By Merril Hoge
Special to ESPN.com
The Dallas ground game will control the tempo because it is easier to establish an offense running the football than it is throwing.
The Cowboys not only run the ball to control tempo, but they shorten the game. The Vikings offense will get on the field, but what the Cowboys will try to do is limit their opportunities, from like 12 to 10 possessions. With that happening, the Cowboys can disrupt the Vikings' rhythm. With a passing game, a team runs the risk of going three-and-out. The Vikings can hit some big plays, but sometimes big plays can keep you off the field, too.
The Cowboys are better off with their running game than the Vikings are with their passing game. Of all the running backs in the playoffs, Emmitt Smith is the best grinder. He can carry the ball 30 times, not fumble and get positive yards on every play. Smith will keep the Cowboys on schedule.
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By John Clayton
Special to ESPN.com
In terms of tempo, I think the Vikings have the advantage with their passing attack. The way Dennis Green manages the game, he doesn't mind possessions of the opponent. He knows he will concede yards because he doesn't have the defensive talent.
If the Cowboys want to eat up seven minutes in a drive, that's fine with Green. If the Vikings can hold the Cowboys to a field goal off a five- or six-minute drive, Green comes out ahead because the more possessions he has, the more chances he can score touchdowns. And with his team's ability to score off the passing game, he sees that as a big advantage because other teams will eventually be playing catch-up.
He manages the game differently than anybody, particularly at home. If Emmitt Smith wants to establish the tempo, that's OK as long as he doesn't score touchdowns. Green would rather give up four yards per carry than 20 yards per pass because most points come off the passing game. |
