Week 6 Preview: Dallas Cowboys (4-1) vs. Arizona Cardinals (3-2)

What: Dallas Cowboys at Arizona Cardinals

When:  Sunday October 12, 2008 1:15PM

Where:  University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, AZ

TV/Radio:  FOX 10/KTAR-FM 92.3, Sirius 119 (Dallas broadcast), Sirius 125 (Arizona broadcast)

What’s at stake:  First place.  Conference record.  You name it, this game has all the makings of having implications for the Cardinals on a national level.  The Cardinals not only get the number one FOX broadcasting crew, but have the chance to show everyone in the country whether they are for real or not.  A Cardinals victory would send the Cardinals to 4-2 and maintain at least a one game lead in the NFC West.  Subsequently, a loss for the Cowboys, although not the end of the world by any stretch, would put them a game and a half behind the New York Giants, pending their Monday night game against Cleveland.

Key Injuries:  Dallas: Terrance Newman – out; Arizona: Anquan Boldin – out, Ben Patrick-out, Adrian Wilson – questionable.

Key matchups:  Both offenses against each team’s secondary.  Dallas quarterback Tony Romo figures to have a field day with Arizona, a team that continues to give up long pass plays, including last week’s 87 yard TD to Buffalo’s Lee Evans.  On the other side, Kurt Warner could have an equally as good a day with Newman out, although Adam Jones will play.  A fast start by the Cardinals, much like the one they got off to last week, is important if they want to establish anything offensively that will preserve throughout the game.

Prediction:  I hate to say it.  It pains me.  Too often I pick with my heart and not often enough with my head.  I’ve been playing it that way most of this season.  I’m a realist, but optimistic the Cardinals can win.  However, my money is on the Cowboys 35-31.  I will be more than happy to eat that prediction come Sunday afternoon though.  I hope I do.  Cardinals have a great chance and must seize the opportunity.

Schedule