USA TODAY International Edition
ABSENCES DOMINATE OUTLOOK IN WEEK 1
Ever since quarterback Tony Romo suffered a broken bone in his back in late August, the Dallas Cowboys have remained resolute that fourth- round pick Dak Prescott has their full confidence.
Another rookie, however, could be saddled with an even heavier burden. Running back Ezekiel Elliott might be the best firewall for Prescott and a thin defense on Sunday against an imposing New York Giants attack.
Though the Cowboys have expressed that Prescott faces no restrictions, he won’t be pegged with lifting the offense.
“We believe in our system and our players more importantly,” offensive coordinator Scott Linehan told reporters this week. “And ( Prescott is) going out and executing his role within that. It’s not on him to make everybody.”
Elliott might be one of the most important assets in maintaining that offensive philosophy. An explosive and well- rounded runner, the No. 4 overall pick in this year’s NFL draft could push the ground game to new levels behind what might be the league’s best offensive line.
New York’s defense has plenty to answer for after giving up 233 rushing yards to Dallas in the rivals’ second meeting last year.
The Giants have added incentive in not letting Elliott control the clock for the Cowboys. Three starters on Dallas’ defense are suspended, and a unit thin on depth might not be able to keep up with quarterback Eli Manning and wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.
Here are four other matchups that will define Week 1:
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS QB JIMMY GAROPPOLO VS. ARIZONA CARDINALS’ PASS RUSH Garoppolo’s task of filling in for Tom Brady is more daunting, as the Patriots announced tight end Rob Gronkowski would sit out. With running back Dion Lewis and three starters on the offensive line also out, New England will trot out a depleted cast.
Arizona’s greatest advantage is its ability to throw a number of different looks at Garoppolo. Facing the Cardinals’ unpredictable scheme and versatile personnel, including hybrid defenders Tyrann Mathieu and Deone Bucannon, can fluster even the most established quarterbacks.
CINCINNATI BENGALS WR A. J. GREEN VS. NEW YORK JETS SECONDARY Free agency deprived Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton of his next two best options at wide receiver besides Green as Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu left. Tight end Tyler Eifert is out while recovering from ankle surgery.
Green is the big- play threat and safety valve for an offense still sorting itself out after former offensive coordinator Hue Jackson’s departure. If the Jets can hold up in coverage and apply pressure, they could force Dalton into relying on new receivers Brandon LaFell and Tyler Boyd.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS WR ANTONIO BROWN VS. WASHINGTON REDSKINS CB JOSH NORMAN Both avoided trash talk ahead of Monday night, but there’s little hype needed for this matchup.
Norman and the Redskins are aware of the difficulty of stopping Brown, who fell seven catches short of the single- season record last year. Pittsburgh is creative and consistently moves him around to create opportunities.
Losses elsewhere on offense might force the Steelers to look to Brown even more often than usu- al. DeAngelo Williams should still see a steady workload in the run game, however, given that Washington ranked 31st last season in rushing yards allowed per attempt at 4.83.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS WRS ALLEN ROBINSON AND ALLEN HURNS VS. GREEN BAY PACKERS SECONDARY Jacksonville has set the playoffs as a bar this season, and its young offensive core faces a Week 1 one reality check in a formidable Green Bay pass defense.
In their second season in the NFL, Robinson and Hurns emerged as one of the league’s best receiver tandems. At 6- 3, each is comfortable using his frame to box out smaller defensive backs. But the Packers’ secondary, led by cornerback Sam Shields and safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, has rare depth. Green Bay averaged the sixth- fewest passing allowed last season.