Cowboys v. Texans: What to Look for in Tonight's Fake Game

Tonight, the Cowboys and Texans will battle for the all-mighty and magical Governor's Cup. It's the big silver trophy awarded to the Texas team that wins their yearly matchup. I'm pictured with it and a large gentlemen who works for the Texans.

Though tonight's game is just a preseason game, the third pretend game is one that knowledgeable fans watch closely because the starters are left in the game longer.

Three Things to Watch From the Cowboy Perspective: (From my semi-reasonable Cowboy fan friend, Michael Whitehead, founder of sofantasyfootball.com, a terrific site to find thoughtful fantasy football information).

1. The Secondary. The biggest problem Dallas has had in recent history is the secondary. What has looked like sure wins has turned into disappointing losses in the second half of too many games. Pay particularly close attention to Adam "Pacman" Jones, as he will get the start, and will have a true test against Andre Johnson. Rookie Mike Jenkins, who started the previous two games will be used in nickel situations, an area that Dallas has truly struggled in for the past two seasons.

2. Who Is The #3 Receiver? It was looking like Miles Austin had this wrapped up until suffering a sprained knee last week. With Austin out for the next 6 weeks, all eyes will be on Sam Hurd and Isaiah Stanback. Hurd brings the most experience, while Stanback is looking to make the conversion from quarterback to wide receiver. Both receivers will be needed during the early part of the season, but a true #3 needs to emerge, or else Dallas will likely be looking at free agents to fill this role.

3. The Running Game-Barber and Jones. It is time to get a good look at just how the tandem of Marion Barber and Felix Jones will be used this year. There has to be a little concern by any realistic Cowboys fan in regards to Marion Barber's ability to handle the starting role. Those first and second down carries in the first half (particularly the first quarter) are a little tougher than the carries that Barber is used to. Will he wear down as we seen happen against the Giants in the playoffs last season? Felix Jones has looked good against second team defenses, now we need to see how he stands up against the Texans starters. The success of Felix Jones is very important to the success of the Cowboys running game this season as I just don't feel comfortable with Marion Barber's load being increased much, if at all.

Three Things to Watch From the Texans Perspective: (From me)

1. The Secondary. Every team has a player that the fanbase blames for their losses. Jacques Reeves was that guy for the Cowboys last year, and may end up being that guy for the Texans this year. The Texans claim that their defense is better suited for Reeves skills, but the last time the Texans thought they could coach up another team's secondary problem, they traded away two picks for Phillip Buchanon, a guy who played particularly ungood for them. Reeves looked bad against New Orleans last week as Drew Brees kept throwing to his side of the field. I'm guessing Tony Romo will do the same. The Texans secondary is very inexperienced, with promising second year player Fred Bennett starting along with Reeves. Rookie Antwaun Molden should get some playing time tonight.

2. Defensive Line Play. In 2007, the Texans underwhelmed in their pass rush and defending the running game. They are hoping that a collection of free agents, maturing younger players, and a healthy Anthony Weaver can improve the pass rush over last year. I'm not sure that this is going to give standout DE Mario Williams much help. In 2007, Williams had 14 sacks, the rest of the line 17). Going against the large Cowboys line is going to be a tough test on whether the defense gets worn down in the second half.

3. The Running Game-Who's The Man? With Ahman Green hurting himself one play into the preseason, only rookie third round pick Steve Slaton has looked particularly promising in limited minutes. The Texans are going to use him more with the first team this week to see how he performs. At this point, I don't think the coaches even know who their primary running back will be for the season. The Texans face the Steelers' 3-4 in the first game of the season on the road, so facing a 3-4 in a game situation will be good practice for the team. The Texans are focusing on improving their running game to take pressure off of the quarterback and to keep the Texans defense off the field.

Here's Steve Slaton talking about his prospects of being the every down back, his size, learning blitz pickup, and the matchup against the Cowboys:


Do you have any thoughts on what you will be watching for in the game?