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This is a critical stretch of games for the Dallas Cowboys. The next four games are winnable. Winning all of them would put them at 8-4 for their showdown with the New York Giants. But first they must face a very solid Buffalo Bills team. Here are five keys to victory for the Cowboys against the Bills in Week 10 of the National Football League (NFL).
Stop the Run
Bills running back Fred Jackson is the third leading rusher in the NFL. The Cowboys cannot afford to let him run wild. They must contain him and make the Bills' offense one-dimensional. Defense starts with stopping the run. The Cowboys have the ability to do that.
Establish the Run
For the same reasons mentioned above, the Cowboys must establish the run. Rookie running back DeMarco Murray is not just filling in for the injured Felix Jones. He is a legitimate starter. Murray proved that he can take over a game with his running ability. Another 100+ rushing yards from him will keep the defense honest, balance the offense and take pressure of quarterback Tony Romo.
Wide Receivers Must Step Up
Cowboys wide receiver Laurent Robinson must continue to play well, especially since Miles Austin is injured again. Robinson is having his best year as a pro. In his first year with the Cowboys, he already has two 100-yard receiving games. The Cowboys also need electrifying wide receiver Dez Bryant to be more involved. His big-play ability can change a game in a heartbeat.
Offensive Play-calling
The Cowboys have the personnel to score points. But sometimes it seems that the offensive play-calling has been just that: offensive. In Week 8 against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Cowboys only mustered seven points. They looked ill-prepared in all facets of the game. Much of the blame went to Head Coach Jason Garrett. For the most part, the Cowboys have been in every game. This game against the Bills will be tough. We will see if Garrett did his homework this week.
Where's the Defense?
The Cowboys need to rediscover the defense that played so well in the first half of the season. They will get a much needed lift since linebacker Sean Lee is expected to return. Lee has been great this season. He leads the team in tackles and interceptions. Linebacker DeMarcus Ware has been scary good this year. His 12 sacks are second in the league. Ware can boost the defense by disrupting Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.
This will be a competitive game between the Cowboys and Bills. The Cowboys must play solid football and not look past the Bills. The next four games could be a launching point but this game will be their biggest challenge.
More from Edwin Torres:
Broncos Quarterback Tim Tebow Wins Again and Wins Me Over: Fan Reaction
My 2011-12 NFL Picks for Week 10 Against the Spread: Fan's Take
Who is the Better Quarterback, Michael Vick or Tony Romo? Fan Perspective
Edwin Torres has been a fan of the Dallas Cowboys since the days of Tony Dorsett and Roger Staubach. He enjoyed watching the Dallas teams of the 90s dominate opponents on both sides of the ball. Edwin also follows local teams such as the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles. As a longtime fan of the National Football League, Edwin follows many interesting games and stories each week.
