Post by prossman on Dec 10, 2009 10:23:51 GMT -7
NorthCountyTimes: CHARGERS SCOUTING REPORT: Dallas Cowboys
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By SCOTT BAIR - sbair@nctimes.com | Posted: Wednesday, December 9, 2009 12:20 am | No Comments Posted
Kickoff: 1:15 p.m. on Sunday at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas
Series: The Cowboys own a 6-2 advantage. Dallas has won four of the last five games, most recently a 28-24 victory on Sept. 11, 2005
Player to watch: OLB DeMarcus Ware
The fifth-year pro is having yet another standout season. Ware has nine sacks and three forced fumbles in just 12 games, which is nothing new for this premier pass rusher. He had a team-record 20 sacks in 2008 and 14 in 2007. Ware had at least one sack in 10 consecutive games between 2007 and 2008, a testament to his consistency and talents in the Cowboys' 3-4 scheme. He creates problems for almost any pass protection scheme, using surprising speed and brute strength to beat opposing blockers. He'll play a major factor in what could be a shootout on Sunday, as Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers will need sufficient time to throw.
Offense
The Cowboys can score. They average 23.2 points per game and can move the ball through the air and on the ground. They're loaded with playmakers, including WRs Miles Austin and Roy Williams. TE Jason Witten is the most consistent pass catcher, with 73 catches for 744 yards. Austin has proven to be the most dynamic, with 52 catches for 928 yards and nine touchdowns. QB Tony Romo is having another strong season, but must prove himself a clutch performer by playing better in December. Dallas uses a committee of running backs, including Marion Barber, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice. They're able to run with power behind Barber, which could spell trouble for an injury-depleted Chargers defensive line.
Defense
Ware leads the charge for an attacking defense that allows a lot of yards but not a lot of points. The Cowboys give up 328 yards but just 17.8 points per game, which ranks No. 5 in the NFL. They're stout against the run, but are vulnerable to well-coordinated passing attacks, which the Chargers certainly have. ILB Keith Brooking, who came to Dallas this season after 11 years in Atlanta, has stabilized the middle of the defense and is a sure tackler. He has a team-high 80 tackles and three sacks. CB Terrence Newman can be an effective cover man, but Mike Jenkins leads the team with four interceptions.
Noteworthy
There are several connections between the two squads. The most notable is Dallas coach Wade Phillips, who was the Chargers' defensive coordinator from 2004-06 and was the architect of the Chargers' current 3-4 defense. Chargers coach Norv Turner made a name for himself as the offensive coordinator in Dallas from 1991-93, a span when the Cowboys won two Super Bowls. On the players side, DE Igor Olshansky was drafted by the Chargers and left as an free agent in the offseason. Dallas CB Cletis Gordon was cut by the Chargers early this season. Chargers ILB Kevin Burnett played for the Cowboys from 2005-08 before coming to the Chargers in the offseason.
Posted in Chargers on Wednesday, December 9, 2009 12:20 am Updated: 6:00 am. | Tags: Chargers, Nct, Nfl, Pro Sports, Sports,
www.nctimes.com/sports/footba...1beb64614.html
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By SCOTT BAIR - sbair@nctimes.com | Posted: Wednesday, December 9, 2009 12:20 am | No Comments Posted
Kickoff: 1:15 p.m. on Sunday at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas
Series: The Cowboys own a 6-2 advantage. Dallas has won four of the last five games, most recently a 28-24 victory on Sept. 11, 2005
Player to watch: OLB DeMarcus Ware
The fifth-year pro is having yet another standout season. Ware has nine sacks and three forced fumbles in just 12 games, which is nothing new for this premier pass rusher. He had a team-record 20 sacks in 2008 and 14 in 2007. Ware had at least one sack in 10 consecutive games between 2007 and 2008, a testament to his consistency and talents in the Cowboys' 3-4 scheme. He creates problems for almost any pass protection scheme, using surprising speed and brute strength to beat opposing blockers. He'll play a major factor in what could be a shootout on Sunday, as Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers will need sufficient time to throw.
Offense
The Cowboys can score. They average 23.2 points per game and can move the ball through the air and on the ground. They're loaded with playmakers, including WRs Miles Austin and Roy Williams. TE Jason Witten is the most consistent pass catcher, with 73 catches for 744 yards. Austin has proven to be the most dynamic, with 52 catches for 928 yards and nine touchdowns. QB Tony Romo is having another strong season, but must prove himself a clutch performer by playing better in December. Dallas uses a committee of running backs, including Marion Barber, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice. They're able to run with power behind Barber, which could spell trouble for an injury-depleted Chargers defensive line.
Defense
Ware leads the charge for an attacking defense that allows a lot of yards but not a lot of points. The Cowboys give up 328 yards but just 17.8 points per game, which ranks No. 5 in the NFL. They're stout against the run, but are vulnerable to well-coordinated passing attacks, which the Chargers certainly have. ILB Keith Brooking, who came to Dallas this season after 11 years in Atlanta, has stabilized the middle of the defense and is a sure tackler. He has a team-high 80 tackles and three sacks. CB Terrence Newman can be an effective cover man, but Mike Jenkins leads the team with four interceptions.
Noteworthy
There are several connections between the two squads. The most notable is Dallas coach Wade Phillips, who was the Chargers' defensive coordinator from 2004-06 and was the architect of the Chargers' current 3-4 defense. Chargers coach Norv Turner made a name for himself as the offensive coordinator in Dallas from 1991-93, a span when the Cowboys won two Super Bowls. On the players side, DE Igor Olshansky was drafted by the Chargers and left as an free agent in the offseason. Dallas CB Cletis Gordon was cut by the Chargers early this season. Chargers ILB Kevin Burnett played for the Cowboys from 2005-08 before coming to the Chargers in the offseason.
Posted in Chargers on Wednesday, December 9, 2009 12:20 am Updated: 6:00 am. | Tags: Chargers, Nct, Nfl, Pro Sports, Sports,
www.nctimes.com/sports/footba...1beb64614.html