Blogging The Boys - Cowboys vs. Seahawks news, highlights, discussion threadsDallas Cowboys, all the time...since 2005.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47663/Picture_4.png2017-12-24T17:37:55-06:00http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/rss/stream/165806312017-12-24T17:37:55-06:002017-12-24T17:37:55-06:00Cowboys vs. Seahawks live game discussion IV
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<img alt="NFL: Seattle Seahawks at Dallas Cowboys" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2XfSBxZdHJdt76P-bcOE7wpFuxc=/0x0:2660x1773/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58103175/usa_today_10498960.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Cowboys take on the Seahawks in Week 16. Join us for discussion of the game. </p> <p id="tsaZmQ">More discussion thread for the <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Cowboys</a> and <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seahawks</a>.</p>
<h3 id="wn9JqY"><em>This is an open thread for game chat.</em></h3>
https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2017/12/24/16816618/dallas-cowboys-vs-seattle-seahawks-live-game-discussion-ivDavid Halprin2017-12-24T16:49:30-06:002017-12-24T16:49:30-06:00Cowboys vs. Seahawks live game discussion III
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<img alt="NFL: Seattle Seahawks at Dallas Cowboys" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Hn1BRgBqRsm2g2thJSpcM76uoZA=/0x416:3963x3058/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58102897/usa_today_10498852.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Cowboys take on the Seahawks in Week 16. Join us for discussion of the game. </p> <p id="tsaZmQ">More discussion thread for the <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Cowboys</a> and <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seahawks</a>.</p>
<h3 id="wn9JqY"><em>This is an open thread for game chat.</em></h3>
https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2017/12/24/16816614/dallas-cowboys-vs-seattle-seahawks-live-game-discussion-iiiDavid Halprin2017-12-24T16:00:05-06:002017-12-24T16:00:05-06:00Cowboys vs. Seahawks live game discussion II
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<img alt="NFL: Seattle Seahawks at Dallas Cowboys" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mEnHAY13VFmVjttmM3n-SXxTMPQ=/0x0:4167x2778/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58102639/usa_today_10498260.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Cowboys take on the Seahawks in Week 16. Join us for discussion of the game. </p> <p id="tsaZmQ">More discussion thread for the <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Cowboys</a> and <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seahawks</a>.</p>
<h3 id="wn9JqY"><em>This is an open thread for game chat.</em></h3>
https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2017/12/24/16816606/dallas-cowboys-vs-seattle-seahawks-live-game-discussion-iiDavid Halprin2017-12-24T15:10:01-06:002017-12-24T15:10:01-06:00Cowboys vs. Seahawks live game discussion
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<img alt="NFL: Preseason-Dallas Cowboys at Seattle Seahawks" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/09BqQlvjno4slcSjU6iTmJqr_JM=/0x0:2479x1653/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58101889/usa_today_9500314.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Cowboys take on the Seahawks in Week 16. Join us for discussion of the game. </p> <p id="tsaZmQ">The <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Cowboys</a> try to keep their playoff hopes alive with a win over the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seahawks</a>.</p>
<h3 id="wn9JqY"><em>This is an open thread for game chat.</em></h3>
https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2017/12/24/16816586/dallas-cowboys-vs-seattle-seahawks-live-game-discussionDavid Halprin2017-12-24T04:00:02-06:002017-12-24T04:00:02-06:00Cowboys News: With Dak & Zeke finally reunited, the 'Boys are back!
