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Narrative Report For Dallas Cowboys

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Health has been the Dallas Cowboys’ enemy in ’15. After starting the season with two straight wins, the Cowboys have lost their last two without key starters on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Tony Romo (clavicle) won’t return until at least Week 11, and without Dez Bryant (foot) threatening a secondary, the passing game hasn’t been able to stretch defenses through the air. Bryant may return after the Cowboys’ bye, but until then, the offense will lack a difference maker on the perimeter for their aerial attack. Without Bryant’s services, defenses will continue to use stacked fronts to neutralize Dallas’ ground game from setting the tone and press their receivers off the snap. Opposing defensive coordinators know that backup Brandon Weeden …show more content…

Also, Randy Gregory (ankle) has a chance to practice and play this week according to HC Jason Garrett. If Gregory gets the go, DC Rod Marinelli will finally have his best rushmen ready to improve a lack-luster pass rush. With Hardy able to draw double teams from the edge and interior, it’ll better the opportunities for DeMarcus Lawrence, Jeremy Mincey, Tyrone Crawford, Nick Hayden, new comer David Irving and Gregory to penetrate. In the nickel package, Marinelli will be able to deploy his best rushers in at the same time (likely with Hardy, Lawrence, Crawford and Gregory in on passing downs). With McClain back as an enforcer in the middle to punish ball carriers between the tackles along with his coverage skills to defend the seams in zone coverage, and Anthony Hitchens and Sean Lee’s disruptiveness opposite of him, Marinelli’s linebacker corps has just about everything you need from a second level. With stunts and twists coming from the men with their hands in the ground, pressure can spark at every angle (if the D-line dominates), and with McClain back who Marinelli uses on some A gap blitzes, the Cowboys’ D-front can be a havoc force from the first and second

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