3 Vikings matchups to watch in Week 10 vs. the Cowboys
By Chris Schad
Vikings defense vs. Dallas Triplets
Back during the Cowboys’ last true run of dominance in the 90s, the term triplets was used for the importance of Emmitt Smith, Michael Irvin and Troy Aikman in the Dallas offense. Since then, the term has been thrown around for any Cowboy who contributes offensively and as we approach the end of this decade, that trend isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
These days, the trio of Dak Prescott, Amari Cooper, and Ezekiel Elliott have been dominating the headlines and for good reason. With a pair of bold moves to take a running back in the top five of the NFL Draft and using another first-round pick for a receiver that appeared to be checked out during his final days in Oakland, both have given Prescott an extra boost that has helped Dallas check in at fourth in total offense coming into Week 10.
While Elliott gets the most attention for ranking sixth in rushing yards (741) and being one of the big catalysts for what Jason Garrett wants to do on offense, Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer believes keying in on just slowing down Elliott is a big mistake.
"“(It) makes it tough because it’s not just him. They have (Amari) Cooper on the outside. 13…Michael Gallup makes it hard. I think (Dak) Prescott is throwing it really well. They have weapons at tight end. I don’t think you can just hang your hat on saying ‘Hey, we’re going to stop Elliott.'”"
The numbers back up Zimmer’s concern outside of Elliott as Prescott is having a career season in 2019. After having his contract demands laughed at heading into the season, Prescott has backed it up showing a jump in completion percentage (69.6% in 2019) and yards per attempt (8.7). Last year’s midseason addition of Cooper as a true No. 1 receiver has helped that immensely, as the 25-year old has recorded a career-high 87.6 yards per game so far this season.
With other weapons such as Gallup and even the tight end duo of Jason Witten and Blake Jarwin, the Cowboys can hurt you in several ways in the same fashion the Chiefs did last Sunday.