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<figcaption>Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Latest Cowboys headlines: Dak and Zeke finally reunited; Tyron Smith likely to play; more sacks for Lawrence?</p> <p id="tA0Kwk"><a href="https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-cowboys/cowboys/2017/12/22/adam-schefter-cowboys-shouldnt-scoreboard-watching?f=r">Adam Schefter: Why the Cowboys shouldn't be scoreboard watching - SportsDay Staff</a><br>Schefter recently joined 103.3-FM ESPN Dallas and talked about the Cowboys' playoff chances.</p>
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<p id="RjUpr8"><strong>Q: What's the biggest roadblock for the Cowboys to get into the playoffs?</strong></p>
<p id="2Zm0Ct"><strong>Adam Schefter</strong>: I can see Atlanta losing its final two games. Detroit, I have a hard time seeing losing its final two games. I don't think they're going to lose one, but that's not a given... I would say this, if I were the Cowboys, I would be completely focused on my business. I would promise you that if they win their two games, which is going to be a hard enough goal to attain, if the Cowboys win their two games, there's a good chance that they'll be in the postseason; a good chance. I don't know how that happens, but I'm telling you, there's funky stuff that goes on in the final week of the season.</p>
<p id="hgYt1C">Do I trust Detroit for two games? No. Do I love Atlanta's schedule for two games? No. So let's get back to Dallas taking care of its business, winning its two games which are going to be difficult enough for that team to do. They're going to have to go play an angry, prideful Seattle team, and they've got to go play a Philadelphia team that could be playing for home-field advantage. If the Cowboys win those two games, then the Cowboys deserve to be in the playoffs and there's a decent chance they will be.</p>
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<p id="edjSuc"><a href="http://www.tmz.com/2017/12/23/ezekiel-elliott-hot-tub-cabo/">Ezekiel Elliott Crushed the Hot Tub In Cabo | TMZ.com</a><br>It's quite ironic that while the DFW media is still huffing and puffing about Elliott's answers during his first locker room interview, TMZ got on the phones and is actually doing some reporting about Elliott's missing 42 days - at least the hot tub and partying version of those days. Which just goes to show that access to players and coaches doesn't add much to the coverage fans receive.</p>
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<p id="ydWjrK">Zeke's camp has said the Dallas Cowboys star was hardcore training in Cabo during his 6-week suspension. He came back looking leaner. </p>
<p id="0kMynW">Our sources say in addition to working out, he would party -- with one witness saying he was spotted multiple days popping bottles of expensive champagne with lady friends at the resort.</p>
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<p id="hGe21b"><a href="http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2017/12/23/cowboys-tyron-smith-plans-on-playing-sunday-vs-seattle/">Cowboys’ Tyron Smith Plans On Playing Sunday Vs Seattle - Mike Fisher, CBS Dallas / Fort Worth</a><br>Smith plans on playing Sunday against the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seahawks</a> despite an LCL sprain to his right knee.</p>
<blockquote><p id="03sotq">Cowboys standout Tyron Smith is probably the best left tackle in the NFL, and team sources tell me that despite an LCL sprain to his right knee that is a very serous concern, he plans to be exactly that on Sunday against the visiting Seattle Seahawks in a must-win game for playoff-hopeful Dallas.</p></blockquote>
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<p id="JTNQRK"><a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/2017/12/23/16814206/cowboys-seahawks-preview-dak-prescott-record-ezekiel-elliott-suspension-return">Cowboys are 18-0 when Dak Prescott has over 7 yards per pass attempt - Kenneth Arthur, Field Gulls</a><br>Elliott's return has dominated the headlines, but Arthur points out that it's Elliott's impact on Prescott's play that will likely decide the game.</p>
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<p id="5C01QD">Removing the Cowboys’ Week 17 loss to the <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Eagles</a> last year (meaningless game, Dak was pulled after eight attempts), and Dallas is 17-3 when he avoids throwing an interception. When Prescott throws at least one touchdown with no interceptions, the Cowboys are 15-0; Dak is the only QB in the last two years (with a notable number of starts) to be undefeated when doing that. (<span>Tom Brady</span> is 15-1, <span>Russell Wilson</span> is 10-3.)</p>
<p id="4pktJ1">The Dallas Cowboys are 18-0 in the regular season when Dak goes over 7.0 Y/A. They are 0-1 in the postseason. (Prescott had 7.95 Y/A in the loss.)</p>
