Atlanta Falcons vs. Dallas Cowboys: Full Game Preview

Sep 20, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terrance Williams (83) scores on a 42-yard touchdown catch against the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. The Cowboys defeated the Eagles, 20-10. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

What to watch

Breaking through a strong offensive line

The Cowboys boast arguably the best offensive line in the NFL, and they will be relying on it heavily in this game. With a struggling run game and without star quarterback Tony Romo, they will need the line to open up running lanes for Joseph Randle and Darren McFadden and give backup quarterback Brandon Weeden extra time to find his receivers.

The Falcons will need to find a way through and pressure the quarterback while shutting down the run game, something they have done a good job of through two games.

The run defense

Atlanta currently owns the league’s seventh-best run defense, allowing just 160 yards through two games. Dan Quinn’s team was able to shutdown DeMarco Murray and a deep backfield against Philadelphia, and made life tough for Rashad Jennings and Shane Vereen a week ago. They are capable of finding success against Dallas.

Offense efficiency

Dallas, too, has impressed against the run. It currently owns the league’s best run defense, allowing only 106 yards against the same two teams Atlanta faced, New York and Philadelphia. The pass defense has been excellent, too, allowing just 205 yards per game, good for eighth-best.

Can the Falcons move the chains consistently against a strong unit?

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