Brett's Cowboys Corner

By the time the ball goes in the air, we will know if the Cowboys are still mathematically involved. Even though we can’t control the spirits of the players, we do know the team practiced like they are still playing for something…at least for this week.

For the Chargers, they need a win. They currently sit at the 5-seed, with four teams (LAC, BUF, HOU, IND) all battling it out for the last three spots in the wild card, its safe to say the Chargers will grab one of those spots.

If the Chargers win and Indianapolis loses, they clinch a playoff spot. If they can pair a win with a Broncos loss to Jacksonville (or KC on Christmas), the week 18 Chargers vs. Broncos game is for the NFC West title.

DALLAS	LA CHARGERS
DeMarvion Overshown: With a strong rushing attack, making plays in the back field will be huge for Dallas.	Tuli Tuipulotu: He has been tearing up tackles this season. With the turnstiles at offensive tackle for Dallas…it could be a long day.
Jake Ferguson: Great defense, meaning Fergie will be needed to get open quick and be reliable after the catch to pick up yards that might be hard to come by this week.	Ladd McConkey: With no Bland, I am not sure who will be able to stay with Ladd in the slot, may have a huge day.
Donovan Ezeiruaku: With none of the edges creating much for Dallas, the rookie will have a chance to have one of his first big days.	Derwin James: Playing a lot of nickel this year, he has roamed the short zone coverage. He will make an impact on Pickens’ slants and quick throws by Dak.

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The Keys to Victory-

1 – No Dangerous Throws.

The Chargers play a lot of nickel and dime defense, meaning they bring in extra (5 or 6) defensive backs for their coverage. A lot of split safeties. The Chargers are a team that has created turnovers a lot this season, and mainly been in the right place at the right time.

They get their hands involved and tip passes and always have someone to come down with the interception. Given Dak’s riskier throws into tight windows, it might cost him.

One thing to attack, the Chargers keep the middle congested, they will allow you to throw toward the sideline, they play with a lot of space to the sides. This is a great time to use your out routes and corners to Lamb and Pickens. Use the sideline as a teammate, keep the ball between the sideline and your receiver.

This is not the game where you want to get one dimensional and be forced to throw the ball.

2 – Run the Ball.

So that brings me to the run game. The Chargers have struggled more to stop the run. You have a more physical front and could keep this game on the ground. This also stays away from the effective pass rush, which Dallas has struggled with.

As Javonte Williams dealt with a neck injury last week, he believes he will be good to go against LA. This will be a great opportunity for Williams to finish the season on a high note, as he will be an NFL free agent this summer.

“I’m just focused on this last couple-game stretch, because, I mean, I know you gotta finish strong — no matter what. Just finishing strong right now is my main goal, but yeah, I love it here.”

The Cowboys will have Malik Davis and Hunter Luepke at their disposal as well, and perhaps the rookie debut of Phil Mafah, if they decide to activate Mafah this week from IR.

3 – Blow Up The Pass Game.

The DNA of the Chargers is to run the ball and play defense. They run block really well and that extends to the wide receivers. They will run it with Hampton but even when Hampton was injured, they still had success running with Kimani Vidal.

They will run it. But they have had problems with pass blocking. Blow that up early, and force them to have to throw more to stay in the game. They have rotated offensive linemen and have had trouble keeping Herbert protected.

The Chargers have allowed pressure on 43.9% of Justin Herbert’s dropbacks this season, the 2nd-highest rate in the NFL. The Chargers beat the Eagles with great defense, but gave up a ton of sacks.

Herbert ends up in the dirt all the time. But he’s a tough QB and he keeps fighting.

The Cowboys have struggled to actually create pressure and get the QB, only 6 last week against J.J. McCarthy. Unacceptable this week.

If you don’t get to Herbert, then he will beat up your weak secondary.

If the Cowboys are still trying to win. Its going to be tough, Herbert and the Chargers need this a lot more and they are a lot better. This will be one of the more physically tough opponents all year.