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FLOWERY BRANCH —
NFL coordinators talk about the matchups within the game.
If Falcons linebacker Deion Jones plays, his matchup with Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott would be a key to the game. But since Jones’ status is up in the air, it didn’t make the cut.
Here are three key matchups to keep an eye on when the Cowboys (4-5) play the Falcons (4-5) at 1 p.m. Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium:
Cowboys WR Amari Cooper vs. Falcons CBs: The Cowboys picked up Cooper, who was the fourth overall pick in 2015, from the Raiders at the trading deadline. He’s made an impact in two games as he’s moved around the offense. Cooper has caught 11 of 18 targets for 133 yards and a touchdown. “He’s a very smart guy,” Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said. “He’s got very good feel for the game. Very good instincts and he picks things up easily. We’ve been able to do a lot things with him in a short period of time.” Desmond Trufant, Robert Alford and Brian Poole have all struggled in coverage this season. Falcons cornerbacks are all slipping in play at the same time, according to profootballfocus.com. Trufant (60.8 grade), Alford (48.5) and Brian Poole (60.4) all have career-low grades this season. “He’s a dynamic guy,” Falcons safety Sharrod Neasman said of Cooper. “He adds some firepower. We played him before (vs. Oakland in 2016). We just have to prepare with what we know and what we’ve seen.”
Cowboys DE DeMarcus Lawrence vs. Falcons RT Ryan Schraeder: Lawrence leads the Cowboys in sacks with 6.5 and also plays the run well. “His ability to rush the passer is as good as anybody,” Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan said. “He gets after the passer really well.” Schrader has improved since a poor outing against Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt.
Cowboys LT Tyron Smith vs. Falcons DEs Takk McKinely and Bruce Irvin: In last season’s 27-7 Falcons victory over the Cowboys, Smith didn’t play and Adrian Clayborn abused the backup tackles for six sacks. Smith, a five-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro, is one of the best tackles in the NFL. McKinley leads the Falcons in sacks, but has just one over the past five games. Irvin, in his first game with the team, played 14 defensive snaps on the right side at end and tackle against the Browns.
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