This Sunday, the Dallas Cowboys will look to put last weekend’s heart breaking loss to the Ravens behind them as they travel to Carolina to take on the Panthers. Expect the Cowboys to give the Panthers a heavy dose of … that’s right… Felix Jones. The Panthers are ranked 23rd against the run and Jones will be filling in for the injured DeMarco Murray – who has officially been diagnosed with a foot sprain.
In 2008, the Cowboys drafted Jones with the hopes that he would be their franchise running back. Due to injuries and the emergence of Murray, it hasn’t worked out as planned. After three games this season, Jones had fans and media members calling for his release. However, after a great relief performance last weekend, Jones proved it was a wise idea to keep him around. Against the Ravens, Jones took over for the injured Murray and finished the game with 18 carries, 92 yards and a touchdown.
This Sunday, expect the Cowboys to draw up a similar game plan to the one used against the Baltimore. Carolina has allowed Pierre Thomas, Michael Turner and Andre Brown to run for over 100 yards against them. As a team, the Panthers are allowing opponents to rush for 127.4 yards per game.
Against Baltimore, Dallas ran the ball 42 times for 227 yards. They were able to run for 183 yards between the tackles and averaged 3.5 yards before first contact. As a result, they ran 79 plays and controlled the ball for 40:03. Some of this credit has been given to center Phil Costa, who returned to the starting lineup last week after injuring his back in week 1 against the Giants. Tuesday morning, Jerry Jones praised Costa on KRLD-FM. Jones called Costa “one of the smartest players on the offensive line.”
Tuesday morning Jones also reiterated his expectations for the 2012 Cowboys. When asked about his thoughts on this team competing for a championship, Jones told KRLD-FM, “Let me emphasize that. I’m not into everybody getting better or learning for years to come. It’s this year.” Jones was referring to the fact that he believes this team can win the Super Bowl. If the Cowboys are to fulfill these expectations, look for them to run the ball effectively and right the ship this weekend in Carolina.