<p id="9lvLs9">The return of Elliott is good for the Cowboys, but mostly because it helps Dak play better. The loss of Smith could be a key to victory for Seattle, but only because it hurts Dak. Ultimately, the Seahawks still need to do the rest of the work. They need to pressure Dak, and facing a lesser left tackle could help them do it (though they lost to Washington without Trent Smith in Week 9, they sacked <span>Kirk Cousins</span> six times and held them to 17 points) but Clark, <span>Michael Bennett</span>, whoever, still needs to finish the job. Pressure Dak, get Dak uncomfortable, force him to make a rare mistake. Hope that <span>Wilson</span> does not make a mistake.</p>
<p id="5V2rgf">If those two things happen, there’s a good chance that the Seahawks remain alive for the playoffs. If Dak has time to throw and his receivers get open, Seattle will be getting a head start on thinking about the changes needed in 2018.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">ICYMI: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SEAvsDAL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SEAvsDAL</a> is the first game in 40 years to be played in the next to last week of the season in which the winner remains alive for another week while the loser is eliminated from playoff contention, regardless of other results that week (WAS at STL, 12/10/77). <a href="https://t.co/2zxwMBBYF5">https://t.co/2zxwMBBYF5</a></p>— Ivan Urena (@Ivan_Urena1) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ivan_Urena1/status/944652619779330049?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2017</a>
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<p id="OPUUhX"><a href="http://theprovince.com/sports/football/nfl/seahawks-cowboys-face-simple-playoff-scenario-win-or-else">Seahawks, Cowboys face simple playoff scenario: win or else - The Province</a><br>Dak Prescott is aware of all the different scenarios that have to play out for the Cowboys to make the playoffs, but it all starts with a win today.</p>
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<p id="QNA5uo">There’s no point in looking past the first one, especially since it applies to both teams when Seattle visits Sunday in the return of star Dallas running back Ezekiel Elliott from a six-game suspension over domestic violence allegations.</p>
<p id="6RzaOP">The winning team is still in the NFC wild-card race. The loser isn’t.</p>
<p id="8Ss1M8">“None of those scenarios mean anything if we don’t win,” Prescott said. “So we can talk about them all we want, but the most important thing for us to do is win this game and then we’ll worry about it. Cross our fingers and hope on those scenarios, but all we can do is control this game against Seattle.”</p>
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<p id="hwTFqp"><a href="http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/article191297804.html">Cowboys feel sting of missed takeaway opportunities - Drew Davison, Fort Worth Star-Telegram</a><br>The Cowboys have had an issue with takeaways this season, notching just 19 so far. </p>
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<p id="URYjAS">The Cowboys whiffed on four noticeable chances against the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Oakland Raiders</a> last Sunday.</p>
<p id="oiFvhv">Early in the second quarter, cornerback <span>Chidobe Awuzie</span> stripped the ball loose from Raiders receiver Michael Crabtree. Safety <span>Jeff Heath</span> tried to scoop-and-score instead of simply falling on the ball.</p>
<p id="fkrRRE">Later in the game, cornerback <span>Jourdan Lewis</span> and linebacker <span>Damien Wilson</span> missed potential interceptions. The most glaring error came on the final defensive series.</p>
<p id="tgDoE4">Cornerback Anthony Brown had a chance to secure the victory with 1 minute, 5 seconds left when Oakland quarterback <span>Derek Carr</span> threw a pass right to him. But Brown dropped it, given new life to a Raiders team that almost pulled out a victory.</p>
<p id="Qyz1mf">“At that moment, it’s about trusting your fundamentals and where your hands are at,” Marinelli said. “These guys have got good hands. No. 30 [Brown] has got good hands, so we’ve got to come up with them and just keep working at it.”</p>
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<p id="EAM3xT"><a href="http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/article191418499.html">Demarcus Lawrence wants more sacks - Drew Davison, Fort Worth Star-Telegram</a><br>There’s still time for DeMarcus Lawrence to get more sacks and perhaps move into fourth on the franchise sack list.</p>
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<p id="0iWGbt">He needs one sack to pass Jim Jeffcoat (1986) and <span>DeMarcus Ware</span> (2007), both with 14.0, for the fourth-most in a single season in team history.</p>
<p id="BaHIeG">Will Lawrence celebrate his <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-pro-bowl">Pro Bowl</a> status by sacking Russell Wilson? Lawrence has been held without a sack the past two games and has not registered one in four of the past five. If he wants to challenge for the league lead, he’ll need to have a strong finish. Going against former Texas A&M standout <span>Germain Ifedi</span> isn’t a bad thing. Ifedi has been beaten for four sacks in his second season.</p>
