(Editor's Note: Each Tuesday, the staff of DallasCowboys.com presents "The Big Picture" for the upcoming game, presenting an overall update for each team as they head into the upcoming contest. This week, the Cowboys and the Seahawks square off in Week 8 at AT&T Stadium.)
WHAT: Seattle Seahawks (3-4) at Dallas Cowboys (2-4)
WHEN: Sunday, 3:25 p.m. (Central)
WHERE: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
TELEVISION: FOX
Dallas Cowboys
Oh, how much can change in a year. Last October the Seahawks and Cowboys were atop their respective divisions when the Cowboys upset the defending Super Bowl champions in Seattle en route to their first playoff appearance in five years.
The 2015 season is just getting started after six games, but at 2-4 behind the first-place Giants (4-3), the injury-depleted Cowboys must find a way to end their first four-game losing streak under head coach Jason Garrett.
They had chances this past Sunday in New York, but four turnovers led to 10 Giants points in a 27-20 loss at the Meadowlands. Quarterback Matt Cassel threw three interceptions in his first start for an injured Tony Romo (fractured collarbone) but did have help from the running game, as Darren McFadden rushed for a season-high 152 yards.
Getting Dez Bryant (foot) back in the starting lineup Sunday would help. The Cowboys will monitor Bryant's work this week and determine if he can play for the first time since breaking the fifth metatarsal in his right foot in the season opener.
Defensively, the Cowboys limited the Giants to 289 total yards but failed to record a takeaway for the fourth straight game, keeping their season total at a league-low three. This time last year, the defense had forced 10 turnovers.
The Cowboys lead the all-time series against the Seahawks, 10-6.
Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks (3-4) are trying to keep pace in their division, too, currently two games behind the first-place Cardinals in the NFC West. Seattle ended a two-game losing streak this past Sunday with a 20-3 victory over the 49ers. In all four of their losses, the Seahawks held a fourth-quarter lead.
The offense has gone through some personnel changes since last year's Super Bowl appearance, including two new starters on the offensive line, but quarterback Russell Wilson remains a double threat for defenses. His 271 rushing yards rank 31st in the league in addition to his 1,668 passing yards. Running back Marshawn Lynch still sets a physical tone for the offense, and offseason acquisition Jimmy Graham (31 catches, 375 yards, two touchdowns) adds a dynamic dimension to the offense from the tight end position.
Having yielded a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in New York, the Cowboys must find ways to continue Seahawks rookie Tyler Lockette, who has a kickoff and punt return touchdown through the first seven games.
The Seahawks have some new faces on defense, and former defensive coordinator Dan Quinn departed for the Falcons' head coaching job in the offseason. But most of the core is back, including the dynamic "Legion of Boom" secondary featuring cornerback Richard Sherman and safeties Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor. Seattle is yielding the league's fifth-fewest points per game (18.5) and third-fewest yards per game (294.1).
Be there when the Cowboys take on the Seahawks November 1st! Tickets start as low as $49 for their match up this Sunday at AT&T Stadium. Instant ticket download available. Click here to purchase.
