man from Texas sure will have been circling this game on the calendar so we will have to see what he can do on Sunday. Whatever happens from now till the game its shaping up to be a very exciting one.”