Which X-factors will decide the Dallas Cowboys game against in Week 3?
Week 2 was a surprising one for the Dallas Cowboys — both in terms of good and bad surprises. The bad was how ugly they started out against the Atlanta Falcons.
Dallas was well aware that their offensive line would have some issues thanks to the absence of Tyron Smith and La’el Collins but they didn’t realize their entire offense would develop butter fingers.
In the first 15 minutes of play, there were four fumbles by Dallas — three of which were recovered by Atlanta. There could have been a fifth as Tony Pollard also lost the ball but replay proved his knee was down.
The inability to keep the ball in their hands left them with a 20-0 deficit, which led to the good surprise.Despite the huge hole, the Cowboys offense kept clawing back. They ended up getting it within two points with less than two minutes and somehow recovered an onside kick that led to a game-winning field goal.
Now, they look to ride that insane momentum to Seattle where they will take on the 2-0 Seahawks who just defeated the New England Patriots due in large part to a goal-line stand on the final play of the game.
Dallas will have their hands full as they hope to slow down Russell Wilson and a dangerous Seattle offense. But it won’t be impossible as Dallas features an explosive offense of their own led by Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott. In addition to their own star power on offense, Seattle has had some issues when it comes to defending the pass. Despite adding Jamal Adams ahead of this season, their secondary has been suspect as they’ve given up more passing yards than any other team in the NFL.
It’s a battle between two NFC contenders and one that the Cowboys will need to be at their best to secure a win. Falling behind early is not an option this week. And with all that being said, let’s look ahead to the big game and identify three X-factors for Dallas as they take on Seattle in Week 3.