The Dallas Cowboys saved their season with a much-needed win prior to their bye week. And the Cowboys’ track record after a week off suggests they could start living up to expectations.
Dallas has won five straight following its bye and will look to continue that trend on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans, who would like to end that streak and extend their own run to 11 straight wins over NFC opponents.
The Cowboys (1-2) began the season with a realistic shot at becoming the first host team to play in a Super Bowl, but those aspirations took a serious hit when they opened 0-2 for the first time since 2001.
Staring at the prospect of a 0-3 start, Dallas responded with its best performance of the season in a 27-13 road win over Houston. That victory enabled the Cowboys to head into their bye week feeling better about themselves.
The week of rest was definitely needed and it has helped the Cowboys heal up. Rookie wide receiver Dez Bryant (ribs) and guard Kyle Kosier (sprained MCL) returned to practice Monday and will play against Tennessee.
Tight end Jason Witten, who suffered a sprained MCL against Houston, is also likely to play this week.
A full array of weapons for Tony Romo and a week off could spell trouble for the Titans. Romo has won four straight against the AFC, throwing for 1,193 yards and eight touchdowns in that span.
He’ll try to help the Cowboys keep pace with the rest of the teams in the NFC East, who are all tied at 2-2. The preseason favorite to win the NFC East, Dallas could grasp control of the division with one of its patent post-bye week runs.
The Cowboys have won at least three straight games after the bye every year since Wade Phillips took over in 2007. Still, Dallas’ first test is as tough as they come: Tennessee has won 10 straight and 15 of its last 16 against NFC opponents.
The Titans (2-2), however, limp into Cowboys Stadium following a dismal second-half showing against Denver. Tennessee totaled a mere 46 yards and three first downs after halftime in a 26-20 loss last week.
Priority No. 1 for the Titans should be finding a way to get Chris Johnson back on track.
Johnson was held to 53 yards on 19 carries against the Broncos. He is sixth in the league with 354 yards, one season after running for 2,006 yards – the fifth most in NFL history.
Dallas will likely stack the box against Johnson and force Vince Young to win the game, which has been the blueprint for beating the Titans this season. Tennessee’s passing game is fourth worst in the league.
Young, a Houston native, was held to just 173 yards and a touchdown against Denver. His first career start was a 45-14 loss to Dallas in 2006. The former third overall pick finished 14 of 29 for 155 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions.
Young needs to be cognizant of where linebacker DeMarcus Ware is at all times. Ware matched a career high with three sacks against Houston.
Meanwhile, the Titans are also adept at getting to the quarterback. Tennessee is tied for the league lead with 16 sacks. And Jeff Fisher’s team could hassle Romo, who has been sacked just one this season despite being under heavy pressure.
This is the first meeting since 2006. Dallas has won three of the last five matchups.