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Cowboys-Steelers More Than A Game
By MoonDog | December 5, 2008
Two of the National Football League’s most storied franchises will meet this Sunday when the Dallas Cowboys play the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field.
To say Pittsburgh and Dallas have some history together is an understatement.
Easily the dominant teams of the 1970’s with six Super Bowl victories between them, the Steelers defeated the Cowboys in Super Bowls X and XIII, two of Pittsburgh’s four Super Bowl titles during that decade.
Tony Romo Will Be Seriously Tested Against The Steelers Defense
During the Cowboys’ run of three Super Bowl titles in the 90’s, Dallas earned a measure of revenge when they defeated Pittsburgh in Super Bowl XXX.
Since 1970, the Steelers and Cowboys have combined for 14 Super Bowl appearances, 10 Super Bowl titles and 27 conference championship game appearances.
No other combination of NFL teams can boast such numbers.
Sunday’s contest is an important game for both teams, perhaps more important for the Cowboys.
Dallas needs a win to keep pace in the playoff discussion, currently one game behind Atlanta for the last wildcard spot in the NFC.
The Cowboys (8-4) defeated Seattle 34-9 on Thanksgiving day and have played much better since quarterback Tony Romo returned to the lineup after suffering an injury to his right pinkie.
Dallas head coach Wade Phillips announced on Monday that Romo was able to practice without the splint he’s worn over the past five weeks to protect the finger.
Since Romo returned to the lineup against the Redskins on November 16, he’s completed 64% of his passes for 870 yards and seven touchdowns while guiding the Dallas offense to an average of 388 yards per game.
The Steelers (9-3) are coming off what may be their best performance of the season, knocking off defending AFC champion New England 33-10 last Sunday.
Willie Parker Leads a Strong Steelers Rushing Attack
Pittsburgh completely dominated the Patriots in the second half and are beginning to look like the team to beat in the AFC.
The Steelers No. 1 ranked defense has held four of their last five opponents to 10 points or less and have a +5 turnover margin during that span.
The Dallas defense has improved as well since Phillips began to take an active role in calling the schemes.
The Cowboys are No. 2 in the NFL with 40 sacks, two behind the Steelers total of 42. Dallas linebacker DeMarcus Ware leads the NFL in sacks with 15 while the Steelers’ James Harrison is third with 14.
Pittsburgh appears to be healthy now that running back Willie Parker is back in the lineup full time.
Parker rushed for a game-high 87 yards on 16 carries against the Patriots Sunday while splitting time with backup Mewelde Moore.
Meanwhile the Cowboys’ Ware and Marion Barber got banged up against the Seahawks on Thursday, with Ware hyper-extending his left knee and Barber suffering a dislocated pinkie toe on his right foot.
Ware and Barber were at practice on Monday, but no definitive answer had been given regarding their availability on Sunday, although both are expected to play.
The Cowboys announced on Monday that left guard Kyle Kosier was placed on Injured Reserve and is done for the season. Kosier had been battling foot problems and only appeared in three games.
Jason Witten's Ribs are Healing and His Production is up
Dallas has also lost free safety Roy Williams, running back Felix Jones and punter Matt McBriar to season-ending injuries.
The Cowboys got some good news on Monday though as Jason Witten’s broken ribs are nearly 100% healed. Witten suffered the injury during the Cowboys’ win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 26.
The Pro Bowl tight end had his best game against the Seahawks since the injury, catching nine passes for 115 yards and one touchdown. In the Cowboys previous three games, Witten only had three receptions for 45 yards.
Cornerback Adam Jones returned to the Cowboys active roster this week after serving a six-game suspension. With backup corner Mike Jenkins nursing a strained hamstring, expect Jones to see significant playing time on Sunday.
It’s also possible Jones will handle punt returns for Dallas. Isiah Stanback will continue to handle kickoff returns with Miles Austin recovering from a strained left knee.
Expect the Steelers to do what they do best - run the football, control the clock, play great defense and force Dallas to throw. If the Cowboys can’t get positive yards on the ground from Barber or backup Tashard Choice, it’s going to be a long day for Dallas.
With both teams recent level of defensive play, it doesn’t appear this game will very high-scoring. Pittsburgh is favored to win by three points and the Steelers are 2-4 at home against the spread this season. Dallas is 3-3 against the spread in their six road games this year.
The over/under is currently 41.5 with both teams averaging over 20 points a game this season. Kickoff is set for 4:15 p.m. and will be televised by Fox.
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Tags: NFL, James Harrison, MoonDog, NFL, Tony Romo, dallas cowboys, Super Bowl, DeMarcus Ware, Willie Parker, Jason Witten, marion barber, pittsburgh steelers
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December 5th, 2008 at 08:22
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