Simplifying things Bill Parcells is wondering if the Cowboys should take some of the load off Tony Romo's shoulders, which could mean running the ball more. That was the plan last week versus New Orleans, but the Cowboys couldn't keep with it because of the score. Yet, part of Romo's effectiveness since becoming the starting quarterback has come from the Cowboys using empty backfield formations and the shotgun. It helps him see where the pass rush is coming from and forces defenses to declare their intentions. So should one faulty game change the plan?
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Handling the cuts The Falcons lead the league with 2,570 rushing yards and are averaging 5.6 yards per carry, and they are doing so with an unheralded and somewhat undersized offensive line. How? Offensive line consultant Alex Gibbs is the answer. Gibbs was the architect of Denver's running game and has brought the same cut-block scheme to Atlanta. The Falcons do some things differently than the Broncos, but their running attack is big on backs changing direction. The Cowboys' defensive linemen must play with their hands to stay on their feet. If they get chopped to the ground, the Falcons will have a field day.
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Containing Vick Michael Vick has been sacked 35 times for 238 yards on the season, but he is 66 yards away from becoming the first quarterback in NFL history to rush for 1,000 yards in a season. Cowboys defensive linemen must maintain their lane assignments or Vick will have room to run. He is much better when he runs to his left, which means DeMarcus Ware must be strong at the line of scrimmage. Having a defender assigned to Vick each play is difficult because he can outrun most.
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Tight end battle When the Pro Bowl rosters are announced next week, there is a good chance the Cowboys' Jason Witten and the Falcons' Alge Crumpler will be representing the NFC. While they do not compete against each other, each wants to be the best player at the position each week. Crumpler (42 catches, 618 yards) leads tight ends with 14.7 yards per catch, and his seven touchdowns rank second. Witten has 49 catches for 586 yards but has reached the end zone only once.
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Tackling machine Falcons middle linebacker Keith Brooking is on pace to lead his defense in tackles for the sixth straight season. He has 136, 47 more than second-place Lawyer Milloy. Brooking is able to be so active because of his defensive tackles, Grady Jackson and Rod Coleman. As Jason Ferguson does for Bradie James and Akin Ayodele, those two free Brooking. He is able to roam free without being tied up by a lineman. Center Andre Gurode will have to do a great job.
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