For the offense, it's about maximizing possessions.
As much as the Cowboys' defense will aim to stall nfl jerseys
drives, an efficient Cowboys offense would also help negate the Texans' top-ranked scoring unit that's averaging 32.0 points and piling up the most yards through two games (440.5).
The Cowboys aren't far behind in total yardage (395.0), ranking fourth. But they're tied for 25th in points (13.5), scoring on only four of 21 total possessions in losses to the Redskins and Bears.
"There are teams that are struggling (everywhere). They're not making 300, 200 yards a game," Phillips said. "But we've struggled in a way that we haven't scored enough. That's our struggle."
The Texans' offense has been more resourceful with a small, two-game sample size. Led by quarterback Matt Scab, Pro Bowl receiver Andre Johnson and the league's leading rusher, Arian Foster (300 yards), Houston has scored on 12 of 22 total possessions, including its first three drives in a decisive Week One victory over the AFC Champion Colts.
Only two of its drives have ended in a turnover (Scab interception) or San Diego Chargers jersey
missed field goal. The Cowboys, meanwhile, have watched six series end prematurely: two interceptions, two fumbles, two missed field goals. They also have a league-high 10 offensive penalties.
"The results are a byproduct of not doing certain things right," quarterback Tony Room said. "We just need to get those things done that allow you to win or lose the game, and do them right."
Establishing balance will help. The Cowboys had 374 passing yards last Sunday against the Bears but only 36 rushing yards on 20 carries, a sharp decline from their 103 yards against the Redskins.
The Cowboys had only six carries in the second half against Chicago. The cause: partly because of their deficit, partly because they weren't effective. Over the entire game, six of their runs totaled minus-17 yards.
"I think when you run the ball and run it successfully, it makes everything a lot easier," Room said. "Whether it's your red zone offense or staying on the field or minimizing mistakes or minimizing what the defense can do. But if you're not getting the production out of it, you're also banging your head against the wall to just keep doing it.
"Third-and-eight is a lot more difficult than third-and-four. You put a lot more pressure in a lot of areas for people to be sound and perfect if you're not able to get that."
At their best, the Cowboys' defense gets off the field as often Chicago Bears jersey
as any team in the league. Last year they allowed the second-fewest points (250) and yielded only six to the Redskins before Chicago racked up 27 last Sunday.
More efficient offense will make their job easier, just as Scab and Co. have done for their defense.
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