Dallas Cowboys Surprise Favorites Over Red Hot San Diego Chargers

NFL News - December 8th, 2009 - Written by John

And so begins the treacherous final month for the Dallas Cowboys. Certainly December is too young to write Dallas off altogether, but after an upset loss to the New York Giants, jamming up the top of the NFC East, there will be little mercy when reminding them of past shortcomings.

Their schedule isn't doing them any favors with games against the Saints, Redskins and Eagles in the coming weeks. This Sunday, it's the white-hot San Diego Chargers, who come into Dallas winning seven-straight, scoring at least 30 points in five of their last seven.

The NFL Week 14 Betting Odds show that at home, the Cowboys are three-point favorites, according to BetUS, with an over/under of 48 1/2, but momentum is assuredly not on their side.

Dallas has become notorious for folding in December, going 9-19 in the last four games of the season since 2002. Last year, it was in position to clinch the division, but lost three of it's last four and missed the postseason.

Last week didn't help to spell those demons.

The Giants outdueled Dallas by running the ball far more effectively, gaining 100 yards primarily on the legs of Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs, while limiting the Cowboys to just 45. New York ran 31 fewer plays and had the ball for 17 fewer minutes, but managed to score touchdowns when it had the chance, and led by as much as 14 in the fourth quarter.

That lack of running game is the primary concern to this point. Tony Romo's line was terrific, throwing for 392 yards and three touchdowns in the loss. But the usually explosive trio of Marion Barber, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice only gained two yards a carry, and it's been over two months since either of them have rushed for 100 yards.

That's bad news considering no team has a longer winning streak this side of New Orleans and Indianapolis than the San Diego Chargers. Philip Rivers is third in the league in passing efficiency, three points higher than Peyton Manning, and has 21 touchdowns to only six interceptions.

He has suddenly rekindled his chemistry with Antonio Gates. The tight end already has more yards than any of his last three seasons with 994, and it's good for sixth among all receivers. Vincent Jackson will likely pass 1,000 yards by the end of the year as well. He has 869 yards and seven touchdowns with a 17-yard average that leads the team.

For what was turning out to be an awkward start to a boastful season, LaDainian Tomlinson has finally regained some of his old form. He has 561 yards on the year, but has scored in each of his last four games, and five of the last six. His nine on the year is tied for fourth in the league.