Week 2: Cowboys-Seahawks matchup
Dallas at Seattle
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, at CenturyLink Field, Seattle - TV: FOX; DirecTV: 714
*TV announcers: Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, Tony Siragusa
*Keys to the game: RB DeMarco Murray had tough sledding early against the Giants, but the Cowboys kept feeding him the ball and he ultimately finished with 131 yards on 6.6 yards per carry. The Seahawks sport a big front seven that is very difficult to run against, and the goal is create long passing downs and then bring the heat. Cowboys QB Tony Romo does an excellent job of sliding in the pocket and buying extra time, which would give WRs Dez Bryant and Miles Austin time to break free against Seattle's tall, physical cornerbacks. In-game adjustments will be critical for the young Seahawks, who have a history of coming out of halftime far more aggressive under coach Pete Carroll. The question during the week will be how the offensive line adjusts to a rough outing in Arizona, where rookie QB Russell Wilson was under constant pressure.
*Matchup to watch - Cowboys WR Kevin Ogletree vs. Seahawks CB Marcus Trufant: Romo lobbied for Ogletree to be his third receiver, and Ogletree responded with a career game of eight catches for 114 yards and two touchdowns in the opener. He'll often be lined up against Trufant, a former Pro Bowl cornerback who is now the Seahawks' nickelback after losing last season to a back injury.
*Player spotlight - Cowboys C Ryan Cook: Acquired shortly before the start of the season, Cook is thrust into the starting lineup with Phil Costa sidelined by a back injury. Costa had been the only Cowboys lineman starting in the same position from last season.
*Fast facts: Cook started opposite Costa in Dallas' preseason finale against Miami. ... Seahawks PK Steven Hauschka has made at least one field goal in 13 consecutive games.
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
The Cowboys have four extra of rest and an offense that appears to be well-balanced to begin the season. Combine that with an upgraded defense working against a Seahawks offense struggling with pass protection and it's a recipe for a solid Dallas road win.
*Our pick: Cowboys 27-20