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<p id="temj2o"><a href="https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-cowboys/cowboys/2017/12/23/stephen-jones-dont-think-dez-bryant-lost-anything-think-just-matter-executing-different-quarterback">Stephen Jones: I don't think Dez Bryant has lost anything, 'I think it's just a matter of executing with a different quarterback' - SportsDay Staff</a><br>Stephen Jones joined 105.3 FM The Fan to talk all things football, and touched on <span>Dez Bryant's</span> how teams are defending Dez Bryant.</p>
<blockquote><p id="cOkWrE"><strong>Stephen Jones</strong>: I think you still have to be concerned about him. He's still a physical freak. As he showed the other night he can make big plays. I think more times than not you see players with help on Dez. I think it's just what comes with the territory. You've certainly seen that most of his career. I think there's been a getting to know each other period for Dak and Dez. Obviously Tony [Romo] knew Dez well, and knew where to get the ball to him in terms of friendly catches for Dez, but I think this is only going to get better and improve. I don't think Dez has lost anything, and I think it's just a matter of executing with a different quarterback. There's been this time where they get to know each other, but they've made some really great plays along the way. Obviously I know they both want to improve on that.</p></blockquote>
<p id="Yx4PY6"><a href="http://www.espn.co.uk/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/262951/nfl-player-bonuses-gronk-others-chasing-millions-of-dollars">NFL player bonuses: Jonathan Cooper up for playtime incentives bonus - ESPN Staff</a><br>Lots of NFL players will be able to cash in on some big bonuses over the last two games, among them Jonathan Cooper of the Cowboys: </p>
<blockquote><p id="Ssw11v">Cooper needs to play 75 percent of the snaps to earn $500,000. He is at 79 percent with two games left, so as long as he’s at half the snaps or so in the final two games, he will earn $500,000. He also earns $31,250 in per-game roster bonuses (he was inactive the first three games).</p></blockquote>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Anthony Brown was the top graded CB in Week 15 <a href="https://t.co/aQ2BatmWrz">pic.twitter.com/aQ2BatmWrz</a></p>— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) <a href="https://twitter.com/PFF/status/944640508579794944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2017</a>
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<p id="QifHyQ"><a href="https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-cowboys/cowboys/2017/12/23/cowboys-draft-position-absolutely-grown-demand-premium-play-nfl">Mailbag: Who should Cowboys draft? - Bob Sturm, SportsDay</a><br>Sturm looks at the Cowboys draft priorities in his latest mailbag.</p>
<p id="BTaS9M"><strong>Q: What do you think is going to be Dallas' No. 1 draft priority this summer?</strong></p>
<p id="jl8qyj">I don't really believe in the concept of locking in on one spot. I think the draft and the NFL roster are too complex to simply suggest that with the 15th or 25th pick you are going to limit yourself to "X." Instead, I think we can safely argue the top 3-4 priorities and work from there based on what is available. Also, in the first round, you have a chance at elite talent, so you might be even more inclusive for the rare situations that arise.</p>
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<p id="cmmMpg">For me, I am looking at three spots or so up top. The first will be the speed issues on the outside for the Cowboys. They have very little ability to separate right now at the wide receiver position downfield. It is true that Dak Prescott is not Dan Marino down the field, but they should put in effort to make sure he has as many resources as necessary to help as much as they can. Right now, the Cowboys have some quick guys underneath and some strong guys not the edge. But, how about someone with a hybrid skill set that features some size and some juice? How about some actual burner ability outside? I think that would be something I will be looking for.</p>
<p id="admCHI">Additionally, I need a defensive tackle who can win inside more often against the run. This will really help the defense not need to resort to as many stunts and games to free up men. I had high hopes for <span>Maliek Collins</span> inside - which haven't quite materialized - and therefore, I need to continue to look for big quality at the 1-technique or the 3-technique for the defensive line.</p>
<p id="YA5ZUz">Finally, I will always look to upgrade my linebacker spot. This NFL is absolutely growing into a spot where premium play in the hole is vital, and the Cowboys have <span>Sean Lee</span> and <span>Jaylon Smith</span> right now under contract. I need to keep <span>Anthony Hitchens</span> for sure, but I also need to look hard for some more depth here and maybe even someone who can provide injury cover for Lee and the possibility that Jaylon Smith may not ever be the full-time guy we hoped in the 2016 draft. So, there - WR, DT, LB - and of course, if I can find a premium edge rusher or a stud defensive back or even a TE who is highly rated, I am in. And we haven't even mentioned QB.</p>
