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Clarence Hill: Why the Dallas Cowboys own all the edges against the Colts

Michael Conroy/AP

Winter has come for the Dallas Cowboys.

Not just with the outside cooler temperatures, but also in terms of their approach to the final six games of the season which they hope leads to a trip to the Super Bowl for the first time since 1995.

Only three teams have a better record than the Cowboys’ 8-3 mark so the opportunity is real.

After having 10 days off since the 28-20 Thanksgiving Day victory against the New York Giants, it all begins Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts.

Coach Mike McCarthy has instituted a new winter schedule with shorter practices, while allowing the players to come in later in hopes of getting the Cowboys to play their best football in December.

The Cowboys went 5-1 after Thanksgiving with McCarthy’s approach last season, outscoring opponents 204-108 along the way, en route to the NFC East title and a 12-5 finish.

“At the end of the day, the players have to play and perform,’’ McCarthy said. “Just always paying attention to those type of things. I’ve always done the winter schedule. Your efficiency of game planning, your efficiency of install, efficiency of the teaching is a lot higher this time. We’re not into recreating the wheel each and every week. If you’re doing that, you’ve got to take a hard look at your game plan process.“Just being in touch with all of that and trying to cut it down. This particular group, we’re going to start later but finish at the same time.’’

McCarthy believes people remember what football teams do in December and January.

“I think the best football is in front of us.’’

So who has the edge on Sunday?

Cowboys defense vs. Colts offense

The Colts have running back Johnathan Taylor, last year’s rushing champ, and that’s about it on an offense that has as bad as any in the league. They are tied for the most turnovers in the NFL the same amount of interceptions as they have touchdown (11) passes. They 10 lost fumbles and just seven rushing touchdowns. And they are tied for the league league in sacks allowed which is problem going against a Cowboys defense, led by Micah Parsons, which leads the league in sacks. The Colts will rely on Taylor to establish the run. It’s their only chance.

Edge: Cowboys

Cowboys offense vs. Colts defense

The Cowboys offense has been a roll since Dak Prescott returned, leading the league in points and third-down offense while ranking second in yards per game. And they continue to rely on a strong running game, which averages 139.2 yards per game behind the two headed monster of Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Parsons. The Cowboys will be challenged by a Colts defense that ranks sixth overall, including fifth against the pass. But it would be hard pressed to say the Colts have faced an offense as versatile and has hot as the Cowboys have been lately.

Edge: Cowboys

Special Teams

Chase McLaughlin is the second kicker used by the Colts this year and he has been solid, making 20 of 25 field goals. Punter Matt Haack is 25th in the NFL, averaging 45.1 yards per punt. Conversely, Bryan Anger averages 48.7 yards per punt for the Cowboys and kicker Brett Maher is 19 of 22 on field goals with seven of 50 yards or more. The Colts have two dangerous returners in Dallis Flowers and Isaiah Rodgers that the Cowboys must contain. The longest kickoff reutrn the Cowboys have given up this season is 26 yards. And Kavonte Turpin gives the Cowboys one of the league’s best weapons on returns. He has a 63-yard kickoff return and a 52-yard punt return this season.

Edge: Cowboys

Coaching

When Colts owner Jim Irsay plucked Jeff Saturday from ESPN and made him the team’s head coach three weeks ago, Irsay lauded the fact that he had a coach with no experience. That lack of experience came back to bite him in last Monday’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers when Saturday ended with the game with two time outs in his pocket. Because Saturday has never coached on the NFL level before, this is a cakewalk for Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy and his team of veteran and proven assistants, led by former head coach and defensive coordinator Dan Quinn.

Edge: Cowboys

Intangibles

The flu and covid continue to run rampant through the Cowboys locker room. Will they have enough bodies and energy to outlast the Colts?

Edge: Colts

Prediction: Cowboys 30, Colts 10