4. Dallas’ defense can stop the run
The Cowboys’ pass defense leaves a lot to be desired and is going to give up lot of yards to the Chargers’ aerial attack. The best hope for success for Dan Quinn’s defense is to make Los Angeles’ offense one-dimensional by shutting off their ground game.
The combination of Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson gives the Chargers two running backs to lean on Sunday, but neither has the exceptional sort of talent to keep the Cowboys preoccupied. Dallas’ coaching staff shouldn’t feel the need to crowd the box with extra run defenders in a way that might compromise the team’s ability to defend the pass.
Keeping bodies at home in the secondary will give the Cowboys a solid chance to produce multiple turnovers in this game. That’s a big key for their potential victory. They may not force Los Angeles to punt very often, but taking the ball away via a turnover can be even more productive.
If the Chargers get their rushing attack growing then it’s going to be impossible for the Cowboys’ defense to hold up at a respectable level. Dallas can win an old-school shootout, but stopping the Chargers’ run game would prevent the necessity to do so.