Sunday night’s game features two teams, one undefeated, one overrated. The 7-0 Atlanta Falcons are at home in the dome facing off against Tony Romo and the 3-4 Dallas Cowboys. For a team that is undefeated, Atlanta has many doubters; rarely are they mentioned with the league’s elite teams. If there was going to be a place to prove the doubters wrong, it would be on prime-time television, in front of a massive audience, against “America’s team”. Fun fact: Cowboys have faced three teams that have been at least 7-0 in the last 21 years, and the Cowboys are 3-0 in those games.
Dallas Offense
Led by Tony Romo, who leads the league in interceptions with thirteen, the Cowboys’ offense never seems to be at full power. One week they are unstoppable, and the next week they resemble an elementary school flag football team. Injuries have certainly halted their progress, due to the fact that DeMarco Murray has already been deemed out and Dez Bryant has been playing with a hip injury. Murray’s backup, Felix Jones, has never lived up to his hype; whenever he has the chance to succeed, something always impedes his way. Last week, this offense was inches away from a victory, but Dez couldn’t keep his fingertips off of the white line in the end zone. After an ending like that, Dallas better come ready to play Sunday night.
Dallas Defense
Key offseason addition in cornerback Brandon Carr has allowed the Cowboy D to only allow an average of 187.7 passing yards per game. If they want a chance to win this one, their defense has to play to their potential. Matt Ryan has made a case for himself to be this year’s MVP and the Dallas D are going to have to do everything they can to stop him. An unfortunate injury has caused their starting LB, Sean Lee, to miss the rest of the year with a toe injury. Can the rest of their defense stick together and play hard to stop Atlanta’s superb passing game?
Atlanta Offense
To this offense, 7-0 means nothing; they could finish 16-0 for all they care. All this offense wants is a shot at the big prize, the Super Bowl. After last year’s disappointment in the playoffs when Atlanta’s only points come off of a safety, they have stepped it up this year with the eighth best passing offense in the league. Three of Atlanta’s pass-catchers rank in the top 30 in receiving yards and they will have to continue that pace to overcome the Dallas D. Roddy White and Julio Jones might be the best 1-2 punch at Wide Receiver in the NFL, and Tony Gonzalez is an all-time great at Tight End. Can Matt Ryan continue his all-pro season, or will Dallas be too much to handle?
Atlanta Defense
Thirteenth worst in yards allowed but seventh best in points allowed, the defense bends but it does not break. A good offseason acquisition of Asante Samuel has allowed the defense to move forward from a Brent Grimes injury at the beginning of the year without stumbling to the depths of despair. If Asante and his 46 career interceptions can cause Tony Romo to falter more than he already has, Atlanta should be well on their way to winning this game. But if not, Dez Bryant and Miles Austin may be too much for this secondary to handle. Only time will tell.
Prediction: Although Atlanta is undefeated, numbers never lie, and as such I believe Rob Ryan will contain Matt Ryan’s passing game and cause Atlanta to lose at home. Dallas just does not lose to teams who are undefeated late in season. I give the edge to the Cowboys, 27-21.