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<p id="SxOOS0"><a href="http://506sports.com/nfl.php?yr=2017&wk=16">506 Sports - NFL Maps: Week 16, 2017</a></p>
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<p id="wt5UAe"><strong>RED</strong> ... Seattle @ Dallas ... Joe Buck, Troy Aikman </p>
<p id="M13lWt"><strong>BLUE</strong> ... NY <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">Giants</a> @ Arizona ... Dick Stockton, Mark Schlereth</p>
<p id="FRC1dw"><a href="https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-cowboys/cowboys/2017/12/22/despite-slim-playoff-hopes-cowboys-still-flexing-muscle-comes-nfl-viewership">Despite slim playoff hopes, Cowboys still flexing their muscle when it comes to NFL viewership - Barry Horn, SportsDay</a><br>It's going to be hard to escape the Cowboys game tomorrow afternoon.</p>
<blockquote><p id="oggwFR">Seattle Seahawks at Cowboys at 3:25 p.m. Sunday on Fox kicks off to 87 percent of the nation. New York Giants at <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a> goes to the rest of the Fox universe. Only major markets not getting Cowboys game are New York, Phoenix and Hartford, Conn. Viewers also will have to endure the Giants throughout the state of Connecticut, in most of Vermont and part or New Hampshire as well as just about all of Arizona.</p></blockquote>
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https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2017/12/24/16814560/dallas-cowboys-news-dak-prescott-ezekiel-elliott-reunited-bays-are-back-playoffsOne Cool Customer2017-12-23T14:00:02-06:002017-12-23T14:00:02-06:00Opposing player to watch: Seahawks LB Bobby Wagner
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<figcaption>Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Ezekiel Elliott will be greeted back to the NFL by one of the best linebackers in the league on Sunday.</p> <p id="dqhxTj">A decade or two from now when history looks back on the excellent, and at times historic Seattle defenses of the 2010’s, the most prominent names at the forefront of most people’s minds will likely be the defensive backs with the catchy nickname, the “Legion of Boom” as it were. Demonstrative and combustible cornerback <span>Richard Sherman</span>, the rangy and seemingly ubiquitous free safety <span>Earl Thomas</span>, the bone-crunching strong safety <span>Kam Chancellor</span>, and perhaps you could also throw in arguably the team’s best defensive lineman, <span>Michael Bennett</span>, who much like his brother is no stranger to speaking his mind.</p>
<p id="wWbHpU">At least two, maybe three of those players will end up in the Hall of Fame, so they certainly deserve the recognition that they will most certainly get as time and history moves on from this current era of football. But for many who take a closer look at the success of the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seahawks</a> over the past five years there is another player who could be considered the true lynchpin, and perhaps the best overall player on the unit, and that’s linebacker <span>Bobby Wagner</span>.</p>
<p id="rUW5CI">Since entering the league in 2011 Wagner has put up over 100 tackles every single season, even when he missed five games in 2014. He also has 15.5 sacks, eight interceptions, and an astounding 29 pass deflections. You can put those numbers right up there with any linebacker in the league, including <span>Luke Kuechly</span> who is generally regarded as the top player at the position in the league. </p>
<p id="i2vw70">Wagner can do anything you could possibly want out of a linebacker at the highest level. He is physical in the box against the run with the speed to play sideline to sideline, he has fantastic instincts to read plays and beat offensive lineman to the ball, he is excellent in both man and zone coverage, and he is probably at his best as a blitzer where he plays with excellent timing and physicality. As such he has been rewarded with four straight <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-pro-bowl">Pro Bowl</a> nods, as well as First Team All-Pro honors in 2014 and 2016, and there is a strong chance that he earns it again this season.</p>
<p id="fZ9EMJ">Not only that, but he is also the only defensive captain remaining after Chancellor’s injury, and similar to <span>Sean Lee</span> he is the glue that binds the entire unit together as far as getting the defense lined up and making sure that the middle of the field stays firm against both the run and pass.</p>
<p id="Py0LrQ">You could see the importance of Wagner when he battled through a hamstring injury to play at significantly less than 100% in a game that many thought he would sit out. With Wagner not his usual self the Seahawks defense got tuned up by <span>Todd Gurley</span> for 152 yards and three touchdowns on the ground, not to mention another 28 yards and a touchdown through the air.</p>
