5 reasons the Cowboys will beat Chargers on Sunday

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TAMPA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 09: Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys carries the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the fourth quarter at Raymond James Stadium on September 09, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

3. Ezekiel Elliott will rack up yards

The Chargers’ two-headed backfield isn’t going to scare anyone, but the unique talents of Elliott will cost Los Angeles’ defensive coaching staff a lot of sleep in the build-up to this game. Tampa Bay held him in check in Week 1 so he’s due to explode against the Chargers on Sunday.

It’s crucial that McCarthy and his offensive staff give Elliott more than the 11 carries he enjoyed last week if they want to give their defense time to rest in this game. It’s a win for the Cowboys if Elliott is productive enough to earn 25+ carries on the afternoon.

The Chargers also will be challenged to contain Elliott in the passing game. He’s very capable of turning short screens and dump-offs into long gains with his ability to force missed tackles. The presence of Derwin James at safety can help Los Angeles counteract that threat, but he’ll have his hands full trying to double cover Amari Cooper further down the field.

Cowboys fans should keep a very close eye on Elliott’s total yards in this game as a key indicator regarding how the game is progressing for their favorite team. His ability to be a true difference-maker will give the team a big advantage on Sunday.

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