Key Matchups to Watch in Cowboys vs. Bengals Week 14 Showdown
As the Dallas Cowboys gear up for their Week 14 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals, the stakes are high. After securing back-to-back victories, the Cowboys are looking to extend their win streak to three games. But despite their 4-8 record, the Bengals are not a team to underestimate. With dangerous weapons on both sides of the ball, this matchup could be tougher than it appears on paper.
While the Cowboys will be playing at home, their struggles at AT&T Stadium this season—only securing one win at home—mean the advantage isn’t as clear as it usually would be. Still, Dallas is riding a two-game winning streak, and that momentum could be crucial as they look to push forward in the playoffs. However, they will need to win key individual matchups to come out on top in this Week 14 battle.
Rico Dowdle vs. Bengals’ Run Defense
The Cowboys’ running game has been a bright spot recently, and running back Rico Dowdle is playing with confidence. After posting the best performance of his career with 112 rushing yards and a touchdown in Week 13, Dowdle will face a Bengals run defense that has been vulnerable this season. Cincinnati is giving up 128.2 rushing yards per game and 4.34 yards per carry, which bodes well for Dowdle’s chances of putting up another big game.
If the Cowboys continue to lean on the run game and Dowdle stays hot, there’s a real possibility he could top the 100-yard mark once again. This would help take pressure off the passing game and keep the Bengals’ defense on its heels.
Tyler Guyton vs. Trey Hendrickson
The Cowboys’ offensive line has seen its fair share of struggles this season, particularly at left tackle. Whether Tyler Guyton, Asim Richards, or Chuma Edoga starts at left tackle, they will have their hands full with Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson. Hendrickson is currently leading the NFL with 11.5 sacks and is a major threat to disrupt the Cowboys’ offense.
Dallas’ left tackle has been a revolving door this season, and Hendrickson will look to take advantage of that instability. The Cowboys will need extra protection and quick throws to keep the sack leader at bay, or he could completely change the course of the game.
Cowboys’ Secondary vs. Ja’Marr Chase
Injuries have plagued the Cowboys’ secondary, leaving them undermanned heading into this matchup with Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase. The 2021 Offensive Rookie of the Year is having another spectacular season, leading the NFL with 1,142 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. Even a fully healthy secondary would face a tough task in containing Chase, whose ability to change the game with one play is well-documented.
With the Cowboys’ defensive backs banged up, coordinator Mike Zimmer will need to get creative with coverage schemes to slow down Chase. If they fail to limit his impact, the Bengals could quickly gain an upper hand.
Conclusion
The Cowboys face a tough challenge in Week 14 against the Bengals, who may have a losing record but still possess game-changing players. For Dallas to extend their winning streak, they’ll need to dominate these key matchups—on the ground with Dowdle, in pass protection with Guyton, and in the secondary against Chase. With the right adjustments and performances, the Cowboys can secure another much-needed win as they push for the playoffs.