<p id="Ge7LpJ">Of course, Gurley is one of the most talented backs in the league, but there is another running back just as talented, if not more so, waiting for them this week in Dallas, who just so happens to be extremely motivated. If Wagner is still struggling through the hamstring injury at less than 100% it should be apparent relatively early in the game, and the <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Cowboys</a> and Elliott should be able to take advantage of it.</p>
<p id="BctyyZ">On the other hand, if Wagner is back to his usual self, the Seahawks defense could be back to their normal intimidating ways, at least against the run. After two abysmal defensive performances you have to expect that this very prideful group will be out to prove a point on Sunday, especially with the return of Elliott. </p>
<p id="pCWtJ2">Sure, they’re missing several significant players in the secondary in Sherman and Chancellor, but the front 7 is still mostly intact with <span>Michael Bennett</span>, <span>Frank Clark</span>, <span>Sheldon Richardson</span>, Wagner, and <span>K.J. Wright</span>, who also missed last week’s game against the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Rams</a>. </p>
<p id="qJRFl2">It’s anybody’s guess as to what level Wagner will be at come Sunday, but it’s not too much of a stretch to say that the game could end up hinging on whether or not he is at or near 100%. The Cowboys will obviously try to establish the run early and look to get back to the formula that has made them so successful over the past two seasons with Elliott’s return, but if the Seahawks are able to stop that early on and force the Cowboys to revert more to the passing game, there could be issues, especially with <span>Tyron Smith</span> seemingly closer to doubtful than questionable. If the Seahawks are going to have any hope of that, they’re going to need Wagner back to his usual self, and not the shell that we saw last week in their blowout against the Rams.</p>
https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2017/12/23/16813454/opposing-player-to-watch-seahawks-lb-bobby-wagnerJoseph.Hatz2017-12-23T08:00:02-06:002017-12-23T08:00:02-06:00Five things to watch when the Cowboys host the Seahawks
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<p>It’s do or die time for the Cowboys. Can they give their fans a nice Christmas present?</p> <p id="pF74J8">If you get to Week 16 and there is still excitement about a chance to make the playoffs, then that’s a good deal. Playoffs or not, the <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Cowboys</a> are trying to finish out strong and have two-straight 10+ win seasons, which is something they haven’t done in over 20 years. This week’s match-up against the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a> should be a great battle as both these teams are fighting for their playoff lives. Here are five things to watch for this Sunday.</p>
<h3 id="2Psmz2">1. The Running Man</h3>
<p id="6774Op">Despite missing six games due to suspension, <span>Ezekiel Elliott</span> only needs 217 yards to break the 1,000 yard mark for the second straight season. For the year, he has rushed for just under 100 yards per game, which means it could come down to the wire if he hits the mark or not. But prior to his suspension, the Cowboys were on a three-game winning streak and Zeke was running wild. In that span, Elliott was rushing for an average of 130 yards per game and had six total touchdowns. We all know he is hungry and he even bet Hall of Fame running back Eric Dickerson that <a href="http://seahawkswire.usatoday.com/2017/12/20/cowboys-rb-ezekiel-elliott-bets-hell-log-200-yards-against-seahawks/">he would rush for 200 yards in his return</a>.</p>
<p id="YYV76t">That might just sound like your typical ego talk one might expect from a player who’s chomping at the bit to get back in action, but this might not be so far-fetched after all. The Seahawks run defense has been struggling lately as they have averaged 200 yards allowed over the last two games. Having to face a highly-motivated Elliott who has some fresh legs is not going to make things any easier for them.</p>
<h3 id="rgMGFr">2. That Wascally Wilson</h3>
<p id="btSWMy">Unlike the Cowboys who can produce 100-yard game rushers like Elliott and <span>Alfred Morris</span>, the Seahawks get next to nothing from their running backs. They haven’t had a 100-yard rusher all season. In fact, the running back with the most rushing yards on the season is <span>Chris Carson</span> with 208 yards. That is insane.</p>
<p id="HgBA0H">The Seahawks offensive line has been problematic all season. Desperation set in so bad that the team traded away a second-round pick (2018) and a third-round pick (2019) to get a 32-year-old former All Pro tackle in <span>Duane Brown</span>.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Some bad football in 1st Half of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SEAvsTEN?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SEAvsTEN</a> game. Never this before 5 whiffed cuts & a fumbled snap Tough Times for <a href="https://twitter.com/Seahawks?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Seahawks</a> OFFENSE <a href="https://t.co/e3eBJD7j7R">pic.twitter.com/e3eBJD7j7R</a></p>— Shaun O'Hara (@ShaunOHara60) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShaunOHara60/status/912372456245141504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2017</a>
