Oakland Raiders vs. Dallas Cowboys Preview

Tomorrow, Matt McGloin (Penn State) leads the Oakland Raiders (4-7) into the Jerry Dome to play Tony Romo (Eastern Illinois) and the Dallas Cowboys (6-5). Thanksgiving days are always a fun day to gather around and watch two football teams compete, each coming off a short week. Throw in Dallas’ typical hilarious antics (See Dez Bryant (Oklahoma State), any Dallas 2 minute drill, or an interview with Jerry Jones), and you’ve got great holiday entertainment.

McGloin is 1-1 as a starter, and Dallas as a franchise is one game over .500 since the year 1997. But the game should be anything but average. The undrafted rookie has shown glimpses already in his young career, and Dallas’ pass defense ranks 31/32 in passing yards allowed. The Raiders pass defense isn’t amazing itself (25/ 32 in the same category), and Tony Romo hopes to carve more than just Turkey this thanksgiving. If he can easily find Dez Bryant and Jason Witten (Tennessee), his two favorite targets, the Raiders may be in for a shootout.

Look for both teams to use the running game to slow down the others offense. The way the two defenses have played this year, the team that has their offense on the field longest may be the most successful. Plus, for Oakland, Darren “Run DMC” McFadden (Arkansas) is supposed to return. He and Rashad Jennings (Liberty) could create quite the duo. Jennings has proven that he can carry the load. Watch the two of them vs Demarco Murray (Oklahoma), because the team that runs the ball best, even in a game that could be dominated through the air, will have a better chance of winning the game.

How Oakland Will Win

-McGloin takes advantageDallas’ passing defense is atrocious. Their best passing defender? DE DeMarcus Ware (Troy) rushing the passer. If he is in McGloin’s face, that should be his only issue. And, we’ve seen McGloin succeed against a defense that hangs it’s hat on one pass rusher, and it was even in the Lone Star State. If McGloin has a day like he did against Houston, Oakland should be good.

-Run DMC and Rashad Jennings get theirsJennings showed a couple weeks ago (22 carries for 150 yards vs Houston) that he can dominate a game on the ground. When McFadden is healthy, he’s on of the league’s premier backs. If the Raiders can get them going, it will slow down Ware’s pass rush, it will keep Romo off the field, and it could lead to a big Turkey Day win for Oakland.

-Someone slows down RomoRomo is undoubtedly loving the film on the Oakland DBs he has been watching. But, if Oakland can keep it close, look for Tracy Porter (Indiana) to have big defensive play, because Romo is known for the “unclutch” moment. It will take work from Porter and the rest of the Raiders secondary all game to try and slow down the Cowboys pass catchers.

How Dallas Will win The Game

-Ware gets to McGloinIf DeMarcus Ware, likely future hall of famer, can get through the Oakland offensive line, McGloin will be in trouble. Unlike how they held up J.J. Watt (Wisconsin), Ware is an edge rusher, meaning he’s harder to truly double team. A pass rusher like Ware in McGloin’s face could really make him look like a rookie in a hurry.

-Romo has a huge dayOakland has trouble stopping the pass, and Romo is going to try and take advantage. Look for him to utilize Dez Bryant, Jason Witten, and Miles Austin (Monmouth). If Romo can use those guys to the fullest of their abilities, and even gets to use Cole Beasley (SMU) and Murray out of the backfield, he ought to have success.

-Demarco Murray controls the clockIf Demarco Murray can control the ground game, and Dallas has the ball for more minutes, they ought to win this game. Demarco Murray has had big days in the past, but as bad as Oakland’s pass defense is, their rush defense is ranked top 10 in rush yards allowed and 12th in rush touchdowns allowed. This matchup could, in an air attack game, could prove to be the most important for Dallas.

Interesting Fact You’re Sure to Hear an Announcer Say

Well, you could insert anything about how Jerry’s ‘Boys are .500 since 1997. For a team that puts so much money and effort into winning games, winning half of them doesn’t look good.Also, you’re sure to hear that the Cowboys are 28-15-1 in games on Thanksgiving Day.

Gametime: 4:30 ETAt&T Stadium, Arlington, TexasIndoor, but it will be 54 degrees.