Dallas Cowboys Week 12 Preview

Introduction

The Dallas Cowboys strutted into Week 12 with a commanding victory over the Carolina Panthers in Week 11, showcasing their prowess on both sides of the ball. With a score of 33-10, the Cowboys not only secured a win but also demonstrated their efficiency and ability to control the game. As we dive into the stats from last week, we’ll see how they stack up against the competition and what that means heading into a crucial matchup against the Washington Commanders.

Power Ranking

The Cowboys currently hold the coveted top spot in the power rankings, boasting a win rate of 71.0% against a median opponent. This is a testament to their consistency and effectiveness on the field. With such a high ranking, it’s clear that the Cowboys are not just winning games; they’re doing so in a manner that instills fear in their opponents. However, with great power comes great responsibility—maintaining this ranking will require continued excellence in all facets of the game.

Overall Drive Efficiency

The Cowboys are currently ranked 2nd in overall drive efficiency, which is a significant improvement from their previous weeks. This means they are not just moving the ball; they are doing so with purpose and precision. In Week 11, they managed to rack up 311 yards without turning the ball over, a feat that speaks volumes about their execution. This efficiency is crucial, especially as they prepare to face teams that might challenge their ability to sustain drives.

Defensive Drive Efficiency

While the Cowboys' defense sits at a middling 17th in defensive drive efficiency, they have shown flashes of brilliance, especially in limiting the Panthers to just 187 yards. This indicates that while they may not be the best in the league at stopping drives, they can still make critical stops when it matters most. Moving forward, tightening up this metric could be the difference between a good team and a great team, especially as they face more potent offenses.

Offensive Drive Efficiency

Ranked 5th in offensive drive efficiency, the Cowboys have proven they can sustain drives and put points on the board. This is particularly impressive given the high-pressure situations they often find themselves in. The ability to convert drives into touchdowns rather than field goals will be key as they continue their pursuit of a playoff spot. The offense is humming, and if they can keep this momentum, they’ll be a tough matchup for any team.

Defensive Turnover Efficiency

The Cowboys' defense is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to generating turnovers, currently sitting at 3rd in defensive turnover efficiency. This ability to create turnovers not only gives their offense more opportunities to score but also demoralizes opposing teams. In Week 11, the Panthers coughed up the ball twice, and the Cowboys capitalized on those mistakes. As they head into Week 12, maintaining this level of defensive aggression will be essential.

Offensive Turnover Efficiency

The Cowboys rank 7th in offensive turnover efficiency, which is a fantastic position to be in. With zero turnovers against the Panthers, they demonstrated their ability to protect the ball and make smart decisions. This is crucial as they face the Washington Commanders, who will be looking to exploit any mistakes. If the Cowboys can continue this trend, they will not only control the game but also keep their defense fresh and ready to attack.

Drive Time

With a drive time ranking of 12th, the Cowboys are managing to balance speed and efficiency quite well. They are able to move down the field without taking an excessive amount of time off the clock, which is a strategic advantage. This allows them to maintain possession while also giving their defense a chance to rest. As they prepare for the Commanders, this balance will be crucial, especially if the game turns into a shootout.

Preview For Next Week

In Week 12, the Cowboys will face off against the Washington Commanders, who are coming off a tough loss. The Cowboys are favored by 13.5 points, and simulations predict a 73.75% chance of victory for Dallas. The Commanders will need to step up their game to cover the spread, as the Cowboys are expected to exploit their weaknesses. With an over/under of 47.5 points, this matchup has the potential to be a high-scoring affair, especially if the Cowboys' offense continues to click. The key for Dallas will be to maintain their efficiency on both sides of the ball while capitalizing on any turnovers the Commanders might give up.

Conclusion

The Dallas Cowboys are riding high after a decisive victory and are looking to build on their momentum as they head into Week 12. With strong rankings in offensive efficiency and turnover creation, they have the tools necessary to continue their winning ways. However, they must remain vigilant and not underestimate their opponents. As always, the key will be execution and maintaining their focus. Let’s see if they can keep the winning streak alive!

Stay tuned to advancedfootballstats.com for more data-driven insights and analysis as we continue to follow the Dallas Cowboys' journey throughout the 2023 NFL season.