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<p id="zgHvP1">Without the ability to run the ball, it should surprise no one that the Seahawks offense rests entirely on Russell Wilson. Unfortunately for Seattle, Russell just doesn’t have much time in the pocket and spends most afternoons running for his life. Last week, the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a> sacked him seven times.</p>
<p id="KtgYfc">Getting after Wilson will be crucial for Dallas. While the sack numbers have dropped off for the Cowboys recently (absence of <span>David Irving</span>?), they are still one of the top teams in applying pressure to the quarterback.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Applying pressure to the QB makes everyone on the defense better- here are the teams applying the most pressure to Quarterbacks this season!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HTTR?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HTTR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jaguars?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Jaguars</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LARams?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LARams</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bengals50?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bengals50</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KeepPounding?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KeepPounding</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DallasCowboys?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DallasCowboys</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HereWeGo?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HereWeGo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BroncosCountry?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BroncosCountry</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BeRedSeeRed?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BeRedSeeRed</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RavensFlock?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RavensFlock</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bucs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bucs</a> <a href="https://t.co/6vtSKkPSnE">pic.twitter.com/6vtSKkPSnE</a></p>— NFL Matchup on ESPN (@NFLMatchup) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLMatchup/status/943887688259768320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2017</a>
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<p id="s81pE8">Putting pressure on Wilson won’t be enough. They need to contain him and wrap him up whenever they get the chance. The Cowboys defense has done a great job as of late, but they have given up some big plays when the quarterback has been able to escape the pocket. It the same thing happens against Seattle, Wilson will make them pay.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/DangeRussWilson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DangeRussWilson</a>'s ability to extend the play is just incredible. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Seahawks?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Seahawks</a> <a href="https://t.co/AijDXza4qW">pic.twitter.com/AijDXza4qW</a></p>— NFL (@NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/942537186695507968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2017</a>
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<h3 id="fnHyV8">3. Team in turmoil</h3>
<p id="ameYK3">While the Cowboys have won three straight, the Seahawks have dropped two in a row. And losing doesn’t sit well with the group as their players are starting to lose their cool. For two straight weeks, the Seahawks have had players ejected from the game. <span>Michael Bennett</span> started the mess a couple weeks ago when he dove at the legs of the <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jacksonville Jaguars</a> center when the Jags were in victory formation. A ruckus ensued as <span>Sheldon Richardson</span> and <span>Quinton Jefferson</span> were both tossed. A fan threw something at Jefferson which prompted him to try to climb into the stands. Last week, <span>Delano Hill</span> was ejected for throwing punches.</p>
<p id="qMLZkY">That frustration has even started to seep within the locker room as players are turning on each other.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Bobby Wagner's initial response, soon deleted, to Earl Thomas' opinion Wagner should not have played with his injured hamstring for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Seahawks?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Seahawks</a> in today's blowout loss to Rams <a href="https://t.co/emiCl9PnVa">pic.twitter.com/emiCl9PnVa</a></p>— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) <a href="https://twitter.com/gbellseattle/status/942573107650355201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2017</a>
