Witten, Cowboys Pound Raiders; Quick Week 12 Picks & Fantasy Studs/Duds

Christmas came early when it was announced that the Cowboys would play the Raiders on Thanksgiving.  They did not disappoint.  In this league you have to beat the inferior teams, and they did just that yesterday.  The offense got rolling with a remarkable five plays over 40 yards.  Miles Austin and Jason Witten each went over 100 yards receiving.  All three Cowboys running backs ripped off big plays.  Jones’ was a 46 yard touchdown run in the first half. 

Offensive Observations

Witten continues week in and week out to prove his value to the team.  Although he is having a down year statistically, he is still Romo’s number one target.  They connected for 105 yards with two big plays down the seam.  In the short week there was question whether Witten would play because of a sprained foot.  Here is what offensive coordinator, Jason Garrett, had to say after the game. 

“He was adamant right from the start that he was playing,” said Garrett. “He must have come by my office or circled around my office probably around 20 times during the last three days. ‘Coach, you know I’m playing.’ I kept telling him, ‘Look at the game plan. There are a lot of Witten plays in the game plan. Don’t worry, we know you’re playing.’ It’s just what he’s all about. That guy tries to be great every day, every play and with everything he does.”

In the next five games the Cowboys will face three divisional opponents and two division leaders.  Witten will play a big role in determining the Cowboys success on offense.

The offensive line once again did not play their best game.  The Raiders pressured Romo throughout, and if it wasn’t for Romo’s escapability, then the Raiders would have had seven or eight sacks. 

Flozell Adams is having a down year.  He looks sluggish, and speed rushers are bothering him more in recent weeks.  Not to mention he is good for two penalties a game.  The potential is visible for this group.  In the coming weeks they have to play better for the offense to continue their success.

Defensive Observations

Jay Ratliff had another dominating performance.  He is cementing himself as one of, if not thee, best defensive tackles in football.  With the big plays the Cowboys were providing on offense, Ratliff and the defense got over-looked.  He dominated the Raiders inside run game, and constantly pressured Gradkowski when he dropped back to pass.  The best player on the Cowboys this year has been Ratliff.

DeMarcus Ware had another dominating game as well.  His pressure on the left side allowed Anthony Spencer to finally get on the stat sheet.  He had his first two sacks of the season against the Raiders.  Ware also added a sack along with four QB hits.  The Cowboys defense is rapidly becoming the strength of this team.  Heading into December, that might not be such a bad thing.

Final Analysis

The Cowboys were helped out yesterday from the Broncos.  They beat the Giants 26-6 creating further room between the Giants and the Cowboys.  The Giants will host the Cowboys on December 6th.  If the Cowboys can win that game, it will essentially eliminate the Giants from the divisional race.  It will be the most important game of the season for both teams.  Stay tuned for in-depth coverage here till kickoff next Sunday.

Quick Week 12 Picks (HOME team in CAPS)

Thanksgiving 2 – 1

TEXANS +3.5 over Colts

Dolphins -3 at BILLS

TITANS -3 over Cardinals

Patriots +2 at SAINTS  (TURN THE KEY = Bet of the Week)

Fantasy Studs (Outside Top 50)

1 – David Garrard (QB – Jaguars)

2 – Steve Slaton (RB – Texans)

3 – Darren Sproles (RB – Chargers)

4 – Robert Meachem (WR – Saints)

5 – Fred Davis (TE – Redskins)

Fantasy Duds (Inside Top 50)

1 – Kurt Warner (QB – Cardinals)

2 – Ray Rice (RB – Ravens)

3 – LeSean McCoy (RB – Eagles)

4 – Steve Smith (WR – Panthers)

5 – Greg Olsen (TE – Bears)

Tags: Anthony Spencer, Dallas Cowboys, DeMarcus Ware, Felix Jones, Flozell Adams, Jason Garrett, Jason Witten, Jay Ratliff, Marion Barber, Miles Austin, NFL, Tashard Choice, Tony Romo