Seahawks face inconsistent but talented team in Dallas

[travisduncan]

ICON Sports Media

By Travis Duncan

While the external, and probably internal, forces debate the direction of the franchise, there is still a battle to be won, many battles to be won, including a big one in Dallas Sunday afternoon.

Dallas sits at 3-4 on the season, and for a franchise which expects to contend for an NFC title each season, the Cowboys' performance this season has been a dissapointment.

Prior to a 34-7 loss to the Eagles on Sunday night, the Cowboys had the number one defense in the league. Even after it gave up 34 points and 495 total yards to the Eagles, the Cowboys still have the No. 8 defense in the league and lots of talent on that side of the ball.

In four losses this season Dallas has given up an average of 28.75 points per game, in three wins they have given up only and average of 15.6. It's been a basic problem of inconsistency against strong offensive teams in New England, the New York Jets, the Detroit Lions, and most recently Philadelphia.

The Cowboys defense is coached by fiery defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, who loves to blitz. Expect to see it Sunday. The Cowboys have managed 21 sacks in seven games, good enough for No. 7 in the NFL.

The Seahawks offensive line and running backs will have to put multiple bodies on Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware who has 12 sacks this season, which is second-best only behind Vikings defensive end Jared Allen.

The Seahawks have given up a league-worst 28 sacks this season.

Against the run the Cowboys are among the league's best. Before giving up 239 yards on the ground to the Eagles on Sunday night they were the No. 1 defense against the run. They currently sit at No. 4.

Offensively Tony Romo and the Cowboys were in a funk Monday night. The Cowboys only touchdown came late on a 70-yarder in the fourth quarter when they were already down 34-0. Romo finished with 203 yards passing thanks to the late bomb, but only completed 18-of-35 passes and was intercepted once.

Typically when you think about Romo, wide receivers Dez Bryant and Miles Austin along with tight end Jason Whitten you think of a high-powered passing team. In recent weeks the Cowboys have focused more energy on running the ball when the passing game hasn't been there. Two weeks agao in a win against St. Louis DeMarco Murray ran off 253 yards. Against the Eagles he managed 74 yards.

When Romo has struggled he hasn't had a whole lot of time to throw the ball. He was sacked four times by the Eagles and hurried most of the game. He is Top 10 in the league in passing yards, but among the middle of the pack in just about every other statistical category for NFL QBs. He has 11 TDs and seven INTs on the season and is completing 62-percent of his passes.

The Direction of the Franchise

The talk this week continues to be about the direction of the franchise under head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider (For example at the Seattle Times, and the Everett Herald among others).

Much of Carroll's press conferences both on Monday and Wednesday concerned his long term plans versus short-term success or building. Carroll continues to feel good about the young players and the direction of the team.

Schneider spoke publically and envoked a classic fairy tale to explain his philosophy on franchise building.

"I always liken it to the ‘Three Little Pigs,’" Schneider told Seahawks.com. "You can build it with straw or stick. Or you can work your tail off and know that you’re doing the right thing and kind of do it the old fashioned way and have a big, strong, sturdy foundation."

That includes a old-fashioned franchise quarterback, right?

"If [Jackson or Whitehurst] take off, great. If they don’t, we’re always looking," said Schneider.

Here are the Top 5 projected QB's in next year's NFL Draft by NFLDraftScount.com/CBSSports

1. Andrew Luck, Stanford
2. Matt Barkley, Southern Cal
3. Landry Jones, Oklahoma
4. Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M
5. Robert Griffin, Baylor

Local TV Ratings

Despite a losing record and a forgetable performance against the Bengals, nearly half of all TV sets in use in the Seattle market Sunday afternoon were tuned in to the game. The Seahawks-Bengals on FOX recorded a 49 share and a local household rating of 23.9.

Pete Carroll Mic'ed Up

Pete Carroll was mic'ed up for Sunday's game and the excerpts are included for NFL Films Sounds FX. You can watch it on NFL.com. Among the highlights is Carroll's snap decision to put Tarvaris Jackson into the game. 'Hey what would you think of letting Tarvaris go next series, see what he does.' It seems to convey that even at that point Carroll really didn't know how effective Jackson could be with his strained pectoral.

Countdown Daily Predictions

Mark Schlereth says the Cowboys have too much to lose and is picking Dallas. Herm Edwards is picking the Cowboys as well, saying the Cowboys just have too much talent to lose another game. You can watch at ESPN.com

Injury Report

LB Leroy Hill and tight end Cameron Morrah did not practice on Wednesday both because of knee injuries. Saftey Kam Chancellor was limited but is expected to play on Sunday. WR Mike Williams was limited with a hamstring.

Fastest Player in the NFL? On the Seahawks?

In the latest issue of Sports Illustrated 316 NFL players were asked who the fastest player in the league is.

Who is the fastest player in football?

1. Chris Johnson, Titans RB….38%
2. DeSean Jackson, Eagles WR….23%
3. Mike Wallace, Steelers WR….12%
4. Devin Hester, Bears WR/KR….3%
5. Jacoby Ford, Raiders WR….3%

No Seahawks in the Top 5, but do you imagine the title for fastest Seahawk would likely go toLeon Washington?