The Dallas Cowboys hit the road this week to play their first ever regular-season game in Las Vegas against the Raiders. This Week 11 matchup is one that favors the Cowboys, but we’ve already witnessed this year that being favored doesn’t always equate to victory.
In order to walk away with the “W” this week, the Cowboys need to win certain matchups to help sway the game in their favor. Today, we’re going to share the ones we will be paying particularly close attention to.
Cowboys’ defense vs. QB Geno Smith
The Cowboys defense should be licking their chops to play against QB Geno Smith. Smith has thrown the second most interceptions (12) so far this year and has been sacked 27 times (fourth-most). This Week 11 matchup is one that should heavily favor the Cowboys. Despite their woes in the secondary, DaRon Bland and Company have a good chance to add to their INT total this year and don’t be surprised if Donovan Ezeiruaku and the rest of Dallas’ pass rusher’s add to their QB sacks total. This matchup could very well decide the outcome of the game.
DT Quinnen Williams vs. Raiders’ OL
Quinnen Williams probably couldn’t ask for a better matchup to make his debut with the Dallas Cowboys. The Raiders offensive line is currently pretty banged up, especially along the interior. RG Jackson Powers-Johnson was recently placed on IR with an ankle injury and OG Dylan Parham is also dealing with an ankle injury. These two injuries create a favorable matchup for Dallas’ new All-Pro DT. He has a chance to be a true difference-maker in his first ever game with the Cowboys and prove why Dallas paid such a hefty price to acquire him via trade.
RT Terence Steele vs. DE Maxx Crosby
Maxx Crosby’s name floated around as a potential trade candidate prior to the deadline, but despite the rumors the Raiders decided to keep him around, even with the offers they likely received. Now, the Cowboys have to figure out some way to block him in this Week 11 matchup. Crosby is one of the top pass rushers in the league and will likely try to take advantage of RT Terence Steele, who we all know has his fair share of struggles in pass protection. This is a matchup that favors the Raiders, and one, that could spell trouble for the Cowboys if not handled properly.
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