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<p id="J2mU45">Say what you want about the “lack of control” from the Cowboys coaching staff, but it sure is nice that none of this type of foolishness isn’t happening in Big D.</p>
<h3 id="NeOZyB">4. Strike early</h3>
<p id="eQ3OHs">The Cowboy defense has been outstanding in the first half of games recently. Even in the three games they were blown out, they never trailed by more than three points going into halftime. When the Cowboys offense gets in a rut to where they are not giving the defense much time to rest, the D starts to wear down.</p>
<p id="Oa5Qlx">The offense has to do their part on Sunday. Seattle is a team that can buckle, but Cowboys have to come at them strong. If they can’t deliver blows early, then Seattle becomes a very tough team to beat.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">This may be the craziest stat ever. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SeattleSeahawks?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SeattleSeahawks</a> are 47-0 when leading by 4 or more points at half-time since 2012. Let that sink in</p>— Babe Laufenberg (@BabeLaufenberg) <a href="https://twitter.com/BabeLaufenberg/status/944268094150672385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2017</a>
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<p id="W9gctO">While Zeke is back, the hope is that <span>Tyron Smith</span> will be on the field as well. This season, the Cowboys have been able to win games where Elliott or <span>Sean Lee</span> have not started, but the same is not true for Smith. Hopefully, the coaching staff will be prepared this time to find a way to give <span>Dak Prescott</span> time regardless of who is playing left tackle.</p>
<p id="2TGT9X">If Smith is a go, the Cowboys have no excuses for a lethargic offensive performance. They need to prove they can move the ball and put points on the board. If they allow this game to stay close, <span>Jeff Heath</span> might show up to save them this time.</p>
<h3 id="6Ohj4Z">5. Playoff watch</h3>
<p id="yYcLQn">We all know the Cowboys playoff chances are about as thin as an index card. So much in fact, that I was tempted to not bring it up just so we all don’t have be subjected to that Dumb and Dumber meme that has been used eleventy million times in the last few weeks. But I have to bring it up because it’s of great significance right now as it pertains to the Cowboys.</p>
<p id="gm1j17">First, the good news...</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">No matter what happens next week, as long as Dallas beats Seattle, they will still be alive in Week 17.<br><br>Not only that, but it's also possible that if everything goes just right, they could control their own destiny by Week 17.</p>— Dan Rogers (@DannyPhantom24) <a href="https://twitter.com/DannyPhantom24/status/943232350024011777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2017</a>
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<p id="iP8K4T">The Cowboys need one loss by Detroit and two losses by either Atlanta, Carolina, or New Orleans. Since the <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">Saints</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> play each other this week, one of them is guaranteed to lose (I’m not even thinking about ties right now) which means one of them will go into Week 17 with a chance to lose a second game. It’s possible the Cowboys won’t get the help they need next week, but at least there remains an opportunity.</p>
<p id="MwmYYD">What the Cowboys need the most is for Detroit, Atlanta, and Carolina to all lose this week. Do the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> (DET) have one good game left in them? Surely, the New Orleans Saints (ATL) can take care of business this time, right? Would it kill the <a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> (CAR) to pull off one lousy upset? Sure, for all these things to happen is a bit of a long-shot, but should all of them happen, the Cowboys would be back in business and it wouldn’t matter what happened next week with these other teams. Week 17 would be filled with excitement as all the Cowboys would need is to win against the <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Philadelphia Eagles</a> and all of us would get bonus football.</p>
<p id="t695AT">While that scenario is asking a lot, maybe we can find a happy middle ground? I’ll take a Detroit loss this week and deal with the NFC South dilemma next week. Seem fair?</p>
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<p id="J1ArJM">Those are the things I will be watching for on Sunday. What about you?</p>
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https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2017/12/23/16804294/five-things-to-watch-when-the-dallas-cowboys-host-the-seattle-seahawks-ezekiel-elliottDan Rogers