Yards don't win games, points do. Points allowed we are doing well. But BB's defenses have always given up a lot of yards and fewer points. I still want to see us stop the damn run though..lol
I do remember in 2003 or 2004 we faced the Colts in the AFCCG, James put up 125 yards rushing or something like that. It turns out, that was by design, Manning and his receivers were the more dangerous weapons so allowing the Colts ro run on us, kept the ball out of the air. I'm pretty sure that was the game we won 20-3.
I'm pretty certain that's what happened against Tampa, too. And it would have worked but for a few painful unforced errors. That's the kind of gameplan that works well with a highly disciplined team with near-perfect execution. Give up yards, take away their top big play options at the expense of giving up the run, collapse in the red zone, force them to play patient and flawless football, pounce when they slip up, and see if they can beat you with FGs.
I don't think this week is the week to do that, though. I don't think there's a clear #1 option to take away such that it would provide a benefit worth allowing yourself to get gashed. This strikes me as much more of a game where you mix up your looks, make changes at and after the snap, force Dak to make the right reads all day long, and enough of a pass rush to not give him all day to do it. And to do that, you'll need to not let them lean on the run.
You might be able to use Dak's ego and impatience against him, tempting him into going for the big play when the door isn't actually open. But I wouldn't count on that.
This will be a great test for our defense, which is definitely still gelling. Some of the good statistical rankings come from playing 3 bad offenses.
EDIT: All that said, this also smells like one of those games where Belichick undresses and exposes a chic high-flying offense.
...except that I'm not sure our D is ready in terms of personnel or cohesion to do that yet. If we Dallas a second time in December or later, I'd feel better about it.