Cowboys defense catch a break

Last week the Dallas Cowboys defense looked like it was playing flag football, people just running around grabbing at Charger running backs and receivers. Last night the Cowboys gave up gaping holes to Adrian Peterson on the way to giving up 442 total yards. The Cowboys were in the Chargers game until the end and beat Minnesota. My point? Yes the defense is struggling and still learning but fear not, for the football gods have smiled upon you.

If the Cowboys make the playoffs this year, the schedule might get team mvp honors. The first four quarterbacks the Cowboys will face are Mark Sanchez, Alex Smith (ha!), Rex Grossman or John Beck (double ha!!) and Matthew Stafford (if he's not injured...again). With the exception of maybe Stafford, none of these guys are in a system that puts up yards and points. At best they may score 28 points or so, but that's on a great day.

That plays right into the hands of the Cowboys, whose strength is their offense. Tony Romo looks healthy and sharp. Dez Bryant looks every bit as explosive, but more polished this preseason. And Felix Jones has been running like a man possessed. I like the Cowboys chances in all four games if they turn into shootouts. A lucky bounce here, a turn over there, and the Cowboys should be 3-1 at worst going into their week 5 bye. Calm down Cowboys fans, the defense will gel eventually. The offense can carry the first month at least.