Colts-Cowboys

Go Colts!

Sometimes I don't know what the anti-parity guys are talking about. I don't think they realize what they're arguing against.

Before the season, the Dallas Cowboys' match-up against Indianapolis looked daunting. Even six weeks ago it looked even more daunting.

Now, it looks ... winnable. I mean, the Cowboys might not get beat by 50 points. The same expectations changed with the Chicago, Minnesota, New York Giants and Jacksonville games.

This so-called parity makes sports interesting. And for fans who dislike parity, you should instead expect your team to beat most inferior squads instead of bitching about some idea that doesn't affect how a player blocks, runs, catches or tackles.

Five things:

Peyton Manning
I love the stories that go "Peyton Manning is struggline but he can still beat you." No fucking shit.

Tashard Choice
With Marion Barber out, the Dallas Cowboys will be forced to play Choice, the long-forgotten bench warmer, who we've been told can't see the field because of his special teams. It should be noted that Indy allows more than 130 rushing yards per game and is one of the worst in the league. The Cowboys should be able to get the running game going.

Dwight Freeney
I've watched a ton of Colts games through the years and I've never quit liked the game of Freeney. Whereas a guy like DeMarcus Ware makes his presence felt in the run game or getting constant pressure on an opposing quarterback, Freeney is a bit more famine or feast. He's had countless gigantic sacks in his career. He's also had a ton of big games where he's kept at bay. At his best, he takes control. The Cowboys need to keep him away from Jon Kitna. Big test for Doug Free.

Linebackers
Manning uses everyone. If you are going out for a pass, you are expected to expect a throw and you are expected to catch it. The Colts run a lot of underneath stuff. A lot of catch and run stuff that kind of serves as its replacement for a run game, which is currently incognito. Huge pressure on the Cowboys' linebackers, two of whom, Keith Brooking and Bradie James, having dealt with injuries all week.

Downfield
One part of the Cowboys offense they've gotten away from inexplicably is going downfield. They broke out against the New York Giants and haven't gone back to that well since. Going downfield does tons for the team. Remember how fired up everyone got against New York? The element of Dez Bryant is sorta lost without going downfield.

Prediction
Indianapolis Colts 34, Dallas Cowboys 24
Before we put Manning out to pasture, he's probably due for a couple more big games. He'll feast on the dumb Cowboys secondary and the Cowboys offense fails to fire on all cylinders.