5 scenarios for Cowboys and Titans

While most of the Cowboys Nation were enjoying the holiday weekend with family and friends, the Cowboys were working hard to battle it out with division rival Eagles. With the mesmerizing 40-34 victory, Dallas kept the slim hope of capturing the NFC East crown alive behind Dak Prescott’s three touchdowns, two of which went to CeeDee Lamb with his 120 yards on 10 catches, and all four turnovers forced defense.

Now the Cowboys will turn their attention to the reeling Tennessee titans during a short week of Thursday night football in Nashville. The Titans, losing five in a row, just suffered their most deflating loss of the season against the Texans at home. At 7-8, they are battling for the top spot in the AFC South with the surging Jacksonville Jaguars chasing them.

Week 17 of Music City, start banging drums and playing guitars. Here are the five scenarios for the Cowboys and Titans.

Cowboys:

• It’s been no secret that Dak Prescott has been struggling with interceptions since returning to the field this season, and Saturday against the Eagles didn’t get off to a great start. But after throwing a six-pick on the first drive, Prescott was sensational the rest of the way with 347 passing yards, including the breakthrough third-and-30-yard conversion for 52 yards to TY Hilton late in the fourth for setting up the tying score at Lamb, and going 16-16 after the interception.
• Although Hilton’s only catch of the game was the biggest catch of the game, the veteran receiver proved his worth in other ways in his first start for the Cowboys. Hilton drew a crucial illegal contact play off Darius Slay in the fourth-and-eight in the second quarter to help chase down the drive that was capped by a 36-yard score to Lamb.
• After a frightening car accident on Thursday, rookie defensive end Sam Williams is expected to play against the Titans this week. The Cowboys held Williams against the Eagles out of caution with a sprained neck and concussion. The Ole Miss product has been a valuable part of the Cowboys defense with 20 tackles, three sacks, a forced fumble and three digs.
• The Cowboys’ secondary has been a point of contention over the past few weeks given the injuries they’ve suffered and the uncertainty surrounding it. While Trevon Diggs didn’t have his best game against the Eagles, fifth-round rookie DaRon Bland continues to be an emerging force after notching his team-leading fifth interception while playing in the corner of the slot machine and outdoors. Nahshon Wright had a career day as a third cornerback, racking up eight tackles, including one for a loss, and two pass breakups.
• Thursday will mark the Cowboys’ first trip to Nashville since 2014, which ended in a 26-10 win. DeMarco Murray rushed for 167 yards and a score, while Dez Bryant had 103 yards on 10 catches and a touchdown. The latter two met in 2018 in Dallas with the Titans winning 28-14.

Titans:

• Despite their brutal streak last month, the Titans still remain in the hunt for the top spot in the AFC South with the Jaguars on a three-game winning streak pulling them even with Tennessee. That sets the Titans up for a potential winner to win the entire showdown in Week 18 at Tennessee for the division title. The way the tiebreakers fall, it makes Thursday’s game with the Cowboys rather meaningless for their playoff fate. Either way, whether the Titans win or lose, or whether the Jags win or lose, will depend on next week’s game. That being said, look for the Titans to play smart by playing or resting key players.
• The Titans held a 14-10 lead going into the fourth quarter against the Texans on Sunday, but a late Davis Mills touchdown pass to Brandin Cooks all but sealed Houston’s second win of the season. As Ryan Tannehill battled an ankle injury, rookie Malik Willis got the start, passing for just 99 yards and two interceptions with 43 rushing yards and one rushing score. Derrick Henry did what he does, running for 126 yards and a touchdown but also with a fumble.
• The Titans quarterback’s situation took an interesting turn just two weeks ago against the Chargers, with Tannehill injuring his ankle and handing over the reins to rookie Willis. While the former hopes to return in Week 18 against the Jaguars, he most likely won’t face the Cowboys on Thursday. This allows Wills to get another start while hoping for better results. In eight games this season, the Liberty product has passed just 276 yards and no touchdowns while taking 10 sacks. In current play, he racked up 123 yards and one score with two fumbles lost.
• After missing the majority of 2021 with injuries, Henry has returned to typical form and reaffirmed himself in conversation as the NFL’s best running back. He’s quickly approaching the 1,500-yard threshold, averaging about 95 yards per game. Additionally, Henry was the final straw for the Titans offensively with 13 of their 30 touchdowns this season.
• Injuries have certainly factored into the Titans’ inconsistent play this season, but the defense has had a Jekyll and Hyde quality about them throughout 15 games. Tennessee is one of the toughest teams to play against, ranking second in rushing yards allowed per game. The passing game is quite the opposite, spitting out nearly 280 yards per game, good for 31st in the league.